Rowing: NZ presents its 2010 bid in Germany

Rowing New Zealand's bid to host the 2010 world championships was presented to the international rowing federation, Fisa, in Munich, Germany, today.

Rowing NZ chief executive Craig Ross said the New Zealand delegation received a fair and enthusiastic hearing before the Fisa council, although it is understood that New Zealand's rival to host the championships, the Netherlands, presented a strong bid.

"We left Fisa with a clear message that New Zealand can confidently host a world championship again on the basis that our sport has never been in a stronger position since the last successful championships were held at Lake Karapiro in 1978," Ross said.

"Rowing New Zealand now has a sound and stable administration, strong community support and an expanding participation base," he said.

"Furthermore, NZ Rowing and our champion athletes now receive growing national and international recognition and media interest."

Ross said Fisa was told that experienced people were already assigned to key roles in the 2010 organising committee and that a huge volunteers' base was just waiting to be asked to get involved.

"In addition, with the NZ government funding support and backing from the Hamilton and Waipa Councils, we are fully funded are ready to go."

Ross said Fisa understood New Zealand's dilemma that it was important for the New Zealand public to see its elite rowers compete against the best in the world at home.

Other highlights of the presentation to Fisa included:

* international broadcast coverage through the host broadcasting partnership with SKY Television;

* a fair course on a 16km lake;

* a unique rowing experience in a Pacific destination, with an exotic Pacific culture;

* a large and well informed crowd and an enthusiastic and welcoming host community;

The New Zealand bid delegation comprised Rowing NZ chairman, Bill Falconer, board member and two-time world champion Mike Stanley and Ross.

- NZPA