We don’t adapt the person to the sport.

We adapt the sport to the person.

​

​

At Canottieri Armida, Para-rowing began in October 2001 with a group of visually impaired athletes.

Since then, the project has grown to involve children, youth, adults, and Masters athletes, establishing itself as a benchmark in the Italian Para-rowing community—accounting for more than half of all registered para-rowers in Italy.

​

Over the years, our journey has achieved major sporting milestones: over 20 national titles, a European Championship, a fifth-place finish at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, a World Indoor Rowing Championship title, five VIRTUS World Championship titles, and two "SPIRIT OF MIXED ABILITY SPORTS IN ROWING" trophies at the IMAS World Championships.

Our squad also takes part in events and regattas across Europe, including through the 8+ Open Mind—one of the experiences that best reflects our philosophy of rowing: together, without barriers, and celebrating everyone’s unique abilities.

​

An Activity for Everyone

To us, Para-rowing is not simply a sport designed for people with disabilities.

Above all, it is an approach to sports that places the individual at the center—their strengths, their aspirations, and their needs, which can evolve over time.

​

A disability can be permanent, temporary, or tied to a specific chapter in life. That is why our approach looks beyond medical certifications: we start with the person and build the most suitable path around them.

Our team welcomes people with physical, sensory, intellectual, and relational disabilities, as well as anyone navigating a phase in life where they need a more personalized physical activity program.

Some simply want to stay active, feel good, and have fun.

Some want to develop and sharpen their skills.

Some are looking for camaraderie and community.

Some want to challenge themselves and take on competitive sport.

​

Because of this, we offer a range of programs:

• Introduction to rowing, for beginners trying the sport for the first time

• Recreational and fitness activities, to enjoy movement in an engaging, positive setting

• Pre-competitive training, to progressively build skills and independence

• Competitive programs, for those who want to test themselves in racing

• Individual one-on-one sessions, whenever specialized care and tailored approaches are required

​

A Team of Professionals Around the Individual

Our work thrives on the collaboration of diverse skill sets.

Training sessions are led by Sports Science graduates, certified federation coaches, physiotherapy students and professionals, alongside other dedicated team members.

Each individual's journey also benefits from ongoing dialogue with healthcare professionals and the family members and caregivers who support the athlete in their everyday life.

The goal is to provide a safe, personalized, and well-rounded athletic experience—one that unlocks each person’s potential and supports them in reaching their personal goals.

​

Beyond Disability, Through Sport

Rowing opens the door to discovering new possibilities, building independence, setting personal benchmarks, and feeling a genuine sense of belonging.

​

For us, there is no single way to do Para-rowing.

There is only the way that best fits each individual, at that exact moment in their life.

​

Since 2001, at Canottieri Armida, we have made rowing an open, inclusive space designed to adapt to people—never the other way around.