Indoor rowing lessons are now part of the middle school physical education classes in the Cherokee County School District (CCSD). CCSD, in partnership with the Allatoona Rowing Association, has received the Concept2/GPRF Erg Ed Grant.
The grant was awarded to CCSD and ARA by the George Pocock Rowing Foundation through a competitive, national application process. Only two school districts in the United States were selected for the award in 2023. The grant includes twenty Concept2 RowErgs, the Erg Ed curriculum and teacher training for the school district. Through the grant, all CCSD middle schools and ACE Academy will add a two-week rowing unit to their PE classes, twice a year.
Erg Ed is an indoor rowing education program that teaches student the fundamentals of rowing on Concept2 RowErg machines, and students also learn essential life skills such as fitness, goal setting and teamwork.
"Partnerships make our school district stronger, and we're excited to expand our middle school PE program thanks to the support of the Allatoona Rowing Association and this generous grant," Superintendent Brian Hightower said in a statement. "Thank you also to our Office of Curriculum and Instruction staff for winning the competitive grant for our students and teachers. The rowing lessons will offer our students another path to fitness and the chance to learn a competitive sport, and we look forward to seeing our students succeed through this new opportunity."
"Through Erg Ed, almost 10,000 local middle school student will experience rowing, many of whom may have never been aware of the sport previously," stated Ann Carey, Director of Allatoona Rowing Association. "We are so thankful for the opportunity to implement Erg Ed and share the sport of rowing on a transformative level in our community."


Have you ever wanted to try rowing, learn about the sport, and meet great people? Or maybe your child has expressed interest in rowing? Join us on National Learn to Row Day and take a free 45-minute introductory rowing lesson. Ages 13 to adult are welcome! Click the link below for more information and to register for a free session. We are saving a seat in the boat for you!