IG: lcsdplusss 
PARA-ROWING
INTRODUCTION
Para-Rowing (formerly known as “Adaptive Rowing”) is a rowing sport which accommodates the diverse needs of individuals with ranging levels of disabilities (e.g. visual impairment, physically disabilities and intellectually disabilities). It mainly consists of Water Rowing and Indoor Rowing. Both rowing and para-rowing demand speed, endurance, determination and teamwork.
MISSION
We promote para-rowing on an inclusive basis and seek to explore the talents of enthusiastic para-rowers who participate in high-performance training.
ORIGINS & DEVELOPMENT
To align with the vision of the World Rowing and to promote the idea of “Para-Rowing” in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong, China Rowing Association (HKCRA) officially formed a “Para-Rowing Commission” in 2003, inviting Ms. Ho Kim Fai, a retired elite rower, to serve as the Chairperson. Through our well-structured development programmes, we aim to ensure that people with disabilities can also enjoy the sport of rowing. By raising awareness about para-rowing, we hope to build a strong team and develop para-rowing in Hong Kong and other Asian countries.
With the commitment of our athletes, the support of coaches and the HKCRA, the Hong Kong Para-Rowing Team, composed of athletes with physical and intellectual disabilities, has participated in the World Rowing Championships since 2003. Encouragingly, the Hong Kong team has achieved outstanding performance by becoming the first Asian team to secure the Top 8th position in the World Championships.
In 2005, para-rowing achieved a breakthrough through the efforts of World Rowing successfully becoming the only new event added to the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games. Hong Kong Para-Rowing Team further brought glory to the city by winning medals at the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Para Games. On another front,HKCRA secured generous funding from the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust to implement the “Jockey Club Para-Rowing Development Scheme”, aimed at encouraging more individuals with disabilities to actively participate in rowing training and competitions, enriching their lives throungh sports. Apart from Water Rowing, the HKCRA has also included Para-Rowing into Indoor Rowing competitions, allowing para-rowers to showcase their talents.
SPORT CLASSES AND EVENT CATEGORIES
Para-Rowing is currently divided into three sport classes including PR1, PR2 and PR3. There are five event categories: PR1 Men’s single sculls (PR1 M1x), PR1 Women’s single sculls (PR1 W1x), PR2 Mixed double sculls (PR2 Mix2x), PR3 Mixed coxed four (PR3 Mix4+) and PR3 Mixed double sculls (PR3 Mix2x). For details, you may refer to the table below or visit http://www.worldrowing.com/para-rowing/.
| Sport Classes | Crew Members | Boat Types | Eligible Rowers | Equipment Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PR1 | Men or Women | Single Sculls with Fixed Seat (1x) | Rowers who have arms and shoulder function only, minimal or no trunk function. |
|
| PR2 | One Man and One Woman | Mixed Double Sculls with Fixed Seats (2x) | Rowers who have functional use of the trunk, arms and shoulder movement and who are unable to use the sliding seat to propel the boat because of significantly weakened function or mobility of the lower limbs. |
|
| PR3 | Two Men and Two Women | Mixed Coxed Four with Sliding Seats (4+) |
Rowers who have functional use of legs, trunk & arms with a verifiable and permanent disability. A PR3 Mix4+ crew may include a maximum of two rowers who have visual impairment. |
|
| PR3 | One Man and One Woman |
Mixed Double Sculls with Sliding Seats (2x) (Non-Paralympic Event) |
Rowers who have functional use of legs, trunk & arms with a verifiable and permanent disability. A PR2 Mix2x crew may include a maximum of one rower who has visual impairment. |
|
DEVELOPMENT TIERS OF PARA-ROWING
Elite Training
To provide high level, continuous and systematic training to elite athletes to enhance their skills and encourage them to participate in local and international competitions.
Basic Training
To provide safe and challenging general and advanced training to interested and potential students.
Universal Promotion
Through visits to schools and organisations and regular community outreach to promote the sport of performance rowing.
To provide high level, continuous and systematic training to elite athletes to enhance their skills and encourage them to participate in local and international competitions.
To provide safe and challenging general and advanced training to interested and potential students.
To promote inclusive rowing to the general public through visits to schools or organisations and in the community on a regular basis.
Elite
Training
Basic
Training
Universal
Promotion
School Sports Programme (Special Schools)
1. Introduction to the Programme and Application Procedures https://www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/ssp/form/pdf/ag/introduction_en.pdf 2. Prospectus – Indoor Performance Rowing https://www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/ssp/form/pdf/ag/prospectus_indoor_para_rowing_en.pdfFor any organisations or individuals with disabilities interested in joining para-rowing, please feel free to contact our staff at HKCRA via
Whatapp 852 56231872.
eQUIPMENT
PR1 1x Boat
1a Fixed Seat with Straps
1b Stablizing Pontoon
1c Oars
1a. (Fixed Seat with Straps)
1b. (Stablizing Pontoon)
PR2 2x Boat
2a Fixed Seat
2b Stablizing Pontoon
2c Oars
2b. (Stablizing Pontoon)
2c. (Oars)
PR3 2x Boat
3a Sliding Seat
3b Oars