Multi countries project for the increase of awareness, knowledge and practice of pararowing
PARAROWING PARTY
572869-EPP-1-2016-1-IT-SPO-SNCESE
The European Commission support for the production of this publication does not constitute an endorsement of the contents which reflects the views only of the authors, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein. The day of the “Para-rowing party” – 2 October 2016 -, in a similar way to a rave party, people, concurrently in Italy, France, UK met and had the opportunity to know para-rowing from a theoretical and practical point of view. Disabled people have been welcomed and different stands have been organised: the disabled people had the opportunity to meet athletes, trainers, doctors, physiotherapists, psychologists and clarify all their curiosities and doubts about para-rowing. Gadgets and promotional materials have been distributed. Those who were interested received a first theoretical lesson during which basic aspect of rowing and boats and oars characteristics will be explained. After the theoretical part, a demonstration on rowing machines (ergometers), tests and boat trips have been organized. This has been done by non-disabled people together with disabled people in order to develop an inclusive setting. During the tests on the boat, participants concretely experienced some of the values that rowing expresses: team building, rowing together in the same direction to achieve the same goal, feeling part of a crew, train the body to get in contact with the nature and feel at one with it. At the end of their experience, participants received a kit with gadgets, informative materials. During the “Para-rowing party”, para-rowers athletes performed a demo race to allow the participants to appreciate also the competitive aspects of para-rowing. At the “Para-rowing party”, athletes of the National Paralympic Team, coming back from Rio Paralympic Games have been present to talk about their experience and how rowing has changed their lives, giving them one more reason and motivation, filling their days with workouts aiming at a target, improving their condition of physical and mental health through increased opportunities for socialization. Besides, conference/seminars open to the public have been organised to discuss topics as “Sport and Health" and "Sport and Social inclusion”
PARAROWING parties were organised on October 2nd, 2016 in the 3 participating countries. The 3 Federations selected the most suitable venues and organised different activities during the day. In particular:
ITALIAN PARTY Italian Federation organised its party at Idroscalo in Milan. During the morning session of the party, pararowing coaches and experts gave to people interested a first theoretical lesson during which basic aspect of rowing and boats and oars characteristics have been explained. After that, the Para-rowing classification system have been introduced, so that each disable could focus on his/her possible classification on a rowing boat. After the theoretical part, a demonstration on rowing machines (ergometers), tests and boat trips have been organized. In parallel with the tests on rowing machines, participants in the party have experienced also tests on boats and have participated in a Viking boat race on the 250 meters distance to allow them to appreciate the competitive aspects of pararowing. Tests and boat races were needed to make participants feel the contact with water through the oars and to develop a sense of balance. Viking boats have been selected for their shape and size, with 14 rowers, to ensure greater stability and safety, and to allow races carried out by disabled people and not to develop an inclusive environment. During the races, participants have experienced some of the core values of rowing: team spirit, rowing together in the same direction to achieve the same goal, feel part of a crew, train the body to get in touch with nature and feel part of it. Then, the Italian national team members Eleonora De Paolis (CC Napoli), Florinda Trombetta (SC Milan), Fabrizio Caselli (SC Florence) and Mr. Giuseppe "Peppiniello" Di Capua (CN Stabia) made a demonstration on the water and they also did a remoergometer demo. In the afternoon, FIC organised a conference open to the public divided in two panels titled “Everything you wanted to know about pararowing but you never dares to ask”. The first part of the conference was more “informative” while the second part was more “technical”. o First panel: the session opened with a video from Beijing-London-Rio Paralympic Games and with the introduction of Mr. Peppiniello di Capua, gold medal in coxed pairs as cox, with Giuseppe Abbagnale and Carmine Abbagnale, at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles and again at the
2 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul. He has been cox at the Rio Paralympic Games. So, he discussed with the audience his experience with disabled and not disabled athletes confirming that sport is for all and that there are no differences between able and disabled athletes: efforts, emotions, hopes and dreams of victory are the same. This panel saw an active participation of testimonials from Rio Paralympic games (Eleonora De Paolis, Florinda Trombetta, Fabrizio Caselli) who discussed with the audience the benefits (physical and psychological) of pararowing and how pararowing changes their lives. Ms. De Paolis, who approached pararowing after having tried other sports, defined it “a real challenge” considering it is a very technical and tiring sport. But it means also “freedom” to break architectural barriers getting on a boat and go anywhere. Then, interventions were dedicated to discuss about the benefits of physical activity for disabled people, if there doing sports is risky for disabled, social inclusion of disabled people through sports and finally, the President of the Italian Federation discussed the role of the Federation in enhancing an active inclusion of disabled in sports and the relations with Institutions – as the local offices of the Paralympic Committee (at the presence of the President of the Paralympic Committee of Lombardia, Mr. Pierangelo Santelli). All the medical aspects and contents of this panel have been looked by Dr. Federico Egidi, medical staff of the FIC. o Second panel: this part of the conference was aimed at discussing more technical aspects of pararowing with coaches/trainers in order to give them information and tools about how to involve disabled in pararowing. All the technical aspects of this panel have been looked by Ms. Dario Naccari, Chief of the Adaptive Sector. The different moments of the party showed well the benefits of rowing, and of sport in general, and explored the disability in sports communicating that rowing can set people free letting the chair go and with the boat sailing in the nature. Photos of the party: http://pararowingparty.eu/it/
