GaREAT Sports Complex Congratulates Solo U.S. Ocean Rower Katie Spotz for a phenomenal feat!

PRLog (Press Release) - Mar 18, 2010 -
Media Contact: David Smalley
Dsmalley@GaREAT.org or 
440.415.4508




GaREAT Sports Complex Congratulates Solo U.S. Ocean Rower Katie Spotz for a phenomenal feat!

Katie Sets World Record as Youngest Person to Row Ocean Solo





Geneva, Ohio—March 16, 2010—The GaREAT Sports Complex welcomes American endurance athlete, Katie Spotz, home after 70 days and about 6 hours on the Atlantic Ocean.  Katie set a world record as the youngest person to row across an ocean solo. Spotz began her adventure in Dakar, Africa, reached land in Georgetown, Guyana, and crossed approximately 2,817 miles during her journey. 



“I am very grateful for the support of my sponsors, including my title sponsor, GaREAT Sport Complex in Geneva, Ohio, as well as Pentair Water, World Shipping, Kinetico Water Systems, Moen, Weatherguy.com, Germ Guardian, and so many more who helped fund my journey.” said Spotz.

“On behalf of GaREAT, we would like to congratulate Katie on her tremendous accomplishment! We were happy to be Katie’s title sponsor since her journey is such a great story for all and it matches the mission of GaREAT. Katie had a challenge that has never been done before but through hard work and an extraordinary will she took this dream and made it a reality. She also reminded us once again why America is called the ‘land of opportunity’ and coupled with her safe drinking water focus, carries on the theme of giving back, and thus sharing her success with all!” – Dave Smalley, Director of Operations, GaREAT Sports Complex
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The journey, which was dedicated to increasing awareness and raising funds for safe clean water and the charity, Blue Planet Run Foundation, is being followed around the globe. As of her arrival, her efforts have raised $70,905 for the charity, which includes a $5,000 matching offer -- far more than the initial goal of $30,000, which would cover the cost of providing a lifetime of clean water for 1,000 people ($30 per person). To extend her fundraising efforts, a new target of $30 per mile rowed (approximately 2,817 miles) was posted on the RowforWater.com Web site, which has the potential of raising a total $84,510 for the cause. 




www.gareat.org   

GaREAT is a 501(c)(3) organization engaged in the operation and management of 450,000 sq. ft. of indoor athletic events and training program facilities located on 175 acres in Geneva, Ohio. GaREAT stands for the Geneva Area Recreational, Educational, Athletic Trust. It was established to help enrich user's lives via programs and activities that embody the following virtues: sports, education, health, fitness, wellness, training, self discipline, concentration and dedication.