Adaptive rowers primed for Paralympic Games as regatta course gets ready in Shunyi

Source: Xinhua | 09-07-2008 20:12

BEIJING, Sept. 7 (Xinhua) -- A total of 96 adaptive rowers have moved into the final assault for the Paralympic Games at north Beijing's Shunyi Olympic Rowing and Canoe Park where the Beijing Olympic rowers stirred up the waters just a couple of weeks ago.

There is an added air of anticipation as this is the first appearance of adaptive rowing at the Paralympic Games.

"It is special for the rowers to participate in this level and especially when the event is making its first appearance in the Paralympics, all the athletes are hoping to make mark with their very first step," said Canadian rower Steve Daniel while waiting for his training session on Sunday.

Alterations have been made to the Shunyi regatta course. The entrance to the boat bays have been fitted with more suitable ramps and similarly the launching docks are designed for easy wheelchair access.

There is a large tent by the docks to store the athletes' aids, crutches, wheelchairs and the like. Toilets and showers are available to cater for wheelchairs.

All of the boats are supplied by the Federation Internationale des Societes D'Aviron (FISA) to ensure same standard with athletes able to add their own riggers and shoes.

"When the park was in process of mapping and construction, the designers have already included the special need of hosting a Paralympic event," Wu Qiang, one of the chief organizers of the rowing event, told Xinhua on Sunday. "So it is much easier for the venue to be transformed."

Racing will take place in four events, namely arms men's single (AM1x), arms women's single (AW1x), trunk, arms mixed double (TA2x)and the legs, trunk, arms mixed coxed four (LTAMx4+).

Six countries, including the United States, Israel, Britain, China, Canada and Brazil, have qualified to race in all four events.