2010 World Rowing Championships Open

For immediate release: 30 October 2010

BRING IT ON!

2010 World Rowing Championships Open At Lake Karapiro

After a wait of 32 years, the World Rowing Championships return to Lake Karapiro with the official Opening Ceremony this afternoon (Saturday 30 October), starting at 2.00pm.

The sun is shining at the Lake, the giant grandstand is ready, the stage is built, the concession stands are waiting and the sound checks for the Opening Ceremony are complete.

"Today is the day we've been waiting for," says CEO Tom Mayo. "It's been years in the planning. Thousands of hours have been dedicated to this project by our professional staff and the wonderful Karapiro Crew volunteers. We are ready to welcome the world."

At 2.00pm, a cast of hundreds, led by top comedian Dai Henwood, will take centre stage for the Opening Ceremony. It features a mix of entertainment, music and fun on and off the water. There’s a nostalgic look back at the 1978 Championships, the Parade of Nations featuring local schoolchildren and international athletes, and the powhiri and wero (challenge) in the presence of the Maori King before the official flag-raising.

FISA President Denis Oswald will lead the international federation officials who will accept the wero (challenge) from Ngati Koroki Kahukura and Ngati Haua.

OPSHOP lead singer Jason Kerrison will sing the National Anthem for the official flag-raising and then, as the Ceremony finishes, will rejoin OPSHOP for a 90 minute gig to bring the day to a close.

Tickets, priced from just $19.95, will be on sale at the venue or available from Ticketek.

ENDS

Contact: Penny Dain on +64 (0) 21 239 3376 or penny@wrch2010.com

Notes for editors:

The 2010 World Rowing Championships (30 October – 7 November) is the biggest international sporting event in NZ since the 1990 Commonwealth Games with 800+ athletes from 50 countries expected to compete.

The Championships were last staged in NZ, also at Lake Karapiro, in 1978. This will be only the third World Rowing Championships to be held in the southern hemisphere.

Tickets, priced from just $19.95, are available from www.ticketek.co.nz and all Ticketek outlets.

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