Rowing Ireland are delighted to share information about the first Mixed Ability Virtual Rowing Festival! Join IMAS for their virtual Rowing Festival taking place 20-22 of April.

Read all about it below:

All rowing clubs, coaches and rowers are welcome at the festival. You do not have to have a Mixed Ability or disability squad already in place – if you’re keen to get started or even just want to find out more about what is possible, then these workshops are for you! 

About Mixed Ability Rowing

Mixed Ability is an innovative approach to breaking down barriers to participation in mainstream sports. The Mixed Ability Model differs from disability-specific activities or provision as it includes people facing a whole range of barriers to participation, including physical and learning disabilities, physical and mental health conditions, age-related barriers, low confidence, and many other personal circumstances. It offers an alternative approach to those who may not feel that adaptive rowing is for them, and/or do not want to follow elite-level (e.g. Paralympic) pathways. Watch this video to find out how Mixed Ability has transformed Bradford Amateur Rowing Club: https://youtu.be/6znAf6KuJis

About the Virtual Rowing Festival

During our Virtual Rowing Festival, we will be offering the following free workshops for clubs, coaches and rowers who are interested in finding out more about the benefits of Mixed Ability Rowing:

All in the Same Boat: Introduction to Mixed Ability Rowing
Tuesday 20 April, 17.00 – 18.30 UK time via Zoom.

  • Keynote speech by IMAS ambassador Annamarie Phelps CBE OLY
  • Introduction to Mixed Ability
  • Case study research presented by Dr Jen Dyer, University of Leeds
  • Q&A

Top Tips WorkshopThursday 22 April, 17.00 – 18.30 UK time via Zoom.

  • Getting started
  • Safeguarding
  • Access
  • Equipment
  • Funding
  • IMAS Certification/Accreditation pathways

There will also be the option to take part in our inclusive virtual regatta, with prizes available for inclusive approaches. Clubs and coaches can also book a free drop-in session with a member of the IMAS team to discuss how Mixed Ability could work in their specific setting.

Free festival tickets can be booked via our Eventbrite page: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/141972007095. Links to the specific workshops will be sent out via email prior to the event.

Free drop-in sessions for clubs and coaches can be booked here: https://mixedabilitysports.simplybook.it/v2/#book.

If you have any questions or would like to find out more, please do get in touch with me at i.trinder@mixedabilitysports.org or 07704412940.