FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: BRIANROMAN
HEAD OF THE SCHUYLKILL REGATTA
215-514-0999

New Trophy to be Awarded at the 2007 Head of the Schuylkill Regatta in Tribute to "Golden Eight Oarsman" Sid Soloman

Philadelphia -- OCTOBER 17, 2007 -- The winner of a men’s Veterans Single race at this year’s Head of the Schuylkill Regatta will be awarded with the Sid Salomon Trophy and Medal; a true testament to those who despite growing older, continue to pursue rowing greatness and a lifestyle dedicated to hard work and citizenship.

Sid Salomon passed away a month shy of his ninety-first birthday in 2004, but his legacy and character live on in the hearts and spirits of people all over the world. A World War II veteran, serving as an Army Ranger, Sid was one of the first men to touch boots at Omaha Beach on D-Day. For his courageous acts during this battle, in addition to many others, Sid was awarded two Purple Hearts and a Silver Star.

As a young man, Sid’s dream of rowing in the Olympics was cut short because of World War II. Years after the war, and into his sixties, Sid began rowing again, and made quite a name for himself. He became part of a group of men dubbed the “Golden Eight”; a crew of predominately Philadelphia rowers that traveled the world competing and routinely winning gold medals along their way. They achieved the pinnacle of Masters Rowing by winning the FISA World Masters Rowing Championships, several times over.

Sid was known for his superb oarsmanship and compassion for the sport, but mainly for his gentle nature and love for those around him. He embodied the true essence of an oarsman, and displayed those characteristics both on and off the water. “Sid invented the word gentleman and was a role model for all of us,” said Jack Sholl, longtime friend and fellow Golden Eight oarsman.

The trophy is situated on a three tiered base which contains a rifle shell casing honoring Sid’s military service. Two wooden Malta Boat Club oars (Sid’s home club) are positioned atop the base. The trophy will be housed at

the Fairmount Rowing Association.
This award will provide an everlasting tribute to Sid’s spirit which lives on in every meter rowed up and down the Schuylkill River.

The 2007 Head of the Schuylkill Regatta will take place on Saturday, October 27th, 2007.

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