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Gene Kininmonth’s development of rowing in North Carolina’s Piedmont Triad—and his ability to connect local racing with world-class competition—will take another step forward this fall. Backed by a new $200,000 investment from the Lenny Peters Foundation, the October 24 Lenny Peters Cup at Oak Hollow Festival Park in High Point will expand its international broadcast and spectator experience while again bringing elite racing to the region.
Kininmonth, the Triad United Rowing Association Head Coach and Race Director, also announced that the reigning world champion U.S. women’s four will headline this year’s regatta. The crew of Kate Knifton, Teal Cohen, Azja Czajkowski, and Molly Bruggeman is scheduled to race against a top European crew that will be announced later.
“You’ve really got to give credit to Josy (Verdonkschot, the McLane Family Chief High Performance Officer for USRowing) for bringing USRowing to the table with this,” said Kininmonth. “He recognizes we’ve got to not just financially support the athletes, but give them an opportunity to race in front of people on the home course here in America, especially since we’re going to be racing the Olympics here on home waters. I’m really, really impressed, working with him to help the cause.”
Representatives of the Lenny Peters Foundation, including Elise Peters-Carey and Matt Carey, joined Bethany Medical staff and Kininmonth this week for a check presentation announcing the investment in the international regatta.
“These funds will allow us to continue elevating the athlete and spectator experience at the Lenny Peters Cup,” Kininmonth said. “We’ll once again produce a seven-camera live broadcast on YouTube so rowing fans around the world can watch the racing, while our giant video screen on-site will let spectators follow every stroke from the shoreline.”
The regatta will again feature marquee races between leading NCAA rowing programs and top European universities, continuing a formula that has made the Lenny Peters Cup one of the Southeast’s premier rowing events.
“We’re thrilled to welcome the reigning world champion U.S. women’s four to High Point,” Kininmonth said. “It’s an incredible opportunity for fans to see the very best athletes in the world compete right here in North Carolina.”
Admission to the Lenny Peters Cup is free. In addition to international rowing competition, the event will feature food trucks, beer sales, vendor exhibits, and family activities throughout the day.
