Istanbul, Türkiye – World Rowing, in collaboration with the Türkiye Rowing Federation, successfully hosted a self-funded World Rowing Para Level 1 Coaching Course from February 14 to February 20, 2024. The event was preceded by a one-day basic National Classification Workshop, marking a significant step in raising the standards of Para Rowing, national classifiers, and coaching across European Member Federations.
The programme was led by Rosie Mayglothling, World Rowing’s Head of Coach Education, and Chris Perry, Development Lead Expert for Asia. The course also coincided with the arrival of the Association’s new Head Coach – South African Olympian Jake Milton Green – who also took part and helped to facilitate activities.
The classification workshop, led by Roberto Nahon, focused on training potential national classifiers while also aiming to educate and encourage broader engagement in Para Rowing. Participants underwent assessment and evaluation sessions to ensure effective knowledge retention.
Following the workshop, the Para Level 1 Coaching Course was delivered by World Rowing Coach Educators Simon Goodey and Ella Willott. This in-depth course required participating coaches to complete an online learning courses prior to attending the in-person sessions in Istanbul.
The online curriculum included an anti-doping course by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and a safeguarding course by World Rowing. In order to receive their certificate of accreditation that participants will also have to show a First Aid certificate that was completed in their own time nationally.
The in-person training covered essential topics such as:
Venue Access Audit & Risk Assessment
Capsize & Recovery Exercises in a swimming pool, including assessments for certification
Para Warm-up static & dynamic stretching routines
Operation of an ergometer with a para-adaptive seat and a para-athlete
Rigging of a para boat
Water sessions, where participating coaches were assessed
The course was attended by 10 Turkish coaches and three medical practitioners. Additionally, coaches from Azerbaijan, Malta, and Switzerland participated, further contributing to the international development of Para Rowing.
During the course, a few Turkish and one Maltese participants took part in the parallel-running Virtual 2025 World Rowing Indoor Rowing World Championships, Presented by Concept 2. Yiğit Doğukan Bozkurt (TUR) became the World Champion in the 500 meters in the PR2 category. Read more here.
This initiative reflects World Rowing’s commitment to advancing Para Rowing through education, classification, and coaching development, ultimately fostering a more inclusive and skilled environment for para-athletes across Europe.
We thank the Türkiye Rowing Federation for their efforts in hosting this important opportunity for European Member Federations to advance the development of Para Rowing within their nation and in Europe.