The Administration respectfully requests approving and authorizing the City Manager to execute a Grant Agreement between the City and the Miami Beach Watersports Center Inc., for a total sum not to exceed $85,000, to support programming needs at the Ronald W. Shane Center.

The Miami Beach Watersports Center Inc. (“MB Watersports”) is a Florida not-for-profit organization that runs a premier rowing club with over 250 members, most of whom are Miami Beach residents. MB Watersports offers a para-rowing program (the “Program”), which teaches people with disabilities how to row and provides a training facility for competitive para-rowers. They have been designated as a Paralympic Sport Club by the US Olympic Committee and have already qualified two members to the national para-rowing team. The Program has grown in popularity and needs financial assistance to expand. The annual cost to run the Program is estimated at $160,000 annually.

During the City’s FY 15/16 budget process, a Budget Enhancement Request of $85,000 was granted to partially fund Program at the Ronald W. Shane Center. Subsequently, a Grant Agreement has been executed for the past four years and MB Watersports has purchased adaptive equipment to support the Program. They have worked with the Parks and Recreation Department on providing proof of purchase and payment, and continue to be reimbursed accordingly.

MB Watersports is grateful for the City’s continuous support and has accomplished the following acheivements in FY 19/20 because of their support:

• Sustained quality coaching through funding: two (2) experienced coaches worked on the program and conducted monthly outreach events with the VA and Jackson Health

• A 20% increase in regular participation (Pre-COVID-19)

• Maintained the program completely free of charge to participants

• Novice/recreational athletes trained 3x a week on land and/or on water

• Experienced competitive athletes trained 4x a week

• Athletes on land used adapted ergometers (rowing machines) with fixed seats

• Athletes on water used adaptive boats with specialized equipment (oars, seats, stabilizers, etc.)

• Four adaptive athletes competed in regattas

• One adaptive athlete set a world record in his category at the World Indoor Championships

• Adaptive athletes became part of a team, reduced feelings of isolation and enjoyed the outdoor environment

Funding is included as part of the Parks and Recreation Department’s Current Service Level Budget for FY 20/21. The Administration recommends entering into a sixth Grant Agreement with MB Watersports for $85,000. The Grant Agreement will mirror the same requirements as  past agreements, which require the grantee to provide a report on the number of participants trained, how the funds were spent and the program’s accomplishments in relationship to the funds provided by the City. Priority shall be given to Miami Beach Residents and U.S. Military Service Members. MB Watersports proposes to use the grant funds to continue providing this valuable service.

Amount: $85,000.00

Account: 011-0950-000312-28-406-545-00-00-00-