World Rowing Development Programme - looking back on 2024, Part 2

The World Rowing Development team was hard at work in 2024, reaching member federations and athletes from every part of the globe, as well as pushing growth in every discipline of Rowing – Classic, Coastal/Beach Sprint, and Indoor. You can find the first part here. Here are a second selection of the projects from 2024:

Africa 

Classic and Beach Sprint:  

Development of National Sport System (DNSS) – Benin 

The Level 1 World Rowing Classic Coaching Training Course in Possotomé and the Coastal Rowing Module (CRM) in Grand-Popo, backed by Olympic Solidarity’s DNSS programme, greatly advanced rowing development in Benin. These efforts equipped local coaches with valuable skills, supplied crucial equipment, and nurtured a thriving rowing culture. 

Beach Sprint:

Development of National Sport System (DNSS) – Namibia 

The Namibia Canoeing and Rowing Federation (NCRF), in partnership with the Namibia National Olympic Committee (NNOC) and supported by Olympic Solidarity, focused on introducing & developing Coastal Rowing in Namibia through the Development of Nations Sports System (DNSS) project. Key achievements include the acquisition of equipment, training of regional coaches, and hosting of the Commonwealth Rowing Association Beach Sprint Championship in Walvis Bay. 

Classic: 

Development of National Sport System (DNSS) – Lesotho 

The Lesotho Rowing Federation (LRF), established in 2020, is advancing its development through a DNSS initiative supported by the Lesotho National Olympic Committee, focusing on building robust structures and training technical officials. The project’s primary goals are to establish sustainable systems for the federation, develop technical officials (NTOs), and increase the quantity and quality of trained personnel to enhance rowing activities. The program, including expert-led sessions on umpiring and course building, aims to ensure safe, inclusive growth and strengthen rowing in Lesotho despite environmental challenges. 

Europe  

Para Rowing: 

Para Rowing Development Workshop – Istanbul, TUR 

A Para Rowing Development Programme held in Istanbul, Türkiye, focused on enhancing coaching and athlete development, with topics including classification, talent identification, and developing training programs. The event also saw the involvement of key figures from the Türkiye Rowing Federation and the Turkish Paralympic Committee, supporting the growth of Para Rowing in the country. 

Classic: 

Development of National Sport System (DNSS) & TCC L1 – Moldova 

The Moldova Rowing Federation hosted a World Rowing Level 1 coaching course, supported by Olympic Solidarity, to enhance coaching skills in safety, technique, and training. This course was part of the DNSS program aimed at developing Team Moldova’s elite rowing structure, with a focus on Olympic qualification in 2024 and sustainable athlete development. 

Coastal:

Coastal Race Module (CRM) – Istanbul, TUR 

The World Rowing Coastal Race Module (CRM) was held in Istanbul where Turkish coaches enhanced their expertise in Coastal Rowing, focusing on the Beach Sprint format. The course was supported by Olympic Solidarity and the Türkiye Rowing Federation, aiming to foster the growth of Coastal Rowing in Türkiye. 

Asia  

Classic: 

Youth Athlete Development Training Camp – Shenyang, China 

The World Rowing Asia Youth Development Camp in Shenyang, China, brought together 30 youth athletes from nine Asian federations to improve their rowing skills through on-water sessions, lectures, and performance testing. Supported by World Rowing, Olympic Solidarity, and local organisations, the training camp focused on high-performance rowing, Olympic values, safety, and anti-doping education. 

Technical Coaches Course (TCC) Level 1 – Malaysia 

The World Rowing Level 1 Classic Rowing course in Malaysia, held in Putrajaya, trained Malaysian coaches in key topics such as water safety, coaching techniques, and risk management. Supported by the Olympic Council of Malaysia and Olympic Solidarity, the course aimed to enhance coaching skills and improve rowing safety, contributing to the development of Classic Rowing in Malaysia. 

Coastal & Beach Sprint:  

Development of National Sport System (DNSS) – Sri Lanka 

The World Rowing Development Programme donated coastal solo boats to the Sri Lanka Rowing Federation as part of the DNSS project to promote Coastal Rowing and Beach Sprints for the upcoming Youth Olympic and Olympic Games. The second phase focused on practical training with the new fleet, while Sri Lanka also hosted its first-ever Beach Sprint Regatta, marking the country’s first steps toward introducing Coastal Rowing with a three-stage development programme. 

Coastal & Indoors: 

Development of National Sport System (DNSS) – Jordan  

The Development of National Sports System (DNSS) programme for Coastal Rowing in Aqaba, Jordan concluded, marking a successful first step in introducing the sport with the support of the Jordan Olympic Committee and Olympic Solidarity. The programme provided essential equipment, trained local coaches, and laid the foundation for further development, looking towards the Youth Olympic Games 2026 and the LA2028 Olympics.