The Invictus Games 2018 Sydney: The Indoor Rowing team gets an introduction to the Rowing NSW 'barge'

Published Wed 15 Aug 2018

Monday 13th August 2018

Rowing NSW, along with Rowing Australia, was lucky to spend Monday morning hosting athletes from the Australian Invictus Games 2018 Indoor Rowing team at the Sydney International Regatta Centre as they tested their skills in an on water rowing session. The session was an opportunity for the athletes to get on board the Rowing NSW ‘barge’ and learn some of the finer skills of rowing as well as rub shoulders with members of the Australian Para PR3 4+ and PR1 1x team. This was one of the rare opportunities for the Australian Invictus Indoor Rowing Team to soak up information and advice from the Australian Team before they take off for World Championships in Plovdiv, Bulgaria later this week. 

The Invictus Games showcase event of Indoor Rowing is a sport of endurance, power and speed with athletes competing in either a 4 minute endurance race or 1 minute individual sprint race, or both, where they are measured on the distance rowed in the designated time. Monday’s session was an opportunity for the Invictus athletes to apply the skills and techniques they have learnt on the rowing machine on the water. For some of the athletes it was the first time they have had the opportunity to get into a rowing boat and for others, it was a time to refresh their skills and enjoy a few laughs as they all get accustomed to the water, a different challenge from the stationary rowing they are used to. 

Following their time on the water, four-time World PR1 Rowing Champion Erik Horrie shared his personal story and some of the experiences he has faced as a para athlete and the role which sport has played in his life. 
 
The Australian Invictus Indoor Rowing team is made up of 17 men and women who have sacrificed so much for their country, with the Invictus Games 2018 giving these athletes the chance to showcase their skills, grit and determination to succeed and represent their country again – this time in the sporting arena. The word ‘Invictus’ is Latin for ‘unconquered’ and embodies the fighting spirit of our wounded, injured and ill servicemen and women. The Invictus Games use the healing power of sport to inspire recovery, support rehabilitation and celebrate the crucial role played by family and friends. 

The Invictus Games 2018 Sydney will be held from 20 - 27 October 2018 with the Indoor Rowing Competition occurring Monday 22nd October at Sydney Olympic Park with 18 nations competing in the event. 

For more information on the Games and how to get your tickets to cheer on the Australian team, head to www.invictusgames2018.org

The Invictus Games 2018 Fun Facts 

  1. Invictus Games competitors are categorised depending on their level of impairment.
  2. Indoor Rowing has six categories: IR6 (Open – very little physical impairment) through to IR1 (triple and quadruple amputees).
  3. Australia has 11 Men competing in IR6 to IR4 categories, 6 Women competing in IR6 and IR5 categories.
  4. The Invictus Games 2018 hosts 500 competitors from 18 nations across 11 different sports