Daytonians the weather has gotten a little chiller this week! Let’s take your physical activity indoors this weekend and continue to try out new forms of exercise to challenge the body as well as the mind. A fabulous event is going down Saturday and I guarantee it’s not your average work out!

The Greater Dayton Annual ERG Sprints Indoor Races will take place on Saturday, January 16, 2016 at The Vandalia Rec Center. Doors open at 7:30 am and the races will begin at 10:00 am. The registration fee is $15.00 per event, and relays are free, hooray! Rowers and non-rowers are invited to compete in various events that will surely challenge even the most elite athlete. All of the indoor rowing races are available for a variety of age and skill levels. Races will be visible on a huge 7’ x 10’ screen.The main event is a 2000 meter race. In addition, quad relay races will be offered where you choose any participants to ‘make up your boat’ and simultaneously row 500 meters against another ‘boat’. There will also be 500 meter sprint races.

Members from The Greater Dayton Rowing Association will be on hand to help navigate the indoor rowing machines, also known as ‘ERG rowers’. Rowing is one of the few non-weight bearing sports that exercises all the major muscle groups. It includes cardiovascular and resistance training at the same time, one stop shopping! This is a fabulous opportunity to learn a new activity, exercise in a new way, and even make some new friends.

Take your training indoors this weekend for a phenomenal workout! Rowing helps build strength and endurance, provides no impact on your joints, and anyone can do it. Let’s get out and get moving Dayton!

Dayton Regional Rowing to be only such program for rowing in the nation, providing athletes new opportunities and enhancing region’s outdoor recreation offerings.

Five Rivers MetroParks has entered into an agreement with the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and USRowing to designate the newly formed Dayton Regional Rowing a Community Olympic Development Program (CODP). Dayton Regional Rowing is a partnership between Five Rivers MetroParks, the Dayton Boat Club and Greater Dayton Rowing Association.

Dayton Regional Rowing is the only USOC and USRowing sanctioned CODP for rowing in the nation and one of only 12 CODPs in the nation.

“This local and national collaboration is another example of how collective efforts can make great things happen in communities,” Five Rivers MetroParks Executive Director Becky Benná said. “The CODP designation elevates the sport of rowing in the region and across the country as the nation’s first CODP for the sport of rowing.

“This designation also complements the Dayton region’s status as the Outdoor Adventure Capital of the Midwest and offers Five Rivers MetroParks and its rowing partners additional opportunities to serve the community by connecting people to nature, our rivers and promoting healthy lifestyles,” she added.

“The USOC is delighted to announce our new partnership with Five Rivers MetroParks to expand youth sport opportunities,” said Alicia McConnell, USOC director of training sites and community partnerships. “The Dayton community continues to show their commitment to supporting healthy and active lifestyles for their citizens, which is in line with the values and mission of the USOC.”

The mission of Dayton Regional Rowing is to provide lifelong personal development and active lifestyles for Miami Valley youth through the sport of rowing, as well as to enhance high-quality intermediate programs for youth to maximize their potential in the Olympic sport of rowing.

“This partnership with Dayton Regional Rowing is a great opportunity to leverage the value the USOC and USRowing affiliation can bring to the local level,” said USRowing CEO Glenn Merry. “USRowing is excited to amplify the work being done in Dayton, drive rowing growth in the region and strengthen critical constructs, such as referee and coaching development.”

“USRowing has a long and successful history of partnerships through our U.S. Olympic training sites in Oklahoma City and in Princeton, N.J.,” he added. “The CODP is a new opportunity to root Olympic excellence at the local and development level for rowing in the United States. Rowing is a lifelong sport and USRowing serves to unlock the champion within our athletes whether in their first year of youth rowing or at the Olympic podium.”

Beginning in 2012, Five Rivers MetroParks led the effort to establish a USOC-designated CODP to enhance opportunities for youth to connect with nature through Dayton’s rivers. This leadership included bringing together the efforts of the region’s two rowing clubs, the Dayton Boat Club and Greater Dayton Rowing Association.

“This recognition represents a huge achievement for the Dayton region and the sport of rowing,” said Jim Wall, president of the Greater Dayton Rowing Association. “This recognition of the quality of our facilities and our program is extremely rewarding. We look forward to continuing our work with the youth in our community, introducing rowing as a sport and identifying future national-level competitors.”

The Dayton Regional Rowing CODP will collaborate with the USOC and USRowing to offer a community-based rowing program. This program will build partnerships and leverage USOC and USRowing resources to help athletes develop their performance, thus enhancing the Olympic sports feeder system in Dayton. Dayton Regional Rowing’s initial goals include hosting coach and referee trainings, creating a clear pathway of athlete development, and increasing participation and improving performance in youth rowing.

“We are eager to begin this exciting collaboration between Dayton Regional Rowing, USRowing and the USOC,” said Mike Miles, Dayton Boat Club head coach. “I expect we will see Dayton rowers competing at the Olympic Games before too long.”

Five Rivers MetroParks will serve as the local administrator of Dayton Regional Rowing, with Director of Outdoor Connections Amy Dingle (pictured right) serving as lead staff member.