CLEVELAND, Sept. 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- The Cleveland Rowing Foundation, an organization that promotes and shares the athletic, health, educational and social benefits of rowing throughout Greater Cleveland, is hosting a two-day, rowing regatta weekend on September 20 and 21 along the Cuyahoga River.  A new event this year is Friday Night Lights (FNL), the first ever night rowing races on the Cuyahoga River along a lighted course.  Over 250 scholastic rowers will compete in 500 meter sprint races on Friday, September 20, 2013 from 8 - 10:30 pm.

The following day, 2,000 rowers and 425+ boat entries from 50+ clubs from around the country will compete in the Head of the Cuyahoga (HOTC) race on a challenging 4,800-meter course with five major river turns for both medals and bragging rights with the races starting at 8:00am and ending at 4:00 pm. Local crews represented include Saint Ignatius High School, Shaker Heights High School, Saint Joseph Academy, Cleveland Youth Rowing Association, St. Edward High School, Cleveland Municipal School District, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland State University, John Carroll University, and Western Reserve Rowing Association.

"We are thrilled to kickoff the HOTC with Friday Night Lights," said Pat Connor, Regatta Director and Head Coach for Saint Ignatius crew  "We expect to attract a diverse mix of spectators by having rowing races both at night and during the day.  The illuminated course will add another dimension of excitement to the atmosphere."

Registration details for the Head of the Cuyahoga, maps, parking and all other regatta information are available at http://clevelandrows.org/wp/head-of-the-cuyahoga-regatta/.

HOTC Regatta Sponsors include Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, Lubrizol Corp., ArcelorMittal, and Jim Grove of Nicola, Gudbranson & Cooper, LLC. FNL sponsors are Great Lakes Construction, Catanese Classic Seafood and Cereal Food Processors, Inc.

About the Cleveland Rowing Foundation

The Cleveland Rowing Foundation (CRF) owns and operates the boathouse and facilities for the benefit of its member organizations, programs, and the Cleveland community. The Cleveland Rowing Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that promotes and shares the athletic, health, educational and social benefits of rowing throughout Greater Cleveland. The CRF works in concert with community partners to enhance the recreational quality of the Cuyahoga River. CRF hosts over 2,000 high school, collegiate and adult athletes on the banks of the Cuyahoga River in downtown Cleveland. The Cleveland Rowing Foundation is celebrating its 24^th year. For more information, visit http://www.clevelandrows.org

SOURCE Cleveland Rowing Foundation

RELATED LINKShttp://www.clevelandrows.org