Row To Grow

Row To Grow

Row To Grow is a multi-year pilot project combining research on the impact of rowing for youth with Cerebral Palsy with a custom-made learn to row program. The project was launched in Summer 2024 by the Motion Lab at BC Children’s Hospital, supported by the I’m a HIPpy Foundation and the Peterson Fund. It is proudly backed by Rowing BC, Rowing Canada Aviron, and five rowing clubs across British Columbia. Since its launch, the program has introduced the sport of rowing to children and adolescents with cerebral palsy, providing them with an opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive through teamwork, discipline, and physical activity.

Participants join the program by being invited by their physiotherapist to be a research study participant at the Motion Lab at BC Children’s Hospital. As part of the study, they take part in a learn to row program at a local rowing club along with a buddy of their choosing. Many participants join with a good friend or sibling so they have peer support while trying something new! The research component continues during and after the seasonal learn to row program. Then those who have fallen in love with the sport of rowing are invited to continue rowing with the Junior program at that local rowing club either recreationally or competitively – whatever suits their personal goals.

21 participants have taken part in the Row To Grow program so far. Three of these participants have started competing at regattas throughout the province! Additionally, one previous Row To Grow participant is beginning to coach para rowing programs, including the next cohort of Row To Grow participants!

Thanks to the support of grants, sponsorships, donations and in-kind contributions, participants in the Row To Grow program do not need to pay out of pocket to participate in the learn to row program, or as they continue to row recreationally or competitively at their local rowing club.

Want to know more?

Feel free to reach out for additional details about the Row To Grow program and coaching rowing for youth with Cerebral Palsy. You can contact us here:

 

We’re raising additional funds to ensure more young participants can access this experience—regardless of financial background.

In 2025, the leadership group behind the Row To Grow program held an inaugural Row-a-Thon fundraiser. During this event, they kept four rowing machines active for twelve hours, by volunteers signing up to row for 15 minute increments. The event raised over $9000 to support the Row-to-Grow program, which has helped cover registration fees for participants so they have been able to keep rowing, and has contributed to the purchase of an adaptive double boat. Take a look back at the full story from the 2025 event HERE.

The 2026 Row-a-thon is coming up soon!

  • Saturday, August 22nd 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM
  • Jack Poole Plaza in front of the Vancouver Convention Center

You can get involved by helping us keep the rowing machines going for the full 12 hours, or directly making a donation. PLUS we have some great prizes from our event supporters that you could win just by rowing or donating!

Sign up to row in a 15 min timeslot
Make a donation

Thank you to all of the organizations supporting this year’s Row-a-thon!

  • Blundell Center
  • Burnaby Lake Rowing Club
  • Delta Deas Rowing Club
  • Lululemon
  • Motion Lab at BC Children’s Hospital
  • Native Shoes
  • Rowing BC
  • Rowing Canada Aviron
  • Shift + Lift Fitness
  • I’m a HIPpy Foundation and Pederson Fund
  • Vancouver Convention Center
  • Vancouver Rowing Club
  • Victoria City Rowing Club
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