Sport Niagara and Row Ontario Partner to Advance Rowing in Niagara
NIAGARA, ON — January 12, 2026 — Sport Niagara and Row Ontario are pleased to announce a formal partnership that will strengthen traditional rowing programs in Niagara while also advancing the development of innovative rowing programs that expand participation, engagement, and excellence across the region.
Through this agreement, Sport Niagara and Row Ontario commit to working collaboratively on a shared development plan focused on three key program areas: coastal rowing, indoor rowing and e-rowing programs in schools. Together, these initiatives are designed to grow rowing participation year-round, create new competitive and recreational opportunities, and build long-term sustainability for the sport in Niagara and Ontario.
A central objective of the partnership is the establishment of sustainable coastal rowing programming in Niagara, including the identification of suitable locations, the delivery of safety and technique training clinics, and the creation of pathways to host regional, provincial, national, and international coastal rowing competitions. Environmental awareness and coastal stewardship will be embedded within this programming, reinforcing rowing’s connection to Niagara’s natural waterways.
The agreement also outlines a collaborative approach to developing indoor rowing events that are accessible to both recreational participants and high-performance athletes. Planned initiatives include seasonal challenges, virtual competitions, technology-enabled performance tracking, and annual indoor rowing festivals designed to attract broad community participation and media attention.
In addition, Sport Niagara and Row Ontario will work together to integrate e-rowing programs into schools across the region. These programs will introduce students to rowing through standardized digital resources, teacher training, inter-school virtual competitions, and educational sessions that connect sport with data analysis and sport science concepts.
Row Ontario will continue to operate within the shared Sport Niagara and Canadian Sport Institute of Ontario offices at Canada Games Park, supporting close coordination, shared planning, and daily collaboration between organizations.
The formalization of this partnership represents a positive and lasting legacy outcome of the 2024 World Rowing Championships hosted in Niagara, an event that highlighted the region’s capacity to deliver world-class sport experiences while fostering strong organizational collaboration.
Quote – Doug Hamilton, Chair, Sport Niagara
“This agreement reflects a shared commitment to growing rowing in Niagara through innovation, collaboration, and long-term planning. The past success of many rowing events in Niagara has demonstrated what is possible in our region, and this partnership ensures that our previous successes translate into meaningful new programs and lasting impact.”
Quote – Andrew Backer, CEO, Row Ontario
“Niagara has a proud rowing history, and this partnership allows us to both honour that tradition and expand the sport in new and exciting ways. By working closely with Sport Niagara, we can deliver programs that engage youth, support athletes, and strengthen rowing’s presence across the community. We also intend to take the learnings from this partnership into different areas of the province.”
Rowing has deep roots in Niagara, shaped by its waterways, clubs, volunteers, and competitive success. This partnership reinforces a shared vision to ensure that rowing in Niagara continues to flourish — from grassroots participation to high-performance pathways — for generations to come.
For more information:
Visit www.sportniagara.ca or www.rowontario.ca
About Sport Niagara
Sport Niagara is a not-for-profit organization established to carry on the sport legacy from the Niagara 2022 Canada Games. Sport Niagara will support the attraction and hosting of future sport events in Niagara, and promote sport through various programs focused on advancing high-performance and community sport.
Sport Niagara Media Contact
Vittoria Wikston | Marketing, Communications & Events | 905.321.5979 | vwikston@sportniagara.ca
About Row Ontario
Row Ontario is the provincial sport organization responsible for the development and promotion of rowing across Ontario, supporting athletes, coaches, umpires, clubs, and communities at all levels of the sport.
Row Ontario Media Contact
Frank Christie | Communications & Events Manager |289-778-0750 ext. 0 | frank@rowontario.ca
