Annamarie Phelps appointed Vice-Chairman of British Paralympic Committee

The British Paralympic Association has announced today that Annamarie Phelps, Chairman of British Rowing, has been appointed as Vice-Chairman of the British Paralympic Committee. 

Annamarie was first elected to the BPA board in November 2008, and took over as Chairman of British Rowing in February this year.

The news coincides with the announcement that British Rowing will re-brand its rowing programme for disabled people, which from 1st April will be known as ‘Rowability’.

Previously ‘Adaptive Rowing’, Rowability removes the barriers in our sport for anyone who has a physical, sensory or learning impairment.

Ever since the first rowing club for people with disabilities was affiliated to British Rowing in 1998 the sport has continued to grow, and there is now a thriving community of rowers competing and rowing for leisure both on and off the water.

Advances in the equipment and facilities available for rowers disabilities has meant that rowing is truly becoming a sport for all, and the success of the GB Rowing Team’s Paralympians in 2008 and 2012 has helped to highlight how accessible rowing has become.

The re-branding brings Rowing in line with other sports including sailing (‘Sailability’) and canoeing (‘Paddleability’). Internationally, rowing and sculling for disabled athletes will now be known as Para-rowing.

“The Paralympic Games in London were an inspiration to so many people with disabilities, and Rowing aims to build on the momentum created by 2012,” said Annamarie. “Rowability is one of the key areas in our new Whole Sport Plan, and we hope that it will attract even more people to try rowing.”

To find out more about Rowability and how you can get started, visit www.britishrowing.org/taking-part/rowability or contact [email protected] .