The Jamaica Rowing Federation (JRF) has confirmed a two-member team to participate in the 2016 Olympic Rowing Qualification Regatta of the Americas, scheduled for March 22-24 in Curauma, Valpariso, Chile.

Michelle Broomfield and Otis Harvey departed the island last Friday for a related development camp, which began last Saturday and will coincide with the duration of the Qualification Regatta – the three-day qualifying event.

Both Broomfield and Harvey have experience in competitive rowing as they have participated in the regional development camps and regattas last year. This will undoubtedly be utilised as they aim to qualify for the Olympics in Rio, Brazil, this summer.

Another key element of their preparation is the input and technical guidance of Ian Shore from the World Rowing Federation (WRF), who has been working with the team to improve their chances to qualify.

Shore’s visit to Jamaica has demonstrated the support that the JRF has from the international organisation and the global endorsement of rowing in Jamaica. Shore, during his visit, has assisted the Jamaican team by assessing their training regime, preparing individualised training exercise, crafting a long-term developmental plan that will strengthen the Federation even after the Olympics.

This plan includes a proposed structure of operations that will further align the Federation to international standards, which involves the training of coaches, athletes and administrators.

Para-Olympic, will also benefit from this intervention as the Jamaica Olympic Association (JOA) has endorsed the joint training of the Para-Olympians and able- bodied rowers.

Both the Para-Olympic Association and the JRF have joined forces to make the sport of rowing more inclusive and make both organisations comprehensive in their approach to the development of the sport in Jamaica.