2010 World Rowing Championships officially open

The 2010 World Rowing Championships officially opened today at Lake Karapiro, New Zealand. The event was declared open by FISA President Denis Oswald during an opening ceremony that blended with culture and history and was attended by 5'000 spectators.

"We are especially pleased to come back here to Lake Karapiro," president of the International Rowing Federation, FISA, Denis Oswald stated.

The opening ceremony paid tribute to the many people who were part of the 1978 World Championships at Lake Karapiro as either volunteers, participants or spectators.

A sampling of athletes from the 49 nations, represented at these championships, were then led across the stage in a Parade of Nations. New Zealand was represented by Mahe Drysdale (men's single) and Eric Murray (men's pair) who both train on the waters of Lake Karapiro. Both of these athletes will be aiming for gold in front of their home crowd.

Representatives of local Maori tribes, Ngati Koroki Kahukura and Ngati Haua then performed the Powhiri, a traditional Maori challenge and welcoming ceremony to the visiting officials from FISA and visitors to the Karapiro region. It culminated in the very popular haka made famous by New Zealand's rugby team.
Racing begins tomorrow, 31 October at 10.05am (New Zealand time) with the heats of the lightweight men's pair. For a full event by event preview, entries, live race results and full race reporting go to

www.worldrowing.com .