GAINESVILLE - The International Rowing Federation (FISA) has invited Lake Lanier Rowing Club (LLRC) to submit a bid to host the 2009 Junior World Championships.
The event would bring approximately 2,000 athletes and support personnel to Gainesville for a period of several weeks that summer.
Thor Nilsen, Development Director for FISA and recipient of the organization's distinguished service to rowing medal, recently visited LLOC to offer advice on preparing the bid.
Nilsen had not been to the venue since the 1996 Olympics, and was impressed with the improvements. He was pleased that LLRC has retained the Olympic powerboat fleet. He estimated that the total investment needed to bring the World Championships to the venue to be less than $500,000, since much of the necessary infrastructure is in place.
Gainesville Mayor George Wangemann assured Nilsen over lunch that "Gainesville would be honored to host the World Championships." Nilsen asked if LLRC would be amenable to hosting a combined regatta of the Junior Worlds with the Under 23 World Championships. This event would increase the number of athletes and personnel to approximately 3000, the largest yet at LLOC.
Mayor Wangemann and City Manager Bryan Shuler assured him the Gainesville area can accommodate the visitors for the proposed event.
Thursday
October 10th, 2024
6:21AM
