Adaptive rowers swap River Avon for River Po!
Stratford upon Avon BC’s adaptive squad made enjoyed great success on its third visit to the international event in Turin, Italy at the start of October
In a combination team with Glasgow RC, the squad won the trophy for the Best Club over the two days of racing.
The Turin regatta, organised by Canottieri Armida, and entitled ‘Rowing for Los Angeles – Paralympic Games 2028’ is designed to be as inclusive as possible and included pararowing, mixed ability (able-bodied and impaired athletes racing together) and special Olympic type events.
Adaptive crew on landing stage
Stratford’s rowers competed in the para and mixed ability events. The team was full of new competitors, but , this did not stop them winning medals throughout the weekend. Highlights were Gillian Middleton’s gold on Saturday in a Mixed Ability Double and Ricky Clutterbuck’s win in a similar boat on the Sunday. Ricky, in his first regatta anywhere, took home four medals altogether.
Commenting, Stratford’s Head Adaptive Coach Mark Dewdney said, “It’s a great event – the best bit being the smiles of those competing! Winning the Trophy was a bonus, and given the inexperience of the squad, this was an outstanding result. Stratford’s adaptive section is nearly 10 years old now and this kind of success reflects the knowledge we have gained over that period: a nice way to end the year. ”
Stratford’s Curtis Dickens, who is on the Paralympic pathway, will be attending a GB camp this coming weekend. He has already been invited to GB Trials in early November.
The next major event for the rest of the adaptive squad is the British Indoor Rowing Championships in December. These offer adaptive and Para events over 2,000m, 4 minutes and 1 minute for athletes with Para and IAR 17-7 7 classifications.
