Five Paralympians receive PRF grants to compete at HOCR

The Para Rowing Foundation has awarded grants to Paralympians Erin Kennedy (United Kingdom/Leander Club), Giedrė Rakauskaitė (United Kingdom/Worcester Rowing Club), Josh O’Brien (United Kingdom/Molesey Boat Club), Ollie Stanhope (United Kingdom/Molesey Boat Club) and Ellen Buttrick (United Kingdom/Leeds Rowing Club) allowing them to travel to and compete in the 2024 Head of the Charles Regatta on October 18-20.

“PRF supports all para athletes at all levels to train and compete,” said Steven Dowd, Chair of the Board of Directors. “We’re delighted to grant-fund five athletes to travel to the States to race in the world’s biggest rowing regatta this year. They are so excited! HOCR is such an iconic regatta. It’s on the bucket list of athletes around the world but costs to travel abroad are high. That presents a significant financial barrier. Through this grant we remove that barrier and open up the opportunity for international athletes’ inclusion in the racing.”

In 2023 PRF supplied four para rowers across all three PR classifications travel grants as well as non-financial assistance to compete at HOCR. The group represented four different nations. This year PRF has expanded to allow five rowers access to travel grants as well as connections with Boston based rowing clubs and equipment.

“This is amazing news! It means the world,” Giedrė Rakauskaitė, holder of two Paralympic gold medals, told PRF.

“A huge thank you for this generous grant,” added two-time Paralympic gold medalist Erin Kennedy. “I am so pleased. This is so exciting!”

PRF launched in 2018 and since then the nonprofit has supported over 200 athletes from 26 countries.

“This is the second consecutive year PRF have offered this grant making nine beneficiaries from four nations,” remarked Dowd. “Although, PRF Co-Founder, Marilyn Koblan, has sat on the HOCR Para Committee for four years, guiding the organization toward a more inclusive environment for racers. PRF is an independent, international and athlete-centered non-profit powering athletes around the world to fulfill their potential through rowing. We do this by creating inclusive opportunities and removing barriers to training and competition.”

The five athletes will be racing in the Mixed Para PR3 Fours at 3:41 p.m. EST on Saturday, October 19 at HOCR 2024.

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