Youth rowing program grows

TORONTO– Foundation 2000 Plus announced today that the national 2003 Dynamic Opportunities For Youth rowing program will be launched this spring, five months earlier than expected, thanks to the continued support of the program's national sponsor, Dynamic Mutual Funds.

Formerly held in the fall, the early start will improve the program's ability to foster the on-going involvement of participants in rowing throughout the year. Dynamic Opportunities for Youth is a national initiative that invites marginalized youth to attend a free 10-session introduction to rowing program at their local rowing club. In 2002, Dynamic Opportunities for Youth expanded by 76 per cent to serve more than 300 at-risk youth in 11 cities across Canada.

"We are overjoyed by Dynamic's dedication to this program," said Silken Laumann, Dynamic Opportunities For Youth ambassador and Olympic silver and bronze medallist. "Dynamic continues to demonstrate their support of Canada’s youth, their commitment to discipline, and their belief in establishing a strong foundation to build future and continued success."

The program is designed to share the lessons and benefits of sport with youth at risk. Through this positive and challenging alternative learning environment, youth are taught to value their role in a team and make positive choices in their lives beyond sport. The program highlights themes that address the special needs of youth at risk, including discipline, self-esteem, teamwork, determination and fair play.

The decision to move the program to the spring was made due to weather considerations and overwhelming demand. A spring program will allow more youth to take part and encourage them to continue rowing through the summer and fall. Feedback from participants, counselors, teachers, rowing centre coaches and coordinators support this change.

"We are thrilled by the enthusiasm and support for this program," said David Goodman, President and CEO of Dynamic Mutual Funds. "During our three years of sponsorship we have seen Dynamic Opportunities for Youth grow, and the need to move the program from the fall to spring is a testament to the commitment of the youth and the dedication of the organizers."

Program participants include a broad range of youth, from 'identified at-risk' students in mainstream high schools to groups from alternate schools, youth outreach programs, and aboriginal counseling programs.

Thanks to national sponsor Dynamic Mutual Funds, Sport Canada, and other partners, the program is delivered at no cost to participating youth. Funding covers transportation, coaching, rowing equipment, facilities,body image,where to play sports, girls self-esteem, girls soccer, girls cycling, girls and nutrition, nutrition for active girls, Canadian Association for women and sport, girls@play, snowboarding, skating, boarding, girl site, sports girl, extreme girl, mountain biking, skateboards, surfboards, X Games">