We have seen firsthand how young individuals growing up can become discouraged, disillusioned, and all too often lost completely. We all pay the price for those who slip through society’s cracks in both human and economic terms. We also know that kids with the best chance of becoming successful in life are those fortunate enough to learn a wide range of skills. These life skills include teamwork, discipline, leadership, self-confidence, athletic and interpersonal components. We also know that the development of these skills has the potential to unlock secondary educational opportunities which otherwise might be out of reach. 

 The time-honored sport of rowing is well positioned as a mechanism to develop these critical skills. Therefore, be it resolved that: 

The mission of ORCA, through Its alliance of dedicated community partners, is to provide young lives with essential skills and experiences for a successful and bright future.