This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Scotland to host major sporting events
26/06/2004
A recently upgraded rowing course has been re-opened
in Motherwell's Strathclyde Park today, the only
course in
Britainthat meets full technical Olympic
standard.
First Minister Jack McConnell said that having world
class sports facilities will open up more opportunities
forScotlandto host major sporting events.
The Motherwell venue will play host to the World
Masters Regatta in September 2005. This is one of the
most important occasions in world rowing and will
attract over 3500 competitors from across the
globe.
The First Minister said:
"Having world class sporting facilities is a
sure-fire way of making sure that the biggest and best
events come to our country. From the Ryder Cup to the
Champions League Final to the world's largest rowing
regatta - I want people to know thatScotlandcan put on unbeatable events that are the envy of the
world.
"The facilities here atStrathclydeParkare the finest inBritainand amongst the best in the world. I know that
hosting next year's Masters Regatta is just the beginning
of this success story. As soon as the rowing world gets to
see what our country has to offer I am sure that many more
events will come toScotland.
"I am delighted to re-open the course and wish
everyone involved every success for the future."
The Masters Regatta is being supported by
EventScotland as part of the Scottish Executive's major
events strategy.
The regatta is the largest rowing event in the world.
It is estimated that 10,000 people from across the world
will be attracted toScotlandfor the event (35,000 competitors and 6,500 family
and friends.)