Founded in 1981 as the “Freedom on the River Regatta” by Philadelphia Adaptive Rowing (PAR), the BAYADA Regatta—as it is known today—is one of the largest and longest-running para rowing events in the world. The first BAYADA Regatta took place in the summer of 1983 on the banks of the Schuylkill River in Philadelphia, where the race is typically held. Today, the event takes place on the Cooper River in Pennsauken, New Jersey.

Founder and Chairman Mark Baiada began attending PAR meetings in 1981 and was inspired by the courage and enthusiasm of the rowers. As his relationship with the club developed, he offered to sponsor the annual competition. Since its inception, the BAYADA Regatta has been open to athletes with physical disabilities such as blindness, spina bifida, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, paraplegia, and quadriplegia.

The BAYADA Regatta was the first regatta to focus solely on para-rowing and is open to athletes with physical disabilities from around the globe. Using single and double para-rowing shells that have been adapted for stability, athletes train throughout the year to prepare for this special event. The regatta accommodates all levels and ages of athletes, from beginners to Paralympians, with rowers classified according to standards developed by the International Rowing Federation (FISA).