Hanlan Equipment Fund
Project Description
Hanlan has an aging fleet or rowing and coaching equipment which is in serious need of renewal and expansion. This is in part because of the recent new boathouse build, which has occupied much of the club's resources over the past few years.
With a new boathouse in place, almost limitless water to row on and the city of Toronto at our doorstep, Hanlan is in a great position to continue to expand and introduce the sport of rowing to more and more people. With this growth, the club needs to invest in rowing shells of various types and sizes to meet present and future demand. A long term equipment plan has been created that Hanlan is working to execute against. The club needs boats to support growth in all of its programs: community rowing, the youth camp, learn to row programs and competitive programs across all age groups. The club's competitive athletes race at a disadvantage because of the age of the club boats they use. All programs at the club are in need of more and better boats.
Finally, with the expansion of the club's rowing programs the club expects it will need to purchase additional coach boats and/or motors to allow good coaching in all programs and maintain safety standards.
The proceeds from this fundraising will be
used for the following cause(s):
Procurement of new rowing shells, oars, rowing machines and coach boats or motors.
How this project will assist in promoting
or developing amateur sport on a national
level.
The Hanlan Boat Club was founded in 1975 and located in Toronto's Outer Harbour. The club runs a wide variety of rowing programs at the competitive (Senior and Junior), Masters and community levels. Hanlan has throughout its history been a strong competitor at local, national and international regattas. The club has an active Learn to Row program for all ages throughout the season, offering both group and individual lessons. Hanlan also runs a summer rowing camp which is open to all youth, including many from economically disadvantaged backgrounds who are able to attend free of charge. The club is located in the centre of Canada's largest city, making it ideal for introducing rowing to a large and diverse community and giving members and program participants convenient access to the lake. The water conditions around the club are variable and can be challenging, making it a good location for both flat water rowing and open water rowing. Hanlan offers affordable and accessible participation and competition in the sport of rowing to people in and around Toronto of all ages. The club has recently completed the construction of a new boathouse to facilitate the expansion of the club and its membership as well as provide more and better indoor storage for boats. As such Hanlan is in an excellent position to increase awareness and participation in the sport of rowing among a very diverse population, at both conventional competitive and recreational levels but also within the newer disciplines of coastal and open water rowing. This will benefit the sport as a whole.