Our Goal: Back to Back wins at the Head of the Charles
In 2013, we took the first Australian LTA (Legs, Trunk and Arms) Para Rowing crew to compete in the Head of the Charles Regatta. In an unprecedented success story for Para Rowing in Australia, our crew travelled half-way around the world and won their event in an almost record time, beating other international representative crews in the process.
But we weren't finished there.
After our success in 2013, we want to go back and defend our title - hopefully winning back to back wins, and taking a shot at the course record in the process. We're coming back with a mix of new and returning rowers, all of whom have come together with the goal of going 'back to back' in Boston.
Rowing has given many of these Para- Rowers a new purpose or direction in their lives. They have overcome their disabilities and inspired others by their courage and determination. This project gives LTA rowers the opportunity to compete at an international regatta, taking their rowing to the next level.
However, as well as their training, and the challenges of their race, the crew faces an almighty challenge: To raise $35,000 to cover the costs of the crew’s travel and accommodation, regatta entry fees, boat hire fee and team uniforms.
But that's where you can help.
What We Need & What You Get
Coming from all over Australia, the crew are training both in their home clubs and coming together for a series of training camps in Sydney. In addition, the crew will travel to Boston, need to hire a boat and oars, pay regatta entry fees, and purchase uniforms and other material.
Conservatively, the total costs will be at least $35,000.
However, the crew has been active in their fundraising. Over $6,000 has been raised to date with the bulk of our fundraising activity occurring over the next few months, of which our indiegogo campaign will be a crucial component (though by no means the only fundraising going on!). Any amount donated will help to reduce (and hopefully eliminate) the costs to the athletes (the coaches will be paying for their travel) so they can get on and focus on their training.
The crew is incredibly appreciative of any support they receive, which will help them to achieve their goal!
The Impact
After last year's win, para-rowing has experienced a huge boom in NSW and in Australia, which has led to increased competition, focus, and, most importantly, wider support and participation for more para athletes.
Bringing home a 'back-to-back' win would help to cement Australia's place on the international stage following on from an incredibly successful 2014 International Para-Rowing Regatta in which Australia was the most successful team.
Beyond the incredible impact upon the crew directly, your support will help our program to bring forward the next generation of para rowing athletes and, more broadly, increase participation, support, and the standard of para rowing across Australia.
Risks & Challenges
What are the risks?
Rowing is inherently an expensive sport, but as a community club in the heart of Balmain, NSW, Balmain Rowing Club has always sought to provide access to rowing for all members of the community. Balmain's Para Rowing Program continues this vision for para athletes but we rely upon your support to for our program to continue.
If we don't reach our fundraising goals, our crew may not have the money to make it to Boston to compete, and the worst result for the crew would be not even making it to the start line.
Another risk is that we go over and get beaten - but don't worry: our athletes and coaches are doing everything to prepare the crew and collectively our program has won 7 Australian Titles and 3 silver medals at the national level in the last 4 years, 6 State Championships, 8 silver medals and 4 bronze medals at the state level.
And we will be doing everything possible to prepare our crew for their race.
Other Ways You Can Help
