From learning to swim
to the podium.

A rowing program for students from Chennai’s government and government-aided schools. Designed and implemented by SIV Impact in partnership with Nike, Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) and Madras Boat Club.

REPORTED RESULTS · OCTOBER 2026

Opportunity.
Put into practice.

20 medals

Across the Asmita Regatta and Tamil Nadu State Rowing Championships.

5 golds

Included in the 20 medals won across those two competitions.

3 event wins

At the Madras–Calcutta Regatta 2026, helping Madras Boat Club win the overall trophy.

Competition results are drawn from the program’s October 2026 progress report. The five gold medals are included in the 20-medal total; the three Madras–Calcutta event wins are reported separately.

THE OPPORTUNITY

Opening access to rowing.

Students from Chennai’s government and government-aided schools gained access to a sport that had previously been out of reach. Many had never entered a swimming pool. Swimming lessons came first, before structured coaching and regular training on the Adyar River.

SIV’S ROLE

Designed and implemented by SIV Impact.

SIV Impact designed and implemented the program in partnership with Nike, Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) and Madras Boat Club. The club provided the training setting and mentoring from experienced rowers, with coaches, families and volunteers supporting the students’ progress.

THE PROGRESS

From first lessons to competition.

Sixteen athletes, including 12 girls and four boys, represented the program at the Tamil Nadu State Rowing Championships. Within eight months of learning to swim, program athletes were winning events at the Madras–Calcutta Regatta. Their three wins came in Girls’ Double Sculls, Boys’ Double Sculls and Single Sculls.

BEYOND THE RESULTS

Confidence, discipline and belonging.

Early-morning training, encouragement from families and mentoring at the club helped students build confidence and teamwork. The October report describes continued training and ambitions for national competition, extending the opportunity beyond the results recorded here.

YOUR NEXT STEP

Build opportunity.
With local communities.

Share the community need, location and partners involved. We will help define the scope and next steps.

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