It was bound to happen. The rivalry between the New England Patriots and the Philadelphia Eagles segued into a friendly rivalry between the two largest head races in the country, the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta (HOSR) and The Head Of The Charles Regatta (HOCR).
Serious social media banter began late last week between Brendan Mulvey, Director of Operations for the HOCR and Jen Wesson, Executive Director, HOSR, in the run up to the 52nd Super Bowl on Sunday. In response to the challenge, HOSR tweeted “Well, well @HOCR… paying attention to the ‘underdog’…Philly is ready! Losing regatta sends friendly donation to winner’s local water/park clean-up organization. And of course, bragging rights for best city/river/regatta/home to Champs!”
It was a tweet heard around the world… well, at least to hundreds of thousands of Patriots, Eagles, and rowing fans. Mulvey adapted both logos placing a Patriots jersey and Eagles helmets on the HOCR and HOSR rowers respectively. And off they went. Comparing river arches to goal posts and boat bow balls to inches, the two regattas revved up the banter throughout the weekend, fighting for bragging rights and hometown love. The social media challenge showed the regattas’ support for their teams and demonstrated the spirit of competition and collaboration that both football and rowing offer.
After the Eagles flew down the road to [Super Bowl] victory, HOCR followed through on their promise: the regatta is donating $152 to a Philadelphia charity that parallels the HOSR’s off water effort: striving for a litter free Philadelphia.
The HOCR concession tweet on Monday, stated: “In recognition of Philly’s win in the Super Bowl LII and our wager with @the_hosr, HOCR will make a $152 donation to @NotinPhilly to support clean communities.”
“Many thanks to our friends north @HOCR. Rivalries may set the stage, but teamwork and camaraderie always win…@the_hosr is happy to match your donation in support of clean communities. Until next time” replied HOSR.
Check out the full Twitter ‘moment’ here https://twitter.com/i/moments/960364820271951879.
Not In Philly is a non-profit organization that provides citizens with resources and incentives to clean up their blocks. In addition to donations from each organization, a clean-up day in Philadelphia is planned and HOSR volunteers will provide support.
Though the two regattas playfully tease each other over the Super Bowl win, Head of the Schuylkill Regatta and The Head Of The Charles Regatta also partner to support the Philadelphia Gold Challenge Cup Foundation in its work to promote and develop single sculling in America. Along with USRowing, the partnership established the Lotman Challenge in 2017 awarding cash prizes to the top three male and female finishers in a three-race series.
“Our partnerships are incredibly important to the success of rowing and historical races like HOSR and HOCR. We welcome any playful social media banter and challenges if it means creating an awareness of community initiatives and exposing the benefits of teamwork and sport. Bring it on!”
For more information on the Lotman Challenge, head to https://hosr.org/lotman-challenge/
For more information on the 48th Head of the Schuylkill Regatta to be held October 27-28, 2018, head to www.hosr.org.
About the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta
The Head of the Schuylkill Regatta began in 1971 when members of the University Barge Club decided to offer rowers of all ages a congenial race on the historic Schuylkill River. The Regatta’s spirit of inclusion grew along with the size and scope of the event. At a time when only college crews competed in the fall “head” or distance races, the Head of the Schuylkill opened racing to high schools, emerging masters and veteran rowers. The Head of the Schuylkill Regatta now welcomes nearly 9,000 competitors, 40,000 spectators, and 350 volunteers each year. The weekend features races for high school, collegiate, masters, adaptive, and elite rowers, the U.S. Lotman Challenge and Philadelphia Gold Challenge Cup, and a free two-day Fall Festival amidst the backdrop of the beautiful and historic City of Philadelphia. Take the first step to experiencing this 2.5 mile scenic and challenging course by visiting www.hosr.org.
Facebook: @HeadoftheSchuylkill
Instagram: @hosr1970
Twitter: @the_hosr
About the Head Of The Charles® Regatta
Founded in 1965, the Head Of The Charles® Regatta has become one of the world’s preeminent rowing competitions, attracting nearly 11,000 rowers, 2,000 volunteers, and tens of thousands of spectators each year to the banks of the Charles River between Cambridge and Boston, MA. The Regatta offers events to youth, collegiate, masters, para-rowing, international, world champion and Olympic athletes competing in more than 60 events. Racing for the 54th HOCR will take place on October 20-21, 2018. For more information please visit www.hocr.org
Facebook and Instagram: @HOCR1965
Twitter: @HOCR