Boost as Mtwapa Club gets new modern boat for Para-rowing

The move is expected to boost participation and improve the performance of athletes living with disabilities who are making waves in the emerging water sport.

FullCircle’s athlete Harison Tsuma welcomed the donation, noting that access to modern equipment will allow players to train more frequently and raise the level of competition.

“We’re happy to have a new boat, but we need more,” Tsuma said. “Sometimes we wait too long to train, but with more modern boats, we’ll improve efficiency and competitiveness.”

Club coach Miriam Nadwa, who also serves as a member of Para Rowing Kenya, emphasized the financial demands of the sport, calling for greater support from stakeholders.

“Rowing is expensive,” she explained. “Each athlete needs a team of over eight people, including coaches and two or three motorboats. We urge more partners to come on board and help us sustain training sessions, which require funding daily.”

Nadwa admitted that growth has been gradual, with only ten registered players at FullCircle Club. However, she remains optimistic that increased awareness and inclusive programs will attract more persons with disabilities to the sport.

“Many are still hesitant or afraid of rowing, but through more engaging sessions, we believe we’ll soon see bigger numbers,” she said.

Elsewhere, following last month’s tragic boat accident at Tudor Water Sports in Mombasa during the East African Ocean Festival — which claimed three lives — the Kenya Rowing Federation has emphasized the importance of safety on the water.

Federation president Richard Olakhi urged all event organizers to strictly follow safety protocols.

“We’re very keen on safety,” Olakhi said. “What happened at Tudor was tragic, and we urge all organizers of boat races to fully adhere to safety rules and regulations.”