Britain will be represented in all four boat classes at this summer’s Paralympics following British performances at the World Championships in Munich in 2007.

 

The squad includes current world champion Tom Aggar in the men’s arms only single scull and former world champion, Helene Raynsford in the women’s arms only single scull.

 

Aggar, a 24-year-old former rugby player, made an instant impact on his international debut at the 2007 World Championships winning gold and setting a world record in the process.

 

Meanwhile, Raynsford made history by becoming the first ever world champion in the women’s arms only event at the 2006 World Championships held at Eton, although has since had to deal with injuries and illness.

 

James Morgan has joined the leg, trunk and arms mixed coxed four since GB won a silver medal in this event at the 2007 World Championships – after previously winning three world golds. 

 

He has been selected for Beijing alongside 25 year-old Naomi Riches, who is the most experienced member of the crew, having been part of the squad for the last four consecutive world championships.

 

The crew also includes Farnborough’s Vicki Hansford, Kent’s Alastair McKean with able-bodied cox Alan Sherman completing the crew.

 

Swansea student James Roberts and Northern Ireland’s Karen Cromie take the final places, competing in the trunk and arms mixed double scull.

 

Louise Kingsley, GB Paralympic rowing team manager said: “Beijing, I’m sure, will be a significant challenge but we are well-prepared and recent training has gone well.  We very much look forward to joining the Paralympic Games family.”

 

ParalympicsGB Chief Executive Phil Lane said: “It’s fantastic to see rowing making its debut at the Paralympic Games. Britain has traditionally been a strong nation in rowing at the Olympics and I look forward to seeing Britain’s Paralympic rowers step up to the plate to continue Britain’s success in this sport.

 

“All these rowers have proved themselves to be top athletes on a world stage and therefore stand a good chance of medalling in Beijing.

 

"I would like to congratulate them on their achievements so far and welcome them to the ParalympicsGB team.”

 

The Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games opens on September 6 and closes on September 17.

 

The rowing events at the Games take place at the Shunyi Olympic Rowing Park with the heats scheduled for September 9, repecharges on September 10 and finals on September 11.