Jack Hidary writes:
"Last year, I had the opportunity to row in more than ten cities around the world including Prague. When I heard of the flooding in Prague and surrounding areas, I contacted my rowing friends there. The news was grim.
Most of the boathouses on the Vltava River in Prague were submerged. Many of the boats have floated down the river never to be seen again. Of those that remain, many are damaged. Further damage to other equipment and the boathousese themselves is severe.
Here is a link with some photos of the situation as the waters receded: http://www.ceskeveslovani.cz/foto/article-zoom.php?article_id=571697
The Czech Rowing Association is setting up an account for people to send in donations to help out. I realized that it would be easier for American supporters if there was a US account to send checks to at a US non-profit for this cause. USRowing agreed to support the effort by collecting funds and sending them direclty to the Czech Rowing Association. This has just been announced on their web site: : USRowing to Facilitate Donations to Czech Rowing Association in Response to European Floods. (See also Help Rowing Clubs in Prague.) I would appreciate any help you could provide in getting the word out. The rowing folks in Prague are pretty depressed and this would certainly cheer them up!!
As you know the World Masters will take place as scheduled in Racice outside of Prague. The head coach there tells me that the venue was luckily spared. However, this race will put a lot of strain on the Czech rowing infrastructure given everything they are dealing with.
Jack Hidary