January 8, 2010 News British Rowing NewsBritish Rowing EventsRowing CommunityGB Rowing TeamIndoor RowingRowing & RegattaPartners#YourStoriesArchive Devon Adaptive Rowing Project Continues to Grow Rowing Community The Devon Adaptive Rowing Project has recently completed its second term and is continuing to grow, with increasing numbers of young people taking part. The project has been funded by four of the School Sports Partnerships (SSPs) in Devon along with British Rowing, Sport England, the West Regional Rowing Council, Active Devon and the English Federation of Disability Sport. It aims to build upon the existing adaptive rowing opportunities and to provide adaptive rowing opportunities where none currently exist in Devon. The project is being led by British Rowing Community Sports Coach Paul Johnson who is working with the schools of the funding SSPs to deliver indoor rowing to pupils with special educational needs. So far the feedback from the SSPs and schools involved has been extremely positive.ADVERT Katy Wedgwood, the special schools PE Coordinator for the Sir John Hunt SSP in Plymouth says: “Paul has made a huge impact on the children that he works with and has built very good relationships with both children and staff. I have had contact with many coaches over the years and he is one of the best I have had the pleasure of working with. He delivers sessions appropriately and with enthusiasm, supports children with all needs and has a willingness to participate in anything that is asked of him above and beyond the ‘rowing’ call of duty!! (including the Woodlands School Christmas play)!!” As the Devon Adaptive Rowing Project moves forward, the next steps will be to educate school staff to use the indoor rowing machines safely and effectively, allowing the indoor rowing programme to become self sustaining. This will mean more time can be devoted to developing an adaptive competition framework and on-water opportunities in the spring and summer terms. Report from Tom Pattichis British Rowing West Region Team Leader ADVERT