Gainesville rowing bid presented in London

LONDON - The final draft of Gainesville's bid to host the 2009 World Rowing Junior Championships was presented in London Sunday.

Annette Forster of the Lake Lanier Rowing Club and Jim Mathis of Gainesville-Hall '96 made the presentation to Fédération Internationale des Sociétés d'Aviron (or FISA), the international rowing federation.

They did so at the conclusion of the World Cup Regatta.

A delegation from the federation visited Gainesville earlier this month.

"It's been wonderful, what's happened here in Gainesville since 1996, and it's really an example to the whole world," said FISA Executive Director Matt Smith said at the time. However, he went on to say that does not make Gainesville a shoo-in. "Gainesville is in competition with Brive La Gaillard, France. It's also a beautiful natural venue, so it will be a good fight."

"We know that there's competition from a city in France; we also know what Gainesville has to offer. I think our chances are excellent," said John Ferriss, Executive Director of the Lake Lanier Rowing Club.