Newtown Rowing Initiative (NRI) 
Empowering Lives, One Rower at a Time
In keeping with Sarasota Crew’s mission to empower lives one rower at a time, the Newtown Rowing Initiative (NRI) provides life-changing middle school and high school rowing scholarship opportunities to underserved students in Sarasota and its surrounding communities. This program opens the doors to the sport of rowing for students who may not have been aware of or had access to it, fostering a more inclusive and diverse rowing community.
Building Bridges in the Community
Through partnerships with Newtown community leaders and local academic institutions, Sarasota Crew is creating pathways to success for historically underrepresented students. NRI offers more than just rowing—it equips students with life skills, mentorship, and opportunities to secure college scholarships and pursue meaningful careers.
Program Highlights
Program Launch:
-
NRI launched in 2020 amidst the challenges of the pandemic.
Roster Growth:
With our first cohort of athletes coming from Booker High, we have now been able to broaden our reach, with athletes from Brookside, McIntosh, Booker Middle, Suncoast Polytechnical High School, and more through a number of camp and clinic opportunities over the summer!
Transportation Solutions:
-
Transportation serves as a major barrier for families, by providing solutions we hope to alleviate the stress and scheduling difficulties that come with daily practices and frequent races.
-
Securing a 13-passenger van to provide athlete transport to practice from school and home from practice was essential in providing transportation solutions for our NRI athletes
Athlete Success:
- We are lucky to have such driven athletes join our program through NRI, on our high school team we have had multiple NRI athletes bring home medals and trophies from major races such as America's Youth Cup, FSRA Sweep & Sculling State Championships, US Rowing Southeast Regionals, and nationally qualifying races at US Rowing Youth National Championships
Our Supporters
We extend our deep gratitude to our community sponsors who have provided direct contributions to NRI
Community Foundation of Sarasota County
The Gannett Foundation Grant
Bank of America
Join Us in Empowering Lives
Your support can help expand the reach of the Newtown Rowing Initiative and make a lasting impact on the lives of these students. Together, we can provide the tools, mentorship, and opportunities they need to thrive.
How You Can Help
-
Donate: Every contribution helps us provide scholarships, transportation, and resources for our student-athletes. [DONATE HERE]
-
Volunteer: Share your time and skills to mentor and support students.
-
Spread the Word: Help us reach more families and community partners.
Contact Us
Learn more about the Newtown Rowing Initiative and how you can get involved by sending an email to: