TAMPA – The 2025 Tampa Glow Row will bring together more than 200 athletes, with and without disabilities, for a high-energy night of fitness, fun and community.
The Caroline and Barrett Foundation, Project Focus and the Dancer Love Foundation are hosting the event from 5 to 10 p.m. June 7 at CrossFit Hyde Park.
Teams of 10 will row either a full or half marathon on row ERG machines, competing in one of two divisions: Community and Adaptive. Prizes will be awarded to the top two teams in each division, along with recognition for most team spirit.
The Glow Row’s neon-themed atmosphere will feature a festival experience with live DJ sets, food trucks and a vendor village of small businesses.
Proceeds will support Project Focus, a Tampa-based nonprofit that empowers people with developmental disabilities through education, life skills and workforce development as well as the Dancer Love Foundation, which creates access to athletic opportunities for people with disabilities.
“The programs and opportunities we provide at Project Focus are life-changing, many of our students would not have access to events like this without community support,” said Clayton Clemens, executive director of Project Focus. “The 2025 Tampa Glow Row is about breaking down barriers, celebrating what makes each of us unique and giving our community the chance to be a part of something special. Everyone deserves an opportunity to have fun, dance and feel connected with each other.”
The Tampa Glow Row was inspired by the efforts of The Dancer Love Foundation based in Quincy, Illinois and is following the footsteps of CrossFit Games athletes Sam and Jenn Dancer.
“The Dancer Love Foundation was inspired by my friend James, whose joy and light taught me the value of inclusive communities,” said Jen Dancer, co-founder. “Glow Row helps empower individuals with disabilities to discover wellness, build friendships and shine in their own way.”
Organizers say the Glow Row will become an annual event and open the door to new activities for people with developmental disabilities, their families and the community.
The long term goal of Project Focus is to build a “community within the community” that includes options for education, workforce training and apartment-style living for this population.
On the web: projectfocusfoundation.org
