Editor:
Re: Thriving rowing program is already available for high school athletes, letter to the editor, July 20
Jane McCall begins her letter by stating that a "thriving rowing program is already available for high school athletes," but she later reveals, "it would be wonderful to have a high school program." First McCall claims they have a high school program, then she states it would be nice to have one. What exactly is she saying? Isn't this a contradiction?
She then goes on to say the Delta Deas Rowing Club "has an expanding junior program," but how can that be when many junior members have left the club in the past two years? Most of the athletes that once attended this club have been successful only after leaving DDRC to row elsewhere.
McCall's statement that the DDRC is unable to receive interest from any high schools is false. In the fall of 2010, at the local high school I attend, 48 students showed an interest in joining the rowing program. McCall and the club responded that "DDRC will not be able to offer programs to the high schools until the spring." But when spring came around, no such program emerged and we were told it could not be done.
Three years ago my family and I came across the sport of rowing at Deas Slough, which has led my brothers and I to many academic opportunities and athletic experiences. Sadly, all of these were outside Delta.
We were surprised at how few youth had the chance to row compared to the amount of teenagers in Delta.
We brought the junior program, or lack of one, to the attention of the board of directors, including the president, McCall. We explained that more Delta youth should be involved, and that a "thriving junior program" does not consist of two local high school rowers.
Unfortunately, our statements were ignored and the adult members continue to monopolize this facility.
Delta and Delta youth deserve more from this beautiful community resource at Deas Slough. I take exception to Delta Deas Rowing Club. It is time for this club to own up to its actions and responsibilities. Every teenager in Delta deserves the same opportunities I have been given through rowing. This letter is for them.
Leah Bracken High school rower
