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World Rowing Masters Regatta
08/09/2005
The World Rowing Masters Regatta was officially opened today at Strathclyde Country Park by First Minister Jack McConnell who said the event would help prove Scotland can stage the Commonwealth Games in 2014.
The regatta is is the largest rowing event in the world and the largest ever to be held in the UK. Five time Olympic gold medallist Sir Steve Redgrave was also at the opening ceremony and gave his backing to Glasgow's bid for the Games.
Mr McConnell said:
"Events like the World Masters Regatta put Scotland in the global sporting spotlight. Glasgow's Commonwealth Games bid will be stronger as a result.
"I have no doubt the thousands of rowers from all over the world will enjoy a tremendous three days of competition and leave with fantastic memories of Scotland.
"I am also in no doubt that the next three days will be an important showcase for Glasgow's bid.
"Congratulations to Scottish Amateur Rowing Association and North Lanarkshire Council for attracting and organising such a significant event."
Sir Steve Redgrave said:
"Bringing the 2014 Games to Glasgow would be a great boost for Scotland and, if rowing was included, the Commonwealth rowing countries. The bid has my full support."
It attracts approximately 6,000 people from over 30 countries. It is made up of over 2,800 competitors and estimated 3,000 people will accompany the competitors to the event and most people will stay in Scotland for an average of 12 days.
The event itself spans five days. Competition starts 07.30 and continues into early evening. 14 boat classes and 8 categories of competition. Competitors aged 27-85 fall into the B1 marketing category.
In 1986, Steve Redgrave won three Commonwealth Golds in the (Edinburgh) Commonwealth Games at Strathclyde Park. These were in single sculls, coxless pairs and coxed fours. This will be Sir Steve's first visit to Strathclyde Park since his triple-gold weekend. He also holds five Olympic golds and 11 world championship titles.
Strathclyde Country Park is one of the world's top rowing courses. There are eight racing lanes and, while the Masters will race over 1000 metres, the full course is the Olympic distance of 2000 metres. Previous main international events hosted there include 1996 World Rowing Championships, 1992 World under-23 Championships, 1991 European Junior Championships, 1988 World Masters' Regatta, numerous Home International Championships and National Rowing Championships of Great Britain.