Medals galore for Brits at Mixed Ability Regatta in Turin
Stratford-Upon-Avon BC had an incredibly successful trip to the large Mixed Ability Regatta in Turin, Italy
Stratford-Upon-Avon BC’s adaptive section made their fourth visit to the Mixed Ability Regatta in Turin, Italy. The team came home with a suitcase full of medals, including a superb number of golds. This year the team also included a para-rower from Glasgow RC and a volunteer support rower from Ross RC. The team comprised of nine athletes and eight supporters.
The two-day event in Turin event had para, neurodiverse, and mixed ability (impaired and mainstream athletes competing together) elements. There was five-abreast racing over 500m and 1000m courses on the Saturday and Sunday. An indoor weekday event was added for 2025 with entries from four countries. Stratford-Upon-Avon BC opted out of this in favour of training on the beautiful River Po.
Flying in on the Wednesday, Thursday and Friday saw morning practice and afternoon sightseeing; the 20C+ sunny weather being an added bonus. Every member of the Stratford-Upon-Avon BC team won at least one medal on each of the two days. The club did especially well in small boats. The Single Sculls and Double Sculls performed highly, benefiting from a surge of competitors racing across the country.
The stand-out performer was Katie Ash-Wilson, from Glasgow RC, winning three golds and two silvers. She was given the Outstanding Female Athlete Award for the event. Amputee Ricky Clutterbuck also won three golds. 13-year-old Edward Owen-Smith took home a complete set of medals.
Head coach Mark Dewdney commented, “It’s a great event. It’s enjoyable and competitive in lovely surroundings. Even this old man made a brief racing comeback to join the fun!
“The number of neurodiverse athletes from Italy, Spain. the UK and Ireland at this regatta is staggering, there were about 200 competing this year. The host club, Armida, has around 70 of its own neurodiverse athletes competing; we have a very long way to go. It could be a massive growth area for our sport, it just needs effort. If you want to see proper inclusion and integration, then come with us next year. The event is open to everyone willing to help and row with anyone. Our youngest competitor was 13, the oldest 66…me!”
“Stratford’s adaptive section is looking for good para athletes keen to go far in the sport. If that is you, and you live close enough, please go to the contact page on the club website and set the subject to ‘Adaptive.’ We will get in touch. We have kit, coaches and volunteers. We are ready willing and able to develop your talent.”
