Rowing: Stanley in world championship bid

Two-times world rowing champion Mike Stanley will travel to Munich today to support Rowing New Zealand's (RNZ) bid to host the 2010 world championships.

Stanley will join RNZ chairman Bill Falconer and chief executive Craig Ross in presenting New Zealand's bid proposal to the International Rowing Federation, Fisa.

"It is imperative that we leave no stone unturned," Ross said.

"Mike is an iconic New Zealand oarsman who is well-respected within the international rowing community.

"It is important for us to convey to Fisa that the 2010 world championships will be an athletes' regatta.

"We introduced this theme by appointing (Olympic champions) Caroline and Georgina Evers-Swindell as our 2010 athletes' ambassadors when we launched our bid in Turkey last November.

Training for their fourth consecutive world championship title would prevent the twins going to Munich.

Ross said RNZ could show Fisa his organisation had funding commitments from central and local governments, corporate sponsorship and broadcasting partnership with Sky television.

"Television will provide a superior international broadcast coverage that Fisa has yet experienced," Ross said.

RNZ will make their presentation on Sunday, following the first round of the World Cup series.

Fisa is scheduled to make its recommendation to the 115 international rowing Federations by mid-June.

New Zealand faces stern competition from Amsterdam for the 2010 championship.

- NZPA