Mission Statement

WYRA’s mission is to promote physical, mental, and social wellness in young people of all backgrounds, using the sport of rowing and related educational programs to instill essential lifelong values including physical fitness, responsibility, self-discipline, teamwork, leadership, commitment, and the pursuit of excellence.

The Wilmington Youth Rowing Association (WYRA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering young people through the sport of rowing. Serving youth ages 10–18 throughout Wilmington and the surrounding region, WYRA provides year-round opportunities for athletes of all experience levels through after-school competitive programs and summer camps.

Recognized nationally for its excellence, WYRA crews compete locally, regionally, and nationally, racing against top school and club programs. More importantly, WYRA uses rowing as a vehicle for building healthy, confident, and engaged young people.

In a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment, athletes develop leadership skills and embrace the values of teamwork, discipline, resilience, integrity, and responsibility. Whether a participant is discovering a new sport, staying active, making lifelong friendships, or pursuing high-level competition and collegiate opportunities, WYRA supports each athlete’s individual journey.

Our ultimate goal extends far beyond medals and race results. WYRA strives to develop leaders who will carry the lessons learned on the water into every aspect of their lives. We hope our athletes will go out into the world and share not only their knowledge and love of rowing, but also the values of perseverance, service, respect, and community. By building strong individuals and compassionate leaders, WYRA aims to create a lasting ripple effect that reaches far beyond the boathouse and positively impacts families, schools, workplaces, and communities for generations to come.

At every level, WYRA is committed to helping young people grow—not only as athletes, but also as students, teammates, and leaders—preparing them to succeed both on and off the water.