Lake Karapiro selected for the 2010 World Rowing

by FISA/Rowing on 8 Jun 2006 New Zealand's Lake Karapiro selected for the 2010 World Rowing Championships

Lausanne, Switzerland, 8 June 2006

The Council of the International Rowing Federation (FISA) has made its decision on which venue it will recommend to be host of the 2010 World Rowing Championships. This decision comes after a series of steps that make up the selection process including site visits to all of the bidding venues and a step-by-step analysis of every aspect necessary to host a successful World Rowing Championships.

After an initial show of interest by four nations, it has been narrowed down to two: Amsterdam, the Netherlands and Lake Karapiro, New Zealand. A FISA delegation went to each site to thoroughly review the bid requirements, to assess the feasibility of the bid with the organising committees and to advise on organisational issues related to the final bid. The two bidding committees then traveled to Munich, Germany to personally present their bids to the members of the FISA Council which has members from all over the world.

The FISA Council selected Lake Karapiro, New Zealand. This choice will now go forward for final approval by the delegates at the FISA Congress in August this year.

The fairness of the Lake Karapiro course is a vital element in the selection of New Zealand. Lake Karapiro hosted a very successful World Rowing Championships in 1978 and New Zealand’s 2010 bid committee demonstrated that they are fully prepared to repeat the success. The Karapiro 2010 bid committee has secured significant funding from the New Zealand Government and also has support from local government and corporate sponsor partners. The NZ bid adequately addressed each aspect necessary for success.

Matt Smith, FISA Executive Director stated 'Rowing in New Zealand is currently experiencing strong international success, and FISA recognises how important staging a world championship event is in a host nation where the general public strongly support its team and the sport.'

Rowing New Zealand now has a sound and stable administration, strong community support, and an expanding participation base. The World Rowing Championships have demonstrated a measurable affect in the continued development of the sport in the host country. FISA also recognises the benefit from the host broadcasting partnership with SKY Television.

'This would be the first time a championship has been held in Oceania since the 1990 World Championships in Tasmania. FISA considers that the 'universality' of the sport is extremely important for the overall development of rowing and, therefore, seeks organisers for the World Rowing Championships in all parts of the world' said Matt Smith.