Row for Autism 2017 at North Hempstead Beach Park

April 23, 2017 will mark the 6th annual Row for Autism at North Hempstead Beach Park. Co-sponsored with the Town of North Hempstead, the Friends of Port Rowing will host a US Rowing sanctioned regatta with competitive races for junior and adult rowers. The event is FREE for spectators and families. All are welcome to cheer on the rowers and enjoy the activities and vendors along the promenade. Racing begins at 8 am and continues all day. Highlight events will begin midday and will include live music, adaptive races and awards.

Each year since its inception, Row for Autism donates a portion of the proceeds to an autism advocacy program with local ties. This year’s partner is the Nassau Suffolk Autism Society of America. The mission of the NSASA is to support individuals with autism in our local community. All of the fundraising dollars from Row for Autism 2017 will be applied to our local families, right here on Long Island.

The Row for Autism began as an opportunity for the participants of Port Rowing’s Adaptive program to showcase their achievements while raising awareness for autism advocacy to the larger community. Since the inaugural Row for Autism, attendance has quadrupled both in sponsorship and participation. Rowing clubs from the tri-state area and Long Island come to race in Hempstead Harbor and public awareness continues to spread.

Row for Autism supports Port Rowing’s Adaptive Program to provide specialized equipment and materials, fund professional coaches and support staff, and supplement program costs for participants. The rowing experience offers a unique physical outlet for teens on the autism spectrum. Participants in Port Rowing’s Adaptive program not only gain fitness, improve gross motor skills and rowing technique, but also participate in team building and partnership development.

Participation in the Row for Autism is open for rowing teams and clubs. Team registration is through Regatta Central at www.regattacentral.com.

About Friends of Port Rowing

The Friends of Port Rowing is a non-profit organization, which supports the teams, programs, and facilities of Port Rowing. Port Rowing provides competitive rowing teams and training programs for middle school and high school students of all levels. Over the past 7 years team members have competed and won on local, state and national levels. Programming for adults include novice and master level training and team competitions. Visit www.portrowing.org.