The HOSR is proud to relay news from our good friends at the Philadelphia Gold Challenge Cup Foundation regarding the introduction of the Blackwall Duling Challenge, promoting U.S. para-rowing and highlighting the top male and female athletes as they vie for a prize purse. The Challenge is named in honor of Christopher Blackwall (former HOSR director) and Fred Duling, both of whom remain active volunteers with the HOSR and throughout the rowing community. Read more below about these extraordinary oarsmen and this fitting tribute to provide greater access to the sport and high-level competition.
Philadelphia Gold Challenge Cup Foundation Introduces the Blackwall Duling Challenge for Adaptive Rowing
Philadelphia, PA (May 14, 2019) – The Philadelphia Gold Challenge Cup Foundation announced the inaugural Blackwall Duling Challenge will be contested as part of its US and the World Sculling Competition on Saturday, October 26th at Cooper River Park, New Jersey.
The Blackwall Duling Challenge is intended to highlight and promote Adaptive Sculling in the United States. Prize money will be awarded to the top four American men and women para-scullers in PR1 (Arms and Shoulder only) event. In this inaugural year, the Blackwall Duling Challenge competitors will be invited based off their performance at Para Trials which are being held at Mercer Lake July 7-10, 2019.
“The Foundation’s mission includes advancing competitive sculling in the United States, bringing together top US and International athletes to compete in a series of sprint races. We are pleased to introduce and include Adaptive Rowing athletes to the competition,” shared Scot Fisher, Board Member of the Foundation. “Holding our event in New Jersey this year allows the Foundation to add more events focusing on awareness and inclusivity and we are excited to continue to thoughtfully add programming over the next few years.”
The Blackwall Duling Challenge is named to honor Christopher Blackwall and Fred Duling, two accomplished oarsmen who have been tremendously active in supporting and increasing awareness of Adaptive Rowing. Christopher Blackwall established the first US rowing club solely for persons with disabilities—Philadelphia Adaptive Rowing, that is part of the Pennsylvania Center for Adapted Sports. Fred Duling is a three-time US National Team member and competitive Masters rower. Fred experienced a significant spinal cord injury in 2010 that caused him to switch boats where he now rows an adaptive double purchased by his family. Chris and Fred have been active in the Philadelphia Boathouse Row community for many years.
“USRowing is excited about our PR1 (arms and shoulders) rowers racing in the in Blackwall Duling Challenge. Recognizing Christopher Blackwall and Fred Duling is especially meaningful given the contributions Chris and Fred make to the sport of Adaptive Rowing and all aspects of rowing in Philadelphia and internationally,” commented Tom Darling, Senior Director of USRowing Para Programs. “It is a fitting tribute to these men who have given so much of their lives to the betterment of our sport through their commitment, dedication, and service to others.”
Prize money of $5,000 will be awarded to each men’s and women’s Champion, $2,500 for second place; $1,500 for third place and $1,000 for fourth place.
Full rules and regulations are available on the Gold Cup website, www.thegoldcup.org