The inaugural rowing competition aims to make waves in the Waco community

WACO, Texas (KWTX) – Sunday marked a new beginning for the Brazos River. Rowing teams from across the country competed in the first Waco Rowing Regatta.

Organizers said they hope the event could be a game changer for the sport.

“I went to Cornell, my brother rows at Princeton,” said Matt Shevritsel, executive director of the Waco Rowing Center. “There’s no need to think about it.”

To bring this vision to life, Sparkling Ice donated a $70,000 eight-seater custom boat to Waco’s new youth rowing team.

“We want to make sure rowing isn’t just an ivory tower sport,” said Mallory Megown, public relations manager for Talking Rain Beverage. “It is not like that. Those deeply rooted in the sport want to make sure it is no longer portrayed this way. “

La Vega ISD schools are involved with a youth program that strives to provide new opportunities for economically disadvantaged students. Back in June, students learned the basics from experts like former Olympian Luke Walton.

“Rowing was very new to our school culture,” said La Vega ISD Superintendent Sharon Shields. “We were challenged because many of our students did not know how to swim.”

La Vega students even helped during the rowing competition on Saturday. Prime Minister Shields said he welcomes these new types.

“Not all students are going to be track stars, basketball stars, but some students may be interested in rowing,” he said. “We want to give our students as many opportunities as possible.”

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