07 Dec 2011
Adaptive rowing debuts at Asian Rowing Championships
The first ever Asian Adaptive Rowing Championships were included in the 2007 Asian Rowing Championships in Chung-ju City, Korea. Five-time US National Adaptive team member, Aerial Gilbert was invited to attend as an ambassador for adaptive rowing. Gilbert describes the visit:
I had first visited Korea in 2005 to promote the first indoor rowing event for the blind at Taegu University, where 90 blind individuals from around the country participated in 500m and 1000m races. This has become an annual event, and ignited an interest in rowing both on and off the water. At the 2007 World Rowing Championships, Korea brought their first adaptive team to compete. They raced in the mixed legs, trunk and arms coxed four.
At the Asian Rowing Championships Hong Kong China, Korea, China and Japan all had entries for the Trunk and Arms doubles, and the arms only singles. The mixed legs, trunk and arms coxed four from Korea did an exhibition row which was embraced with great enthusiasm.
The venue of Tangum Lake was a beautiful setting of a natural lake with clear cool water, and light to no wind throughout the event. The opening ceremony was an amazing display of fanfare for the event and the announcement of their bid to host the 2013 World Rowing Championships.
The Mayor of Chung-ju City met with me to acknowledge the importance of developing adaptive rowing programmes throughout the Asian countries.
During my visit I also had the opportunity to go to St. Mary’s School for the Blind where I met with the older students, talked about adaptive rowing, and demonstrated rowing on the indoor rowing machine, the erg. The students all received instruction on the erg and two ergs will be added to their well-equipped gym for all of the students to use.
Their enthusiasm to make accommodations and encourage adaptive rowing was extraordinary and the venue was a beautiful resort area in a fantastic setting. I applaud their commitment to developing strong adaptive rowing programs.
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