Classification workshops expand adaptive rowing

Classifying at the London classification workshop

United States Rowing recently sponsored a National Classification Workshop in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in conjunction with the International Rowing Federation, FISA.

Presented by members of the FISA Adaptive Rowing Commission and technical classifiers as well as the US National Adaptive Team Coach, the workshop’s 15 participants became FISA classifiers for adaptive rowers.

The participants included four medical and 11 technical participants. Ten rowers were classified during the workshop.

National classifier status was given to nine of the attendees while six were assigned with trainee classifier status.

Adaptive commission member Judy Morrison said that future actions include looking to nominate some of the national classifiers to take part in future international classification workshops.

“These classifiers will be taking their knowledge back to their part of the country and will begin to classify athletes for rowing at a recreational and elite level. Some of them will also be preparing to start an adaptive rowing programme in their hometown.”

The London Regatta Centre in Great Britain also hosted a classification workshop.

Simon Goodey of FISA’s Adaptive Commission commented, “With rowing now included in the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games, interest in adaptive rowing is growing rapidly. These workshops are the 7th in a series of similar workshops around the world, and the 2nd to be held at London Regatta Centre.”

Participants included medical doctors, physiotherapists and coaches from France, Germany, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Korea, Morocco, Poland and South Africa.

Adaptive athletes also attended the workshop for classification and many participated in the Poplar Ragatta, London following the workshop. Amongst those taking part were athletes who competed in the 2006 World Rowing Championships, including Great Britain's 2006 World Champions in the Mix LTA4+ and Helene Raynsford in the WA1x; bronze medallist Shaun Sewell in the MA1x; Poland's silver medallist in the Mix TA2x and bronze medallist Martyna Snopek in the WA1x.

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