This week UK adaptive rowing lost one of its longstanding and staunchest champions – Andy Weekes. Andy contributed to the sport in many ways as a rower, coach and umpire, but his leadership in adaptive rowing from its earliest days has been transformative to the community. He championed the first adaptive race which was held in Oxford. Before 2012, he led adaptive rowing in the Oxford area which eventually merged with the City of Oxford Rowing Club in 2012. He also provided important guidance and support to the UK umpire community managing a growing number of adaptive races in their events.
Andy attended the inaugural meeting of the Community Adaptive Group (CAG) which he and Rachel Lunney hosted at CORC (see photo below). He remained an active ambassador for the sport contributing to various initiatives. For example, he persuaded Nick Steel to become adaptive rowing rep on the Thames Regional Council to join his voice in championing adaptive rowing in the region.
We all hope to make this years City of Oxford Regatta the best on ever in recognition of his stalwart role in making UK adaptive rowing what it is today.
