NSW Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Barry O’Farrell and Minister for Tourism and Major Events George Souris today announced a new international rowing regatta for Sydney.
Mr O’Farrell said the event would generate up to $7 million in new money for the local economy and attract the best rowing talent from across Australia and the world.
“I committed to bring more major events to Western Sydney and I’m proud to announce the inaugural Sydney International Rowing Regatta to coincide with the prestigious Samsung World Rowing Cup,” Mr O’Farrell said.
“This confirms Penrith as the home of elite rowing in Australia – and our world class Olympic facilities ensure we are Australia’s global city of choice for rowing.
“It will be the first time the World Cup opening round has been held in the southern hemisphere and only the second time outside Europe, and for the first time, key Australian rowing events will be brought together to mark a week-long celebration of the sport.
“The event at the Sydney International Regatta Centre at Penrith Lakes will also include the Kings and Queen’s Cup Regatta, Australian Open Rowing Championships and Australian Schools Rowing Championships,” Mr O’Farrell said.
Mr Souris congratulated Rowing Australia and the Events team at Destination NSW on successfully developing a new international rowing regatta for Sydney.
“The Sydney International Rowing Regatta will position Sydney as the home of elite rowing events in Australia,” Mr Souris said.
“The NSW Government is proud to support an event which boosts the economy and generates interstate and international visitors.
“This is an exciting new addition to the NSW Events Calendar, further enhancing our reputation as Australia’s global events city.
“Having established Destination NSW, we aim to uphold our position as the number one tourism and events city in Australia,” Mr Souris said.
Local MPs Stuart Ayres (Penrith), Roza Sage (Blue Mountains), Tanya Davies (Mulgoa) and Bart Bassett (Londonderry) warmly welcomed the news of a major new event for Western Sydney.
“The Premier made a pledge to bring more events to Western Sydney and the inaugural Sydney International Rowing Regatta from 18-24 March 2013 delivers on that pledge,” Mr Ayres said.
“We are bringing another major Olympic sport to Sydney and that is great news for Penrith and Western Sydney.
“As a legacy venue from the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, the Sydney International Regatta Centre offers competitors world class training and racing facilities,” Mr Ayres said.
Rowing Australia President Colin Smith said the Samsung World Rowing Cup alone will bring some 800 athletes, officials and media from across the world, each staying for up to 21 days.
“In addition there will be 2000 athletes coming from around Australia to compete throughout the week plus tens of thousands of spectators.
\”It’s an honour to be able to bring the elite rowers back to Sydney to compete at one of the best rowing facilities in the world.
“The Sydney International Rowing Regatta is a significant new event for rowing in this country and will create a platform for our elite level rowers to represent Australia at international competitions including the Olympic Games,” Mr Smith said.
