Creating a high performance para-rowing programme in the USA: From the geography of the land to the generosity of the spirit (and everything in between)

Campbell, Natalie ORCID: 0000-0003-3859-6607 (2016) Creating a high performance para-rowing programme in the USA: From the geography of the land to the generosity of the spirit (and everything in between). In: High performance disability sport coaching. Routledge, pp. 24-44. ISBN 9781138860360

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Text (Routledge permission to seek 22 Feb 2018) Chapter 2 Creating a high performance para rowing programme in the USA.pdf - Accepted Version Available under License All Rights Reserved. Download (326kB) | Preview

Abstract

This chapter explores the past, present and projected considerations of the sport of adaptive rowing in the United States of America. Guided by reflections from Thomas Darling, High Performance Director for US Para-rowing, the sport is considered historically, culturally, politically and socially in regards to the specific accompanying opportunities and challenges identified. With the sport being showcased at the 2008 Paralympic Games, the development of Para-rowing within the US is in its embryonic stages. The chapter highlights the difficulties faced when developing an elite Paralympic sports programme in a country of such vast geographical space with limited existing coach education and sparse avenues for financial investment. Acknowledging that the USA is a nation galvanised by professional sports, and that Paralympic sport is afforded minimal media coverage, the difficulties of strategically constructing a pathway from grass-roots participation through to high performance disability sport are salient. However, Darling considers the future of Para-rowing to be promising. Focusing specifically on progressive avenues for Paralympic talent identification, the investment in coach education and the strengthening of associations with US military organisations, this case study unpacks the methods in which community, resourcefulness and leadership are inspiring and driving the growth of Para-rowing in the USA.

Item Type:	Book Section
Additional Information:	Chapter 2
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation Leisure > GV557 Sports > GV0711 Coaching G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GV Recreation Leisure > GV557 Sports
Divisions:	Schools and Research Institutes > School of Education and Science
Research Priority Areas:	Health, Life Sciences, Sport and Wellbeing
Depositing User:	Anne Pengelly
Date Deposited:	19 Jul 2017 12:54
Last Modified:	31 Aug 2023 09:09
URI:	https://eprints.glos.ac.uk/id/eprint/4787

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