Manchester Rowing Alliance Seeks to Build Rowing Center

Since 2014, Manchester Rowing Alliance has provided youth the opportunity to explore rowing. Now the nonprofit is taking its mission to the next level by building a community boathouse in Hooksett.

“I’m looking forward to a time when we have a busy, bustling boathouse from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. where we can provide all sorts of people with a meaningful life-long experience,” says head coach Brenda Balenger.

Manchester Rowing Alliance welcomes students from area high schools such as Londonderry High School, Pinkerton Academy and Manchester Memorial High School to join rowing teams and has worked with upwards of 117 athletes in a season.

The nonprofit is moving forward with plans to acquire riverfront land in Hooksett where the boathouse will be completed early this year. A donor pledged $180,000 though the Alliance must raise $160,000 more to purchase the land.

Through the center, the Alliance plans to offer many outreach programs including an adaptive learning program, a veteran’s program and a cancer recovery program, says Balenger, who has been involved in rowing for 21 years. In 2009, she began her coaching career at the Derryfield School, and while working there, she taught future Olympic rower Regina Salmons.

Manchester Rowing Alliance has worked with other nonprofits such as the YMCA and the Boys and Girls Club, and Balenger is looking to partner with other community organizations. “I wanna share the fun,” she says. “I want everyone to have a chance to learn.”

The Alliance’s roster of alumni grows every year, and many continue to row in college. Balenger is proud of the fact that her organization was able to help so many young people find something that helps them thrive, as well as giving them something special they can pursue for as long as they like. Rowing is a life-long sport, she says.

The Alliance prides itself on helping anyone. “We can find a place for any size, shape and capability in the boat,” Balenger says.

For more information, visit manchesterrowing.com.

Written by William Brunet, a student at University of NH-Manchester and a participant in the Young Reporters Project, a joint venture of Business NH Magazine and UNH-Manchester to introduce students to journalism.