Every Kid Deserves a DREAM

Sayler Stephen is organizing this fundraiser.

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My name is Stephen Sayler.

I am the youngest of five boys and I am currently trying to live my dream.

Fall of 2019, my dad suggested that my brothers and I should try rowing.

He always dreamed of rowing himself and had a feeling that we would enjoy it as well.

"Give it a try," he had suggested.

When I sat in a rowing shell and my oars first cut through the water, I think he smiled to himself.

I instantly knew I had found something special that would change my life forever.

By the end of my first season, rowing became a passion and I am determined to row on a collegiate crew.

But funding for both school and rowing is challenging to a large family like mine.

My rowing club is one of the smallest junior crews in Washington State.

Because of our limited funding and staff it makes it hard for rowers like myself to fully mature in this life changing sport.

This rowing season I was given an incredible opportunity that has the potential to help me reach my goals and invest in my own crew here at home!

USRowing has selected me to attend the Olympic Development Program (ODP) from a pool of over 66,000 teenaged rowers across the country.

This month-long program is not only a place to help me advance my rowing skills, but is a way to help me pay for college and medical school with possible scholarships.

During ODP Camp:

1. My coaches and trainers are Olympian rowers and coaches and National Medal winning oarsmen and coxswains.

2. I would be trained by the best- mentored in all aspects of rowing from being in the boat/shell, strength training, nutrition, recovery, and mindset.

3. I will be introduced to college coaches and have the opportunity to put my name on their radar.

I want to row for the rest of my life, dream of rowing through college, and desire to row for our National team in the future.

To achieve my goals I will need help, and this camp is a place where I can find it.

Everything I learn while attending ODP will be brought with me back to my own crew, Clam Island Rowing.

My desire is to share everything I learn with the coaches and crew and help us rise to the next level.

I am excited about this amazing opportunity to attend ODP and would love your help.

Thank you for your support and encouragement!

Stephen Sayler

Where will the funds go?

*$5995 is the cost of this program. While I was gifted a $3250 scholarship to camp, I would love to give that back to ODP so other rowers have the opportunity!

*$1300 for airfare. ODP is in Tennessee and airfare is high right now post-covid.

*$200 in Rowing specific clothing. (Unisuit, trou, and water shoes. Cost is an estimate based on cost today)

*$100 bedding, towels and basic supplies (Cost is an estimate. The room is included in cost, but I need to bring all supplies)

ODP is an incredible door for me to gain rowing experience, develop stronger leadership skills, absorb skills and techniques that will benefit my crew and put me in a better position to earn a scholarship and to row in college.