Initiatives
What Does Expanding Opportunity and Accessibility Look Like to PRF?
Para Rowing Foundation adds practical resources where there are gaps in opportunity, accessibility, and expertise in para rowing so more people with disabilities can enjoy and compete in this incredible sport.
This starts with asking para athletes and future para athletes one question: What do you need to freely be a part of the rowing community and achieve your fullest potential?
What Does Opportunity Look Like?
Para Rowing Foundation works globally to create and enhance opportunities for athletes with disabilities in the sport of rowing.
Since its inception in 2018, para athletes shared their needs and barriers:
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High financial burdens for travel to trainings and competitions
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Insufficient access to experienced para coaches
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Insufficient access to adaptive equipment
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Access to coaches with para rowing expertise
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Insufficient access to training facilities and boathouses
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Insufficient access to sports psychology support
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Need for more voices that speak to para athletes' needs
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Need for individualized, medically-informed training
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Need for para athlete-specific functional strength and conditioning training
To expand opportunity and accessibility PRF created initiatives such as:
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Advocacy for equity within rowing
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Innovation and fabrication of para rowing equipment
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Para-specific on-land trainings and videos
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Donations of para rowing equipment
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Free access to para rowing resources for athletes, coaches, and allies
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Connections to a global network of experts who support para athletes
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Connections to Clinical Sports Psychologists