BRITISH PARTY Para-Rowing Party: Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre, Liverpool On Sunday 2nd October British Rowing in conjunction with Crosby Lakeside Adventure Centre and Runcorn Rowing Club ran a Para-Rowing party both to celebrate the success of rowing in the Paralympics and create awareness in the region about what disability rowing opportunities are available in both the local region and nationally. The participants disabled and abled bodied participants take part in a programme including, information sessions, indoor and water rowing taster sessions supported by qualified coaches and instructors. With participants coming from across the region, including Lancashire, Merseyside, Cheshire, Manchester and the West Midlands to try the sport. Also attending were two Paralympians; Badminton player Rach Choong and former rower James Roberts who both spoke to the event participants about how they got into their sports and achieved what they have done showing everyone that there are opportunities for sporting participation for all regardless of impairment or disability. Positive response was received from participants: Dr Emma Morley said “I had a phenomenal day yesterday. Thanks so much to you, Susan and James for your efforts”; Helen Gillan commented, “We all had a fantastic day and felt it ran pretty well for a first time in Crosby” whilst Runcorn rowing club coach, Faye Stewart said “I think you did a great job and gave adaptive rowing a real boost in the northwest that day.” Since the event a number of participants are already engaging with local rowing clubs to explore options for further rowing to access the sport on a regular basis with queries about delivering rowing courses and basing equipment in the area for spinal unit patients too. Requests have already been received to run similar events in the area again The event was successful in raising the profile of the sport in the North West region, which for British Rowing has historically been a weak area in its disability rowing programme.
Para-Rowing Party: National Watersports Centre, Nottingham. The sun was shining over the National Watersports Centre ready for the International Para-Rowing Party. British Rowing have been working alongside the National Watersports Centre, Nottingham to provide one
3 of three post-Paralympic celebration events. The morning comprised of taster sessions of on water rowing, there were a variety of boats on the water adapted for all disabilities such as a Trinity 500 which accommodated those with a weakness on one side of the body, a fixed seat double that was used for those with arms and shoulder or trunk and arm function and finally a recreational single with floats that accommodated those with Leg, trunk and arm function who could apply the same amount of pressure through each side. The Federation trainers then coached the participants through the correct technique on the Indoor rowing machine and the participants took part in a 1 minute race and the final activity for the morning was bell boating these boats are an open canoe that can carry up to 12 people so were great for this event. In the afternoon participants heard an inspirational presentation from Tom Birch, Tom was a Royal Marine and in 2006 was injured when his Land Rover fell 60ft in Afghanistan. Tom underwent many operations and had hurdles to overcome but in 2011 he joined Nottingham Rowing Club and it was there that Rowing has helped him with his health and social inclusion with areas as his speed of thought processing and relaxing, Rowing has played a big part in his recovery. It has given him something to concentrate on, a routine. It's helped him to multitask, his whole attitude has changed, socialising, controlling his anger and his sleep pattern as it tires him out. Many of the participants of the event were keen to find out more about the sport and gain knowledge of more local rowing opportunities to them, which therefore achieved the party’s aims to increase interest in Para-Rowing for disabled participants and their families.
Para-Rowing Party: London Regatta Centre The London Para-Rowing Party was an incredible eye-opener for all involved. People turned up early to a warm welcome from British Rowing, London youth rowing, Sea cadets and The London Regatta Centre. The Royal Albert Dock was perfect, sunshine and not a ripple on the water. London Youth Rowing set to work getting the boats ready and briefing the staff. There was a great turn out of incredibly enthusiastic people of all ages and a variety of disabilities. In the morning all participants were given the opportunity to try indoor rowing and water based rowing in a range of fixed and sliding seat boats. This ensured that all disabilities were catered for, giving all participants a great taste of Rowing at one of the UK’s most renowned Rowing venues. The afternoon session involved a wide range of speakers including Rio 2016 Paralympic Gold medallists Rachel Morris and Oliver James, who both told the crowd of their incredible Paralympic journeys and what the sport has given to them from not just a success point of view but also through a social and health perspective, demonstrating the value of Rowing on their wider lives. The third speaker was five-time Paralympian thrower John Harris who competed at the games from 1980 – 1996. He is someone who has really seen the Paralympic movement evolve into what it is today and gave us some wonderful anecdotes. He really emphasised the power of sport to empower all people from all backgrounds and was a truly inspirational speaker. Everyone who took part was advised which rowing club to join after their first rowing taster event. Many participants also had a wider group of friends who they felt would have been interested in finding out more and trying Rowing but were unable to attend on this specific day. The benefits of Rowing and the wider context of disability sport was clearly communicated to all and it is hoped that this inspiring day will produce future champions. Photos of the party: http://pararowingparty.eu/en/
FRENCH PARTY The Pararowing village was located in Gravelines, north of France, near the regatta field, where the french championships took place. Everybody could learn about rowing and disability though 4 activities and win small presents (pens, scarf, keyholders, waterbottles, glasses, shopping bags). Visitors were welcomed by comedians, who had the mission to make people feel easy with disabled people. Two activities aimed at discovering the ergs (rowing machines). o Stand 1: Holodia : it was the opportunity to discover the rowing machine in a different way. Thanks to a helmet of virtual reality, everybody could have the impression to row in three differents environnments, amazing.
