When it comes to the Paralympic Games, the UK has some of the best athletes in the world.

The Great British team walked away from the 2008 Beijing Games with 42 gold medals, placing them second in the table.

Two of these were for the growing sport of adaptive rowing, a discipline which is open to both physically and visually impaired athletes. Sportsmen and women compete in four separate categories on a 1,000-metre, straight, still water course.

In Beijing Tom Aggar won the gold for the Men's Arms Only Single Scull and Helene Raynsford finished top in the Women's Arms Only Single Scull.

And there is no reason why the UK's success in the sport can't continue.

Adaptive rowing arguably provides one of the best opportunities for British disabled athletes, as it is the only discipline to offer fully inclusive World Championships in non-Paralympics years.

To boost their fitness regime, rowers can also buy special adaptive seats for indoor rowing machines providing varying levels of support, which allow them to log in the all-important training hours when they're not on the water.

In light of this success, centres and events have been emerging around the country aiming to bring the sport to more disabled athletes and help inspire the next generation of Paralympians.

Most recently, rowers have been helping raise money for the creation of a £1 million community boat house project in Norfolk, according to the Norwich Evening News.

A public appeal was launched by Whitlingham Boathouses and is being supported by Norwich Rowing Club, Norwich Canoe Club, University of East Anglia Boat Club, Norwich High School Rowing Club and Norwich School Boat Club.

It is hoped that the project will be completed in the spring of 2011 and be used as a training centre for London 2012 in both the triathlon and canoe disciplines.

Raynsford told the news provider: "This will create new opportunities for the development of adaptive rowing and canoeing for the community in Norfolk. I hope that others will enjoy these activities as much as I have."

Adaptive rowing is also growing in popularity in the West Midlands, with the region now boasting no less than five clubs, British Rowing explains.

Supported by British Rowing, the West Midlands Rowing Council, Sport England, Awards for All, Youell Foundation, EFDS and NPower Active, the West Midlands Disability Rowing Association has been able to develop the sport by hosting events, undertaking training and purchasing equipment.

Indoor rowing is also being introduced to children in the region and earlier this year the Birmingham Special Needs Sports Association held a competition using specially adapted equipment, the website reports.

In total 70 students between the ages of seven and 13 took part in a range of individual and pairs events, which were half the length of standard indoor rowing races.

Concept 2 developed indoor rowing machines that enabled wheelchair users to access the equipment more easily. These were piloted at the event.

It was the first time that these rowing machines had been used in competition, although they had been used in training, and it is hoped that they will allow even wider participation in the discipline.

If you couple the level of commitment from those who are enthusiastic about the sport with its natural benefits, all signs point towards adaptive rowing, both indoors and on the water, growing in popularity in the future.