Calm seas and blue skies was the backdrop for Port Rowing’s Third Annual Regatta for Autism on Hempstead Harbor.
The event had 18 clubs, 180 entries and 800 individual participants. This year, Port Rowing raised over $20,000 of which 25 percent goes to Autism Speaks.
Port Rowing took the lead with 12 gold, four silver and three bronze medals.
A highlight of the event came midday with the adaptive/autism race featuring one autistic child partnered with one high school rower.
Steve Panzik of Port Rowing said: “This is a great event for a great cause. Port Rowing is just a small piece of the puzzle.”
The Town of North Hempstead, U.S. Rowing, and all the volunteers “make this a great event,” Panzik said. “We had a beautiful day and great community support, everything else fell into place for us. I am looking forward to many more events here in Hempstead Harbor and on Long Island.”
