NEWS RELEASE
SPORT NIAGARA
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The excitement is building as the local organizing committee prepares to welcome the world to the City of St. Catharines and the beautiful Niagara Region for the much anticipated 2024 World Rowing Championships. Scheduled to take place at the historic Royal Canadian Henley Rowing Course from Aug. 18-25, 2024, the championship will showcase approximately 2,500 rowers and para-rowers from over 80 different countries across the Senior, U23, and U19 categories.
Thursday, with anticipation and enthusiasm in the air, local, provincial, and federal representatives gathered at the Neil Campbell Rowing Centre, legacy facility from the Niagara 2022 Canada Games to mark the One Year Countdown with the raising of the World Rowing flag, symbolizing the culmination of extensive preparation and collaboration in the year to come. This was the third time the Henley Rowing Course raised the World Rowing flag, having previously hosted the 1970 and 1999 World Rowing Championships.
"We are thrilled to welcome the world to the City of St. Catharines when we play host to the 2024 World Rowing Championships next summer, our third time hosting this event at the prestigious Henley Rowing Course,” emphasized Mat Siscoe, Mayor of the City of St. Catharines. “We are so fortunate to have the Henley Rowing Course here in St. Catharines and be able to host national and international rowing competitions in our own backyard. Thank you to the organizing committee, all passionate rowing supporters and community leaders, for bringing the World Rowing community to our City. We look forward to sitting in the grandstand, cheering on all the athletes a year from now.”
“Rowing Canada Aviron, in partnership with the local community, is thrilled to have the 2024 World Rowing Championships in St. Catharines,” remarked Terry Dillon, CEO of Rowing Canada Aviron. “This is a rare opportunity for the local community and for Canada to host the best rowers in the World. This event not only showcases our next generation of athletes, it gives our future Olympians and Paralympians the honour of competing before a home crowd, inspiring them to new heights of excellence."
The federal and provincial governments have recognized the championship’s significance in fostering community engagement, promoting tourism, and boosting local economy by announcing their collective funding contributions of $1.8M for the Mega Event. ($1M - federal | $800K - provincial)
Vance Badaway, Member of Parliament for Niagara Centre, expressed national excitement and commitment, stating, “Supporting athletes competing in sport is a priority for our government, on behalf of Canadians who understand the values and benefits earned while learning how to win, and sometimes how to lose with grace and dignity. We are helping to strengthen the character of competitors who will become our nation’s future leaders.”
“We are proud to support the 2024 World Rowing Championships in St. Catharines,” said Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport. “Sporting events like this unite communities, offer an opportunity for some of our best athletes to compete here at home, attract international visitors and offer a direct boost to local and regional economies. Good luck to all!"
Bill Schenck, chair of the 2024 World Rowing Championships, expressed his anticipation for the upcoming event: "As we raise the World Rowing flag and initiate the one-year countdown, the momentum is building for what promises to be a truly exceptional 8 days. We are committed to delivering an unforgettable experience for athletes, spectators, and our community, and we look forward to witnessing the world's best rowers compete on the grand stage."
In the coming months, the organizing committee will be releasing more details about volunteer opportunities, pre-event festivities, and other important announcements. To stay informed, sign up for updates.
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