The 132nd edition of the Independence Day Regatta will add two new events to its program this year: men's and women's fixed-seat adaptive singles.
These events are open only to adaptive rowers with a disability who meet the criteria set out in the FISA rowing classification regulations. The Independence Day Regatta fixed-seat adaptive singles races are intended for TA (Trunks & Arms) and AS (Arms and Shoulders) rowers.
"After watching the adaptive athletes compete at the 2011 Bayada Regatta, right here on the Schuylkill River, we wanted to give these athletes another opportunity to compete at a high level and also show the able-bodied athletes what the adaptive athletes are accomplishing," Independence Day Regatta director Clete Graham said. "Racing 1,000 meters on a fixed seat is grueling--any rower will tell you that!"
The 2012 Independence Day Regatta will be held Friday, June 29 through Sunday, July 1, and is part of the Philadelphia Classic Regatta Series. The Independence Day Regatta is one of the oldest and largest rowing regattas in the United States. It has been held continuously since 1880, when it was known as the People's Regatta. Last year, there were more than 2,000 competitors from 85 clubs, with 80 events and more than 250 races over three days.
Additional details on the Independence Day Regatta are available at BoathouseRow.org, and additional details about the new-fixed seat adaptive events are forthcoming. Please contact Graham at [email protected] for more information.