Rowing World champs hosting great for NZ

Rowers and supporters from around the globe have much to look forward to after the announcement today that New Zealand has won the bid to host the 2010 World Rowing Championships at Lake Karapiro.

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Rowers and supporters from around the globe have much to look forward to after the announcement today that New Zealand has won the bid to host the 2010 World Rowing Championships at Lake Karapiro, Sport and Recreation Minister Trevor Mallard said today.

The rowing world will return to Lake Karapiro, Waikato, New Zealand to compete at the FISA World Rowing Championships in 2010.
"New Zealand held one of the best ever World Rowing Championships at Karapiro back in 1978, and to have the opportunity to do the same again is just fantastic," said Trevor Mallard.

"This is a huge win that shows once again that New Zealand has what it takes to host major sporting events. Rowers from an estimated 50 countries are expected to compete at the 2010 championships."

Trevor Mallard praised the commitment and hard work undertaken by Rowing New Zealand and the many other people who contributed to success of the bid.

"The government, through the Inter Agency Events Group (IAEG) and Sport and Recreation New Zealand (SPARC), contributed $75,000 towards the development of the successful bid and has committed up to another $2 million ($1.5m grant and $0.5m underwrite) towards ensuring this event is a huge success.

"Hosting these world championships will be a big positive, not only for the sport of rowing but for the whole country.

"It is estimated that the event will attract around 7,000 visitors to New Zealand and contribute an additional $105 million to the economy, through direct and indirect spending. Hosting major events such as this provide international exposure for New Zealand and boosts our sense of national identity and pride.

"Rowing has a proud history in New Zealand sport with Kiwi crews providing many of our greatest sporting moments over the years. Who could forget the New Zealand men's eight that won gold at the Munich Olympic Games in 1972, and the four gold medals won in forty-five minutes at last year's Rowing World Championships in Gifu, Japan - a victory spearheaded by our current Olympic champions Caroline and Georgina Evers-Swindell," Trevor Mallard said.

ENDS

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