top of page
Search

PRESS RELEASE: PARA ROWING FOUNDATION APPOINTS KATHRYN ROSS AS NEW BOARD MEMBER

GLOBAL, 29 OCTOBER 2024 - Para Rowing Foundation (PRF), the pioneering non-profit organization that powers athletes with impairments worldwide to fulfill their true potential through rowing, has today announced the appointment of Kathryn Ross to its Board with immediate effect. Based in Canberra Australia, she will report to Executive Chair of the Board Steven Dowd. 


Kathryn’s stellar rowing career spans nearly two decades. She is a four-time world champion who has participated at four Paralympic Games (Beijing 2008, London 2012, Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2021) since rowing was introduced in 2008 and won the first medal for her nation, taking home a silver medal in Beijing in 2008. Since then, she has won multiple world championship medals, including three consecutive gold medals in the PR2 category of mixed double sculls, a gold medal and world record in the singles sculls. Kathryn currently holds multiple world and national records on and off the water.


Outside of rowing, Kathryn is a registered nurse, working in multiple sectors of emergency, metal health and suicide prevention. She is a passionate advocate for athlete wellbeing, serving on Rowing Australia’s Athlete Commission and Paralympics Australia’s broader community engagement sub-committee. Currently, she is a prominent member of the Disability Sports Australia Advisory Committee and actively supports the sub-committees for Boccia Australia. 


Kathryn Ross commented:

“I am deeply honored to join PRF’s Board - my passion for athlete development and community engagement fundamentally align with the foundation’s strategic plan. I wholeheartedly believe in its vision to expand access to para-rowing and create a more inclusive environment for athletes of all abilities. By leveraging my experience, I am committed to enhancing outreach initiatives which raise awareness about para-rowing opportunities. Additionally, I will advocate for resources and support that can benefit athletes. Together, we can drive meaningful change and empower more individuals to experience the transformative power of para-rowing for decades to come.”


- ENDS -


CONTACT:

Steven Dowd

Mobile: +44 (0)740 141 1704



NOTE TO EDITORS: 

  • Established in 2018 as a US-based non-profit organization supporting para rowers worldwide.

  • Since PRF’s launch, it has supported more than 200 international athletes (including the Paris 2024 Paralympics).

  • Athlete-focused and independent of any country or boathouse (work closely with many NGBs and World Rowing to achieve best outcomes for athletes).

  • Serves all athletes with impairments from all nations, across all levels from entry to elite/Paralympics.

  • PRF removes barriers and distractions to athlete’s focus by providing, facilitating or funding:

    • Holistic world-class training, e.g. 4 intensive training residentials in Portugal 2018-2024 and the USA in 2019 and 2023; 3,700 hours of coaching; collaborating with 58 coaches; directly engaging people from 26 countries on 6 continents.

    • Pro-sports psychology sessions for  over 80 hours 15 athletes.

    • Cash grants.

    • Helps to develop innovative equipment design and development, e.g. para seats and custom oars.

    • Athlete advocacy.

  • Further information can be found via https://www.pararowingfoundation.org/ 

Comments


bottom of page