BRIDGEPORT — Some of the best high school and club rowing teams will take off from the Eleanor Street Boathouse Saturday for the sixth annual Tough Cup.
The regatta will include 13 teams, including a team of inner-city kids sponsored by the Chicago Training Center, which organizes the race.
Now in its 11th year, the Chicago Training Center sponsors underprivileged kids in rowing classes. This year's team includes kids from 16 different neighborhoods, said Ashley Mayer, executive director of the training center.
"It's a way to create opportunity for underprivileged youths," Mayer said. "Our focus is on creating a diverse rowing community."
The team will go up against some of the city and suburbs' best high school and club rowing teams, and including some teams made up of college students and young adults. And though they are up against some stiff competition, Mayer said her team is just as talented as the rest.
"Our kids are pretty competitive," she said. "I imagine we'll take home some medals Saturday."
Teams will take off from the boathouse, 2828 S. Eleanor St., beginning around 8 p.m. Saturday, and the race will wrap up around 1 p.m., Mayer said. Spectators can park in a lot at the corner of Loomis and Eleanor streets, as parking on the west side of Eleanor Street will be designated for team trucks and trailers, according to a letter Ald. Patrick D. Thompson (11th) sent to neighbors.
