[PHILADELPHIA, PA, NOVEMBER 27, 2018] – The World Rowing Federation announced Alan Robinson of the Philadelphia rowing community as the winner of its World Rowing Sustainability Award in Berlin, Germany on Friday, November 23. New to the World Rowing Awards this year, the Sustainability Award recognizes those who endeavor to safeguard the environment in which rowing takes place and help their local environment.
As founding Chair of the Schuylkill Navy’s River Stewards Committee and Board Member of the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta, Robinson – who began rowing at the University of Pennsylvania in 1968 – initiated the focus on river stewardship across Philadelphia’s iconic “Boathouse Row” over four years ago.
“As we worked on various projects related to river infrastructure and improvement, we wanted to bring attention to the importance of stewardship of the Schuylkill River and Fairmount Park,” said Robinson. “Our first step was a riverbank litter cleanup. Rowers picked up over 4,600 single use plastic bottles plus much other litter. We quickly realized that if we wanted to truly make an impact, we needed to find a way to stop the litter before it reaches the river. We needed to learn more about the problem at its source and how we might be able to contribute to the solution. This led to important partnerships with the City and quickly inspired more opportunities to care for our river and its watershed.”
Robinson’s passion and commitment proved contagious. Over the next three years, Philadelphia’s rowers spearheaded regular park and river clean-ups to clear invasive vines and aquatic vegetation, collaborated with city agencies and partners to support Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney’s Zero Waste and Litter-Free initiative, and supported education efforts to inspire local students to care for the watershed.
A decision to eliminate use of single-use water bottles within boathouses and its success led to even greater impact as Philadelphia’s two largest regatta organizations – the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta and Schuylkill Navy Stotesbury Cup Regatta – committed to litter-free and zero waste goals at their events.
Ellen Carver, President of the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta, shared, “Our partnership with the Philadelphia Water Department has helped us to be a leader in eliminating single-use water bottles. Each year, since 2015, we have distributed approximately 10,000 reusable bottles to competitors and spectators and provided as much as 2,000 gallons of water over the two-day event. We work very closely with City agencies, and our participants, to minimize waste and achieve zero litter goals.”
For the 2017 Head of the Schuylkill Regatta, Executive Director Jen Wesson introduced “Love Where You Row” as the ask being made to each athlete, friend, and fan of the sport. Today, it captures the year-round, multi-element programming supported by the event and broader Schuylkill Navy rowing community.
Philadelphia Managing Director Mike DiBerardinis saluted the efforts of the Philadelphia rowing community. “It’s incredible to see a program developed in the birthplace of American rowing achieve this type of global recognition. Mr. Robinson and his Boathouse Row colleagues are an inspiration to all those working hard to support the Mayor’s sustainability goals.” USRowing CEO Patrick McNerney joined DiBerardinis. “As the national organization, we’re looking forward to working with Alan, the Head of the Schuylkill Regatta, and the Schuylkill Navy as we look to expand the efforts along Boathouse Row across the country.”
Paul Horvat, Commodore of the Schuylkill Navy, accepted the Award on behalf of USRowing at the World Rowing Awards dinner in Berlin. “Rowers are stewards of the river at heart, but Alan’s efforts – with the support of our organizations – have made the stewardship efforts actionable and acknowledged in Philadelphia and now around the world.”
About Head of the Schuylkill Regatta:
The Head of the Schuylkill Regatta began in 1970 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 and is Philadelphia’s largest and most inclusive regatta. 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. HOSR Contact: Jen Wesson, jenwesson@hosr.org
About Schuylkill Navy of Philadelphia:
The Schuylkill Navy of Philadelphia is the governing organization for Boathouse Row and the rowing community in Philadelphia. Founded in 1858, it is the oldest amateur sporting association in the country and is chartered by its member clubs to secure collective action and promote amateurism on the Schuylkill. Along with its priorities to improve river infrastructure and stewardship, promote safety and inclusion, and develop athletes and next generation talent, it annually hosts the Schuylkill Navy Series presented by Toyota. The series includes the world’s largest scholastic rowing competition The Stotesbury Cup Regatta and four of the nation’s oldest events dating back to the mid-19th century. Schuylkill Navy Contact: Bonnie Mueller, 215-815-0599, bmueller81@me.com
MEDIA CONTACT:
Jim DeLorenzo Public Relations, 215-266-5943, jim@jhdenterprises.com
AWARDEE CONTACT:
Alan Robinson, amrobinson101@gmail.com