VOPs 2024

Inclusive Rowing for a Healthier Self and Society

“This project has been funded through the Voluntary Organisations Project Scheme managed by the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector supported by the Ministry for Inclusion and the Voluntary sector”. Action 4: Inclusion – Health and Disability

The overarching principle behind this project is the knowledge that on-water rowing, particular when practised on stable coastal rowing sliding-seat boats which are specifically designed to be rowed in the sea provide massive benefits to various types of end users who deserve to be empowered and supported to have a better, healthier and more enjoyable and fulfilling life.

Special populations this project will target, following medical/expert referral where applicable, include:

• Persons who have experienced substantial health and medical setbacks to support them in their life/recovery e.g. individuals with chronic conditions (e.g. diabetes); cancer survivors; individuals experiencing mental health problems – there is an extensive body of knowledge which suggests that rowing is highly beneficial for these individuals;
• Individuals who are overweight or obese, and are advised to start exercising: these may find this task practically impossible and research suggests that they tend to benefit mostly from low impact non-weight bearing exercise in a pleasurable environment where they are supported by others: proposed rowing on-water, practiced as a team is ideal for this;
• Individuals with physical impairments who wish to (or need to) become more active and be part/feel included within a mainstream vibrant sports community, with the focus being inclusion/friendships;
• Individuals with physical impairments who want to take up a sport to highest levels, train to perform and compete, including competitions at the highest levels such as international para regattas, international regattas which permit mixed crews (as was the case in the World Coastal Rowing Championships in 2023), World Championships and Paralympic Games.

The project aims to give these people the empowerment/help they need by:

• Providing the equipment that is needed for them to be able to do so: FISA-Standard coastal rowing boats that are know to be very versatile and usable in the sea for this purpose;
• Train ourselves both physically, technically and otherwise to run the project in the most professional manner;
• Provide end-users with our time, help and support by rowing with them, coaching them, keep them company and offering our friendship, as the need may be.

This will be complimented by educational initiatives, aimed at Club members, volunteers, prospective newcomers to our club and the community at large; Work with professionals in the voluntary/health/disability sectors to ensure that the service we offer is of the quality required and so that they can assist us in recruitment, and give us feedback to improve.

Albeit the different targeted end-users may have different goals and aspirations, all have one thing which unites them: they stand to benefit extensively if they join our proposed tailor-made programme, row on-water the open, in the company of others, in a safe yet meaningful manner. This, combined with their desire and willingness to change and embark on a programme that they would enjoy and do them good, will impart long-lasting benefits.

By working together, this project will convert these long-ignored lacunae in the health and disability sectors into an opportunity for growth and create something yielding long-term benefit to many.