Developing rowing machines in Africa

Developing rowing machines in Africa; that is the impetus behind the Openergo Project – producing rowing machines in the country that they will be used. Recently British rowing coach Jim Flood visited Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda to explore the opportunities to develop a basic ergometer that can be manufactured locally.




The idea, says Flood, is to use the ergometers to help in the development of rowing but also develop indoor rowing as a sport.



On his travels Flood saw that each country had its own approach to the sport. With a background in engineering Flood is well equipped to develop an ergometer that could be developed in the nations that he visited. “I've had a long involvement with appropriate technology projects,” says Flood. “The basis of this is only to introduce technologies that utilise local skills and materials and which will help to stimulate the local economy. It was obvious to me on my first visit to Uganda that the only way rowing would be sustainable was if most of the equipment could be made locally.”



As far as Flood is aware this is the first time a project like the Openergo Project has been done in the sport of rowing. “I have done some work for Water Aid and it is the basis upon which all their wells and pumps are made,” says Flood. “It is now the policy of the World Bank to fund mainly locally owned and maintained projects.”

THE REST OF THE STORY HERE: http://www.worldrowing.com/