The first BAYADA Regatta took place in the summer of 1981 on the banks of the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia, PA, where the race is still held today. The BAYADA Regatta was the first regatta to focus solely on adaptive rowing, and it’s open to athletes with physical disabilities from around the globe. In 1981, Mark Baiada, founder and president of BAYADA Home Health Care, began attending Philadelphia Adaptive Rowing (PAR) meetings and was inspired by the courage and fearlessness that the rowers displayed. As his relationship with the club developed, he decided that BAYADA would sponsor the annual regatta that PAR hosts. More than 30 years later, the BAYADA Regatta has grown steadily, becoming one of the largest all-adaptive rowing events in the world. Competitors from across the country—and as far away as Europe and Africa—have come to Philadelphia to compete in various adaptive rowing events. Using single and double Alden Ocean Shells that have been adapted for stability, athletes train throughout the year to prepare for this special event. The participating athletes may have a number of physical disabilities, including blindness, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, spina bifida, paraplegia, or quadriplegia. The BAYADA Regatta accommodates all levels of athletes and abilities, from beginners to Paralympians. Rowers are classified according to standards developed by the International Rowing Federation (FISA). Open to the public, the event is free and staffed by volunteers. Come support our rowers and witness Freedom on the river.
