June_2009 - Newsletter

Hello from CTC!

The kids have been very busy since we were last in touch a few months ago and wanted to send you an update!

This winter, the kids participated in the Annual CIRC event and managed to place a number of them in the top 10 of their respective events.  Our participation in the erg relay improved over last year's time and we look to continue our progress at this all important city wide event in 2010.  The CTC also hosted another successful Tiro Cup for first year rowers - our biggest yet at over 100 participants!  LPJ once again took home the trophy but the CTC is climbing up the rankings and will soon be looking to land the trophy on a regular basis.  Results can be found at www.row2k.com

With the indoor regattas completed, we focused our efforts on the first annual London Youth Rowing Internet Regatta and on a trip to London, UK for the Oxford Cambridge Boatrace.  Through the supportive efforts of the Tom Scott Family Foundation and other private supporters we were able to take two CTC kids with us to London to witness the oldest rowing race in the world and to participate in the London Youth Rowing Internet Race on the other side of the pond!  Our lucky winners (based on an essays and participation) were Argel Herrera (freshman at Kelly HS) and Abigail Avila (junior at Bronzville Academy ).  Everyone had a fantastic time and the internet race went off smoothly.  A kind thank you to everyone who was involved.

After a Spring Break that included a High Ropes Course, a college visit to the University of Michigan and a bowling outing we are now focused on water practice at our newly acquired spot on the Chicago River ( 2800 South Eleanor St ).  We were able to place our boats in the river and begin water practices a month earlier than last year and very much appreciate everyone's volunteer efforts in making that a reality for our kids.    We are now on the water full time and partnering with the Chicago Park District to enable more parks to have a CTC presence for community engagement.  We have also been able to broaden the spectrum of kids in our programs through a new relationship with the LISC (local initiatives support corporation) organization of Chicago, which has lead to our involvement in the Spring into Sports event (information found here) and to grant funding.  We really are taking off and are so excited about all of our progress.

If you would like to catch the CTC kids for yourselves, on June 8th 7pm Chicago Tonight will air a second piece on the CTC, chronicling the CTC's trip to London.  You can access the piece that aired last year by clicking (here).

You are also invited to meet the kids and to see our Eleanor Street site first-hand at our first annual CTC BBQ at the Eleanor Street Site on June 13th at noon.   For further information please click (here).  Please spread the word to any and all who might be interested in stopping by!

And finally, working with our Athlete Advisors has lead to the creation of the first annual Summer Learn to Row and Development Camp.  We have created a camp that utilizes a number of noted rowing internationals to help support the growth of our organization while also providing all Chicago youth with an exciting summer opportunity.  Spaces are limited so if you are interested please contact me quickly.  The camp was created with the participant in mind so the late start will allow any rower to attend school, a summer job, or another camp in addition to our three week program.  Detailed information can be found by clicking (here).

-------------------- MINI JUNE UPDATE --------------------

The WTTW Chicago Tonight piece that aired on June 8th was a fantastic, 8 minute segment that highlighted the CTC's trip to England.  If you did not get the chance to view the piece live, you can access the full program online here.  We have already received a number of inquiries about our program and are thrilled about the positive feedback we've been receiving. The CTC wishes to personally thank Christian Farr, WTTW, and our donors for their kind support and energy in making this happen.  We are hoping that the next piece will showcase our kids winning Nationals and traveling far and wide to events!

Despite the inclement weather, the June 13th BBQ saw terrific turnout, with approximately 60 friends and supporters joining us at the Eleanor Street site.  Alderman James Balcer attended and was very positive about the site and glad to see all the kids that were taking part.  Special recognition goes to the Austin community as the neighborhood YMCA shuttled a bus and brought around 10 kids from the west side to take part.

Up next, the CTC's summer rowing camp, which will feature star coaching by Olympic rowers, and swimming tests for all new applicants that will get them ready for the full summer programming when it kicks off on July 23rd.