Proud to be from Pittsburgh: 3 Rivers Rowing Association

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh’s three rivers are both beautiful and full of potential.

“I think it’s pretty cool we have these three rivers,” said Jenn Grieb, executive director of 3 Rivers Rowing Association. “It’s pretty cool to row downstream from here and see the skyline and go past the Pirates and Steelers games.”

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The community boathouse on Washington's Landing under the 31^st Street Bridge has made sure this liquid asset is accessible to people of all abilities.

It has one of the largest and oldest adaptive rowing programs in the United States.

“It’s freedom. It’s freedom,” said Tobi Williams, adaptive rower.

Williams, of Upper St. Clair, is in her fourth season on the water. But if you saw the power and speed with which she paddles down the river, you would never know she’s blind.

“It’s fantastic. It gives me a level of freedom to be able to move through the water freely that I am unable to experience in the regular world,” Williams said.

New rower Casey Buchanan-Smith says with Cerebral Palsy, it’s important to stay active.

“It’s given me a reason to get out of my house and do things and be strong,” Buchanan-Smith said.

Williams and Buchanan-Smith can learn from Tammi Swiantek, who has been on the water for 25 years, despite being blind.

These athletes are part of a four-person adaptive team training for the prestigious Head of the Charles in Boston this weekend.

“They are just an amazing bunch. Each of us has our own challenges and everybody just kind of comes together and tries to help one another,” Swiantek said.

Volunteer Judy Wood showed Channel 11’s Peggy Finnegan the unique equipment that makes this all possible.

“These adaptive boats are weighted a little bit heavier than regular sculling boats,” Wood said.

There are special fixed seats for rowers who are only able to use their arms, oars have been adapted and pontoons added for extra stability.

“I get to see athletes enjoy themselves, and I get to see people with disabilities, who, when they’re on the water, have no disabilities,” Wood said.

The 3 Rivers Rowing Association is celebrating 30 years in Pittsburgh. CLICK HERE to learn more about the program.

WPXI