We are pleased and very proud to introduce Rowing Geelong’s new boat shed carrying the name of our founder, Jeff Sykes. The Jeff Sykes Rowing Centre will honour the enormous contribution Jeff has made to our sport both on and off the water.
Jeff was also recently recognised with Life Membership by Rowing Australia and it is thanks to Jeff that ‘Sykes’ is synonymous with rowing today. The Jeff Sykes Rowing Centre fulfils Jeff’s dream to give back to the sport and community he loves.
The Centre will be positioned alongside the Geelong College and Geelong Grammar rowing facilities to make the sport accessible to a broader cohort of students who do not have their own facility in the Geelong rowing precinct.
Fundraising support for the Jeff Sykes Rowing Centre
Jeff, as a substantial founding donor, and the rowing community have generously raised $1.26 million towards the $1.5 million development cost. We are reaching out to support these fundraising efforts in the hope the project will be completed for the 2021–22 season.
We are excited to see the proud rowing history of our hometown continue through the expansion of school rowing. If you can help, tax deductible donations can be made to the Australian Sports Foundation or via Sam Elliot at Rowing Geelong, email president@rowinggeelong.asn.au