Rowing
National Opportunities:
Find a USRowing Club
Athletes Without Limits and USRowing support the identification and development of US rowers with intellectual impairments (Autism, Down Syndrome and Intellectual & Developmental Disabilities IDD) in mainstream rowing throughout the US. The USRowing website provides a list of rowing clubs by area. Interested athletes should register for a learn-to-row program at their local rowing club and inquire about the club’s adaptive program.
Note: The inclusive AWL DC Area Rowing club we helped manage from 2010-2022 has grown and expanded its scope and is now a separate organization focused on equity and inclusion in Rowing called Unity Boat Club. Â
Get Eligiblity for PR3-Intellectual Impairment Classification through Athletes Without Limits
 USRowing partners with Athletes Without Limits to manages the eligibility process for athletes looking to compete in the PR3 classes for Intellectual Impairments at USRowing events. National level eligibility should be completed to compete in the PR3 classes for intellectual impairment at USRowing competitions.
Apply for National Eligibility
International Opportunities:
Virtus Rowing Events as part of Athletes Without Limits US National Teams
Virtus (the international federation for para athletes with intellectual impairments) introduced indoor rowing (on ergometers) as a demonstration sport at the 2009 Global Games where US swimmer Gail Morning ranked in the top 12 on the 1,000m ergometer challenge. Since then the sport has grown to include on-water racing.
As the USA Member of Virtus, Athletes Without Limits organizes US National team trips to Virtus rowing events (including the Global Games every four years) based on athlete interest and trip viability. For the events below  (posted on our AWL National Calendar) rowers must meet Virtus International-level eligibility requirements.
Apply for Virtus International Eligibility
Athletes Without Limits National Team Trips to Virtus Events (for Athletes with Intellectual Impairment):
- 2026 Virtus Global Games Egypt (AWL National Team)
- 2025 Virtus Americas Regional Championship Peru (AWL National Team)
- 2023 Virtus Global Games France (AWL National Team)
- 2021 RowersChoice Global Challenge Para Regatta (Virtual)
- 2021 Virtus 35 Your Way Global Challenge (Virtual)
- 2019 Virtus (formerly Inas) Global Games Brisbane (AWL US National Team)
- 2019 Virtus (formerly Inas) Cyber Rowing Championships (Hosted by AWL)
- 2011 Virtus (formerly Inas) Global Games Indoor Rowing World Championships (Italy)
Please contact us if you have any questions about our role in supporting rowers with intellectual impairments including:
- USRowing eligibility for PR3 Classes for Intellectual Impairments or
- Athletes Without Limits Trips to Virtus Events for athletes with intellectual impairment.
For questions about physical or visual impairments refer to the USRowing Para Classification website for guidance.