4 o Stand 2 : Races enabled each participant to challenge others during one minute. The software Venue Race allowed competitors to see their position in the race. A funny way to spent calories with family and friends. Also races with Italian and British Rowing was organised in streaming. The French Paralympians Guylaine Marchand, Antoine Jesel et Robin Le Barreau, took part and France won the first race. The other two activities had the aim to make people think about how it is to row with a disability. o Stand 3 : Participants had to row on erg with one arm only, or one leg, without the upper body, with arms and shoulders only, with dark glasses. They could also eat small pieces of food with closed eyes and try to find what it was (salted, sweet, chunky, smooth, …). o Stand 4 : A digital quiz was used to test knowledge on health and handicap. Each question led to discussions about the subject, to learn in a funny way.
Two workshops were held, in order to show that rowing is good for the health and social life of disabled people. o Workshop 1 : Integration of disabled peope in rowing clubs. Animators : coaches and presidents of rowing clubs. Support : video (http://dai.ly/x4shh68) 3 clips have been realised for the occasion : - Installation of an adaptive rowing seat (link) - Installation of a rower in an adaptive boat (link) - Installation of a rower in an adaptive boat with fixed seat (link) Clubs participating in the call for project received these videos too. o Workshop 2 : « Benefits from rowing for disabled people’s health». The discussion has been led by a psychomotor therapist and the man who is in charge of health department . Support : video : (http://dai.ly/x4dvwso)
The highlight of the day was the participation of rowers from the national team, who were back from Rio. They signed postcards and posters, talked to participants from their paralympic experience, and took part to workshops and activities.
The Pararowing Party took also place in 5 clubs (Athletic Club de Boulogne-Billancourt, Association Nautique Avon-Fontainebleau, Association Sportive Corbeil-Essonne, Aviron Sedanais, Aviron Seynois). They organised a « open day » for disabled people (physically and intellectually) and people who wanted to experiment pararowing. Qualified trainers were in charge of the activities. In order to manage their « Party » , clubs mentionned above received
- 1 banner - 1 flyer beach - goodies for all participants - T-shirts for the volunteers - 1 adaptive seat for ergs, lent by the federation - videos (see above)
L’Aviron Seynois offered activities on ergs and on rowing boats. Two representatives of the city came to cheer up participants and talk with them. Volunteers could also explain them about the pararowing development programm.
L’Aviron Sedanais enabled mixed pratice: able bodies people could row with disabled people. A blind rower of the club spent a lot of time to discuss with parents and participants.
L’Athletic Club de Boulogne-Billancourt welcomed about 30 people who could benefit from all the installations of the nautic center. They could discover ergs, long boats on the Seine river and individual boat
5 on a closed area. Everybody enjoyed this day and some of the participants seemed to be interested to practice rowing regularly.
All the parties registered a high level of participation from both disabled and not and this was very important so disabled young people participated in sport activities with family and friends and had to chance to know new people and experience pararowing together in a party mood. All the expected results of the parties were beyond than achieved. Participation, interest in practical activities and in the seminars/conferences demonstrated how disabled young people if well stimulated can get out from their houses, meet new people and practice some sport with consequent psychological and physical benefits for their lives.
Photos of the party: http://pararowingparty.eu/fr/
LIVE STREAMING RACES At 12.15 Italian time, athletes of the 3 Federations competed on rowing machines connected in streaming for a EU competition. The competition involved LTA and AS categories and the Italian, British and French champions. The rowers, connected remotely via the Concept2 program, have created an intense race. The race was broadcasted on big screens in the different countries to allow the audience to follow and cheer up for their favourite champions. The first manche involved the LTA athletes. Italy was represented by Paralympic athlete Matteo Cavagnini and 2008 Beijing Gold Medal, Daniele Signore. France won the race followed by Daniele Signore. Then, AS rowers competed and Italy won the first two places of the podium thanks to Roberto Brunelli and to Eleonora De Paolis. Third place for the Great Britain. The third and last race saw the participation of able-bodied athletes and once again Italians won thanks to the Olympic champion Luca Ghezzi followed by Andrea Benecchi.
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