Under the programme FISA has invited all eligible national federations to take part in training, testing and selection of a team with the goal to attend a ten-day training camp in Gavirate, Italy from 7-17 May 2015. The camp will conclude with an international regatta. Of the national federations that responded, seven are eligible.

“If we have additional space there is a chance that we will be able to reconsider and accept some more nations,” says FISA Development Manager Sheila Stephens Desbans.

The programme pays for flights, accommodation, meals, transport and use of boats for up to five athletes and two coaches from six countries. Other countries will be, of course, invited but must pay their own expenses. Each funded country will be mentored by an experienced para-rowing nation.

In addition to FISA support, the programme has received funding from the Agitos Foundation which was created by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). Support is being provided by a number of rowing federations including Australia, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Italy and the United States.

Subject to funding, FISA aims to continue this activity in 2016 and thus assist the chosen teams and others to take part in the qualification process for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, as well as training administrators and coaches from each continent to be able to replicate similar camps in the 2017 to 2020 quadrennium. The potential reach of this project would thus increase from six nations to potentially 25 new nations in the next six years. Details of the programme including the application process, criteria for inclusion and other relevant information are attached.

If your National Rowing Federation/National Paralympic Committee would like further information, please contact Shirley Stokes (sastokes@ozemail.com.au) or FISA Development Group (development@fisa.org).

Competitive Rowing Commission

Patrick ROMBAUT (BEL)

Para-rowing development camp for May 2015

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