BAYADA Regatta

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Learn about adaptive rowing and participate in the BAYADA Regatta We hope you will join us in this long-lasting tradition!

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.

09/25/2026

An important update for our BAYADA community: Due to forecasted weather conditions, the 43rd Annual BAYADA Regatta scheduled for Sunday, September 27 has been canceled and will not be rescheduled for 2026.
While we’re disappointed we won’t be together on the river this year, the safety of our athletes, volunteers, attendees, and staff comes first.
For more than four decades, the BAYADA Regatta has brought our community together to celebrate perseverance, teamwork, and service—and that spirit extends far beyond a single day.
Thank you to every rower, volunteer, organizer, sponsor, and supporter who helped prepare for this year’s event and continues to make this tradition so meaningful. ❤️
We look forward to coming together again in the future.

An important update for our BAYADA community: Due to forecasted weather conditions, the 43rd Annual BAYADA Regatta scheduled for Sunday, September 27 has been canceled and will not be rescheduled for 2026.

While we’re disappointed we won’t be together on the river this year, the safety of our athletes, volunteers, attendees, and staff comes first.

For more than four decades, the BAYADA Regatta has brought our community together to celebrate perseverance, teamwork, and service—and that spirit extends far beyond a single day.

Thank you to every rower, volunteer, organizer, sponsor, and supporter who helped prepare for this year’s event and continues to make this tradition so meaningful. ❤️

We look forward to coming together again in the future.

09/21/2026

09/10/2026

As we prepare for the 43rd Annual BAYADA Regatta, we're spotlighting the rowers ready to race down the Cooper River.

Meet Carlos Santory. Before joining the Philadelphia Fire Department six years ago, Carlos served as a combat medic in the US Army. In 2025, he was hit by a car, an accident that led to the amputation of his left leg. Recovery was painful, and Carlos took it one day at a time. His occupational therapist encouraged him to try adaptive sports, which led him to the Philadelphia Adaptive Rowing club, and a new passion was born.

Today, Carlos is back on the job and out on the Schuylkill River, rowing regularly with his club. We're inspired by Carlos' strength and determination.

Cheer on Carlos and all the other rowers on Sunday, September 27, 2026 at 9am-3pm at the Camden County Boathouse in Pennsauken, NJ. 🚣

Learn more here: bhhc.co/4xLDL4I

09/15/2025

Thank you to everyone who joined and supported the 2025 BAYADA Regatta! Whether you were racing, cheering from the sidelines, or volunteering behind the scenes, your energy and enthusiasm made this event truly special. Together, we celebrated the incredible power of adaptive sports and the strength of our community. We can’t wait to see you all on the water again next year! ❤️

09/12/2025

“I look forward to the BAYADA Regatta every year—it’s my summer getaway before fall semester kicks in. Someday, I’d love to represent the U.S. or Nigeria at the Paralympics.” – Dammie Onafeko

Since 2014, this Howard University PhD student has dominated the Single PR3-VI. Will his “Blind Magic” take gold again in 2025? 🏅

📍 Cheer on Dammie and all the rowers tomorrow, September 13, 2025 at 9 AM | Camden County Boathouse

Check out this CBS News feature on the BAYADA Regatta and the athletes who inspire us every year. https://www.cbsnews.com/.../bayada-regatta-nj-cooper-river/

09/11/2025

“Competing here is so much fun—you don’t feel like a second-class citizen. This regatta is for you.” – Nancy

At 72, Nancy has been legally blind since birth, but that’s never stopped her. Through Western Pennsylvania BOLD and Three Rivers Rowing Association, she found her passion for rowing.

Since 2012, she’s competed at the BAYADA Regatta, earning medals, friendships, and admiration from her team.

Cheer on Nancy and all the athletes on September 13, 2025, at the Camden County Boathouse in Pennsauken, NJ.

🔗 https://bhhc.co/4cwy3Zy

09/08/2025

“I’ve never been in such good health—mentally or physically. I had PTSD from my accident, but rowing has improved my memory and mood. From the first time I went to the BAYADA Regatta, I’ve been hooked ever since. This is hands-down my favorite regatta, and I’m blessed to be able to do it.” – Joel, BAYADA Regatta Rower

After sustaining multiple traumatic injuries in a car accident and spending years on the couch, Joel discovered Brooks Adaptive Sports. He took a Learn to Row class at an able-bodied club and continues to train with Brooks Adaptive today. Joel’s story reminds us that with determination, you can thrive.

Cheer on Joel and other rowers at the BAYADA Regatta on September 13, 2025, at Camden County Boathouse in Pennsauken, NJ.

🔗 bhhc.co/45EUlYn

08/28/2025

Our BAYADA Regatta is an inspiring community event that supports athletes with disabilities, rooted in our mission to help people live safely at home with comfort, independence, and dignity. As we celebrate the 42nd Regatta, we invite all employees, families, clients, and community members to join our cheering crew on Saturday, September 13, 2025, at the Camden County Boathouse to support the rowers. 🚣‍♀️

Check out this throwback footage of BAYADA Founder Mark Baiada, and learn more about the Regatta here: bhhc.co/45EUlYn

09/05/2024

06/19/2024

The BAYADA Regatta will be launching a new and improved website around June 21st so be on the lookout!

In the meantime, you can access the direct link to registration here:

PLEASE NOTE! REGISTRATION IS CLOSING ON SATURDAY AUGUST 24th Please complete the form below if you are a volunteer, rower, or general helper for the 40th Anniversary of the BAYADA regatta! ALL members of your club including rowers, rowing partners, coaches, helpers, etc. MUST register here in order....

Address

2200 Kelly Drive
Philadelphia, PA
19130

Website

http://www.bayada.com/regatta

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