Ballarat wins another world-class event
Tuesday, 6 September 2011
Regional Victoria has secured another major international sporting event with rowing's international governing body FISA has awarded the 2014 FISA World Masters Rowing Regatta to Ballarat to host the event at Ballarat's Lake Wendouree in 2014.
Lake Wendouree is a world class facility and is no stranger to hosting high-level rowing events, playing host to the 1956 Melbourne Olympics rowing regatta, as well as various Kings Cup, Victorian Rowing Championships, National Rowing Regattas and the 2002 World Masters Games Rowing."
The 2014 FISA World Rowing Masters Regatta will attract approximately 2,800 participants over four days of competition, providing a strong tourism boost for the region and an estimated economic benefit of $3.8 million.
"The Coalition Government is committed to attracting quality major events into regional Victoria, to drive investment, tourism and showcase the range of experiences our regions have to offer," Mr Mulder said.
The event will add to Ballarat's impressive line-up of sporting and cultural events such as the current Ballarat International Foto Biennale, the Ballarat Begonia Festival, Mars Cycling Australia Open Road National Championships and the Jayco Herald Sun Tour.
Member for Western Victoria, Simon Ramsay, said securing the event is a big win for regional Victoria.
"The FISA World Rowing Masters will be a major feature of Ballarat's events calendar and will add to the vibrant culture of the city," Mr Ramsay said.
"I am delighted Ballarat will be showcasing this first class rowing facility to the world. I have worked closely with Ballarat City Council to ensure critical dredging works are completed on time.
"We look forward to welcoming competitors and visitors from around the world to enjoy Lake Wendouree's facilities and the attractions of our region," Mr Ramsay said.
Rowing Australia and its affiliates have in excess of 60,000 active members ranging from young rowers at school through to those at universities and in the wider community, right through to an enthusiastic masters rowing community.
