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Click here to return to newsletter articles.IFI & Concept2 Adaptive Rowing Event
The IFI teamed up with Concept2 to deliver an exciting Internet Indoor Adaptive Rowing race. World Class GB adaptive rowing athletes raced each other over a 500m stretch. The athletes raced from across three different locations in the UK, Elmbrigde Xcel Leisure centre, Rushcliffe Arena Nottingham and the QEII conference centre in Westminster.
Delegates were able to watch the athlete’s progress throughout the race on a large television screen within the main exhibition room.
The race got off to a great start with Naomi taking the lead. Alastair and Alan came back halfway through the race and quickly caught Naomi. The delegates got right behind Naomi and her pacer Katie supporting them right to the finish line. Alan piped them to the post winning the event in a time of 1:40.02s with Alastair not far behind in 1:40.08s. Naomi came through with the encouragement of the crowd in 1:45s.
Concept2 representatives were on hand to discuss the technology used and how it can be utilized within the fitness suite. Shaun, Naomi and Katie-George were available throughout the day to answer any questions about adaptive rowing including questions on training, equipment, their accomplishments and their future goals.
The IFI would like to thank Concept2, the athletes, DC Leisure and British International Rowing for making this event possible.
For more information about the Concept2 and the technology used please contact Ben Addison on 0115 945 5522 (Textphone users add prefix 18001)
Adaptive Rowing Athlete Profiles
Shaun Sewell (QEII)
Shaun Sewell of Royal Docks Rowing Club recently won a bronze medal in the men’s arms only single scull, at the 2006 world rowing championships in Eton. Shaun has been rowing for two years and is coached by Simon Goodey, the inventor of the concept II Postural Support Seat. Shaun’s rowing successes include: winner of the 2006 Poplar International Regatta, gold medallist in the 2005 British Indoor Championships and a silver medal at the 2005 National Championships. Shaun once a keen body builder has a degree in psychology and regularly writes and performs poetry.
Naomi Riches (QEII)
Naomi Riches of Marlow RC, took up rowing in 2004 after attending an Amateur Rowing Association (ARA) awareness day at the London Docklands Regatta Centre. Naomi who is coached by Chad King, quickly took to the sport gaining her first gold medal at the 2004 World Championships in the LTA4+ boat class and then again the following year in Gifu, Japan. Naomi is a natural athlete and has competed at a high level in swimming, where at the age of 12 she was Junior National Disabled Swimming Champion. Naomi has a keen interest in art and design, gaining a degree in Jewellery and Metal Work Design.
Katie-George Dunlevy (QEII)
Katie-George like Naomi Riches, took up rowing after attending an ARA awareness day at London Docklands Regatta centre. Katie-George gained her first GB vest in 2004 going on to win gold in the LTA4+ boat class, at the World Championships in Banyoles. Along with her team mates Katie-George then went onto repeat this success the following year. Katie-George an accomplished athlete is no stranger to representing GB, where prior to rowing she competed at the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) European Championships in the 800m, long jump and javelin.
Alastair Mckean (Elmbridge)
Alastari Mckean of Herne Bay ARC started as a costal rower in 1994, competing in many domestic regattas. In 2001 Alastair moved to river rowing and then to adaptive rowing in 2004. In 2005, Alastair was part of the LTA mix4+ crew that won gold at the World Championships in Gifu, Japan. Alastair teaches Geography and History at Canterbury High School and has been involed in coaching rowing at The Kings School Canterbury since 2005.
Alan Crowther (Rushcliffe)
Alan of Nottingham Boat Club has been involed in the sport for many years. After a break, Alan rejoined the sport in 1999 re-establishing himself as a successful rower and sculler. In 2003 Alan won his first GB Vest winning gold in the LTA4+ at the World Championships in Milan. Alan has gone on to repeat this success winning gold medals in the LTA4 Mix+ in the 2004, 2005 and 2006 World Championships in Banyoles, Gifu and Eton. At the 2005 FISA World Masters in Strathclyde Alan won gold in the Veteran DM8+. Alan has also won senior 1 and 2, Henley and National ARA Veterans events.
