NEWS AFFECTING VISUALLY IMPARED COSTAL ROWERS COMPETING IN BEACH SPRINTS

Please listen or read the below information regarding costal rowers competing in beach sprints

Important news affecting visually impaired coastal rowers competing in beach sprints. Please listen to the full content of this post.

At the Para Rowing Foundation, our priority is always the para athletes we serve, across all classifications and disciplines.

We want to make athletes aware of a recent development: a draft bylaw introduced by World Rowing in March 2025 that changes eligibility criteria for PR3 athletes in Beach Sprints, coastal rowing. Under this draft change, only athletes with physical impairments (PR3 P.I.) are currently eligible to compete. This means that PR3 athletes with visual impairments (V.I.), who have previously competed successfully and safely in coastal events, are no longer included.

Our role is to make sure athletes have access to the information they need and feel supported if they are affected.

If you are a V.I. rower, or know someone who is, and you believe this may impact your eligibility, we encourage you to contact your National Governing Body for clarification. If you need help navigating this issue or want to talk, PRF is here for you.

We believe:

1. Athletes deserve timely, transparent communication.

2. Inclusion means actively choosing to offer rowing to as many people as possible, not looking for reasons to exclude.

3. Every athlete should have a voice in shaping the future of their sport.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out. The more we share this message, the more V.I. athletes can stay informed, connected and empowered.