The Philippine Rowing Association (PRA) is rolling out the Open Academy of Rowing (OAR PH), a grassroots initiative that aims to discover athletes who will represent the country in major international tournaments.

PRA president Patrick Gregorio said they are expanding their talent identification program by establishing rowing academies all over the country as they seek to maintain their representation in the Summer Olympics.

“We are already planning to establish rowing academies across Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao in cooperation with the Philippine Canoe Kayak Dragon Boat Federation and Coach Len Escollante,” Gregorio said.

“In fact, through the support of Congressman Ace Barbers and Governor Lyndon Barbers, we will be launching OAR in Siargao Island soon to train athletes specifically in beach sprint rowing, which will debut in the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. We are already preparing to compete in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.”

As part of the OAR PH, the PRA launched the Philippine Indoor Rowing Meet 2024 on Saturday at the University of the Philippines Community Court inside the UP campus in Quezon City.

Joanie Delgaco, the first Filipina rower to compete in the Summer Olympics, served as the guest of honor together with other Olympians like Cris Nievarez, Benjie Tolentino and Edgardo Maerina.

Gregorio said the event champions rowing as an inclusive, community-driven sport for athletes of all skill levels.