Hi! My name is Orli Richter-Sissman, and, as most of you know by now, I row for City Island Rowing. This is my second year on the team, and rowing has quickly taken over my life in the best way possible. Those who know me well know that rowing is basically all I talk about, and I could not imagine it any other way.

Since starting this journey, I have grown in so many different ways. Of course, I am much more fit and strong than I was before (that is what 10+ hours a week of rowing does), but I have also grown in my discipline, will, and confidence. Rowing is a sport that requires an immense amount of mental strength, and being part of this team has helped me develop that every single day. I have also met my best friends on this team, and our friendships, both on and off the water, mean the world to me.

On Sunday, March 1st, for our yearly equipment fundraiser, Varsity athletes will be spending 90 minutes on the erg (the rowing machine) investing our sweat equity. This will be both mentally and physically exhausting, but it will help cover the costs of the extremely expensive equipment necessary for our team. This is our way of saying thank you for all the generous support we are given each year.

Being part of City Island Rowing has given me opportunities I never imagined, and this fundraiser helps make sure more athletes can have that same experience.

P.S. In the photos of me in a boat, I am in the fifth seat, counting from the back of the boat.