Pararowing is the pinnacle of rowing with a disability on the world stage with formal classification of the impairments, but the biggest area of disability in the sport is Adaptive rowing which refers to a broader range of impairments and considerations which has become the norm in UK community rowing. But an even more inclusive designation has evolved called “Mixed Ability” rowing.
Mixed Ability has made substantial progress in recent years. Olympic Champion Annamarie Phelps CBE and Paralympic Champion Ellen Buttrick serve as ambassadors to the International Mixed Ability Sports (IMAS) organisation, and Stratford-upon-Avon RC has competed in a number of IMAS international events.
Ross RC has made a special emphasis on Mixed Ability rowing with their MARS Stars initiative which was recently profiled in the British Rowing article, “How mixed ability rowing sessions can change lives”:
- “Mixed ability rowing is not the same as adaptive rowing, which focuses on adapting the boat for the individual’s specific physical or sensory impairments. Instead, it caters for a wider range of needs. Participants may have poor mental health, OCD or other anxiety disorders. Or they may have physical conditions such as diabetes, chronic pain or immune disorders. People recovering from serious illnesses such as cancer are also welcome.”