Two Adaptive Rowing Events to be Held During 2002 World Champs

Logo of the FISA Adaptive Rowing Commission

The International Rowing Federation (FISA) has announced this week that it will be presenting two adaptive rowing events during the World Rowing Championships in Seville, Spain from 15 to 22 September this year.

Adaptive Rowing is rowing or sculling in boats “adapted” for people with physical limitations or disabilities.

The two events – a coxed four and a double scull will be open to mixed crews made up of 50% men and 50% women. Both events will be raced over 1000 metres. 

According to Shirley Stokes, member of FISA’s Adaptive Rowing Commission this was not an easy compromise. “The major obstacle in getting to this stage has been with the form that the events would take”.

“From the athlete’s point of view, it would have been better to have more boat classes as the limitation of events and the events ultimately selected will affect some athletes” she says. “However, for many federations, entering even two boat classes is a challenge, both organisationally and financially. Federations also need to ensure they have resources to develop the sport within their nations”.

FISA has worked in close collaboration with the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) to tailor a classification system for adaptive rowing events. Rules have been established which will be reviewed each year until 2005 to ensure that they are effectively serving the needs of these new disciplines.

FISA has already indicated to the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) that it will be applying to be included in the Beijing Paralympic Games in 2008. Application conditions require that adaptive rowing events be included in the programme of at least two World Rowing Championships before 2005. The inclusion of adaptive rowing in Seville this year is therefore an important step towards rowing joining other high profile sports in having both Olympic and Paralympic status.

“The most difficult challenge was to attempt to meet requirements to apply for entry to the Paralympics and at the same time recognise the day to day reality for national rowing federations”, says Shirley Stokes. “This announcement by FISA is the best chance we have to achieve Paralympic status, we have to go for it. There will be growing pains for many Federations, but ultimately I believe it will be worth it”.

When asked about the expected participation to these 2002 adaptive rowing events, Stokes replied that although participation is not expected to be as high as for subsequent years she expects that there will be a competitive field of more than 10 crews in each event. This will be helped by the flexible approach FISA has agreed to adopt for entries in 2002.

The adaptive rowing events will take place on Wednesday 18 September from 13:30 (CET). For entries and additional information please refer to your national rowing federation or contact the FISA Adaptive Rowing Commission Chairman Jose Nunes on jose.nunes@fpremo.pt.