Olympic Medalists and Paralympic Representatives Visit Motor for Rowing Rally

*MEDIA/PHOTOGRAPHY ALERT*

For Immediate Release

Olympic medalists and paralympic representatives visit Motor for rowing rally

WHAT: A meet and greet with members of the Men’s U.S. National Rowing Team to signal the start of the 9th Annual Milwaukee River Challenge and celebrate the successes of Wisconsin natives. Plus, an introduction to adaptive rowing through the Chicago Indoor Rowing (CIRC) Adaptive Initiative, which will include a live broadcast of gold medalist Xeno Muller’s virtual “Row to Copenhagen” – to demonstrate support for Chicago’s 2016 bid for the Olympic/Paralympic Games – and two adaptive ergs for Milwaukee area youth, their parents and the general public to practice rowing.

VISUALS:Autograph signing by Olympic medalists; a chance to see a gold medal from the 2004 Olympic Games and a bronze medal from the 2008 Olympic Games; the public practicing on adaptive rowing machines

WHEN:Friday, September 18 – 5:00 to 7:00 p.m.

WHERE:Motor at the Harley-Davidson Museum – 400 W. Canal Street

INTERVIEWS:Michael Holbrook – member of the Men’s U.S. Rowing Team; Madison, Wis. native; University of California – Berkley graduate; competed in the 2009 Rowing World Cup; won gold in the eight at the 2009 US Rowing National Championships

Beau Hoopman – member of the Men’s U.S. Rowing Team; Plymouth, Wis. native; University of Wisconsin – Madison graduate; competed in the 2009 Rowing World Cup; won gold in the eight at the 2009 US Rowing National Championships; won bronze in the eight at the 2008 Olympic Games; won gold in the eight at the 2004 Olympic Games

Grant James – member of the Men’s U.S. Rowing Team; – member of the Men’s U.S. Rowing Team; DeKalb, Ill. native; University of Wisconsin – Madison graduate; competed in the 2009 Rowing World Cup; won gold in the eight at the 2009 US Rowing National Championships

Ross James – member of the Men’s U.S. Rowing Team; – member of the Men’s U.S. Rowing Team; DeKalb, Ill. native; University of Wisconsin – Madison graduate; competed in the 2009 Rowing World Cup; won gold in the eight at the 2009 US Rowing National Championships

Marcus McElhenney (coxswain) – member of the Men’s U.S. Rowing Team; Lansdowne, Pa. native; Temple University graduate; won gold in the eight at the 2009 US Rowing National Championships; won bronze at the 2008 Olympic Games

CONTACT:Rachel Wezek, Milwaukee River Challenge Media Representative

W: 414.224.9424

C: 414.852.1063

ABOUT MILWAUKEE RIVER CHALLENGE:

The Milwaukee River Challenge is an urban regatta that attracts over 500 collegiate and club rowers from across the country. It features both four-oared and eight-oared mens and womens teams in open, masters and junior divisions. The course starts at 25th and Canal Streets on the Menomonee River, heads east past the Harley-Davidson Museum to the Milwaukee River junction, then turns north to Schlitz Park just below Pleasant Street. The 9th Annual Milwaukee River Challenge begins at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 19 and will conclude at approximately 2:00 p.m. A live play-by-play of the race as well as details on participating teams, can be found at

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