Even though competitive rower Phillip Steward can’t dip his oars into the water because of the COVID-19 pandemic, he’s still rowing with purpose.
Steward, who’s moved his stationary rowing machine into the garage of his Port Moody home - that also now serves as a dance studio for his daughter - is challenging his fellow members of the Delta Deas Rowing Club to turn their training workouts into fundraising for the Canadian Red Cross.
The money will assist the organization’s efforts to help with research into the respiratory virus, as well as provide relief from its economic impacts.
Steward said his idea to pledge 10 cents for every kilometre he rows on dry land was inspired by Tom Moore, a British veteran who recently walked a hundred laps around his garden to celebrate his 100th birthday and raised more than $40 million for the country’s National Health Service.
“If a 99-year-old can do this, I’m a pretty fit guy,” Steward said, adding his goal is a more modest $5,000.
And with all his races for the summer cancelled, including the World Masters Championship that was scheduled for September in Linz-Ottensheim, Austria, Steward said he’s got the time to keep on training, if not the competitive payoff.
“Instead of moping around about it, this is an opportunity.”
Steward said he logs 30 to 40 kilometres a week on his rowing machine, propelled by a playlist of classic rock like ACDC and Bryan Adams blasting in his earbuds.
Several other members of the club have joined the effort by logging their runs, walks or bike rides as well. All donations are being collected on a GoFundMe page and are 100 per cent tax-deductible.
Steward said he hopes more housebound athletes sign-on.
“Let’s not let this get us down,” he said.
