USRowing Wins USOPC Choice Award for Second Consecutive Year

For the fifth time since the award’s creation in 2015, USRowing has been named the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee’s recipient of the NGB Choice Award. This marks the second consecutive year that the United We Row Grant Program has earned this honor.

Voted on by the USOPC member national governing bodies (NGB) and high-performance management organizations (HPMO), the award recognizes the most impactful inclusion initiatives. A USOPC internal selection committee narrows down the submissions, with the winner being selected by the NGBs and HPMOs.

USRowing's United We Row initiative earned this year's honor among NGB representatives in the $10 million-plus annual revenue category. Kirsten Feldman, USRowing Board Chair, accepted the award in Colorado Springs, Colorado, this September. 

"To be recognized by the USOPC and our fellow NGBs for a fifth year is truly an honor,” said Amanda Kraus, CEO of USRowing. “This continued recognition reflects the incredible dedication of our entire team and community. It motivates us to keep advancing our mission through United We Row to make rowing more inclusive for everyone, regardless of background.”

The United We Row initiative focuses on supporting rowing programs, coaches, athletes, and anyone interested in advancing the sport of rowing to diversify and grow their programs. Athletes' and coaches' scholarships are awarded throughout the year to help offset the costs of camps, education, and other expenses. 16 grants totaling $80,000 were awarded this past year to clubs dedicated to making rowing more accessible in their communities. Among the recipients, the Rochester Institute of Technology received funding to support deaf and hard-of-hearing athletes in its adaptive rowing program. The Chicago Rowing Union was also awarded a grant to help LGBTQ+ rowers in Chicago, Illinois, ensuring that cost is not a barrier to participation.

USRowing previously won the Choice Award in 2015, 2016, 2022, and 2024. Ellen Minzner won the 2023 USOPC Para Coach of the Year. 

In addition to the NGB Choice Award, Anita DeFrantz received the Olympic & Paralympic Torch Award, which honors individuals whose work has made a meaningful and lasting impact on the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic movements. Amanda Kraus was also recognized with the Service Award in appreciation of her five years of leadership at USRowing. 

To support United We Row, consider donating today or on Giving Tuesday, December 2.