It is a great pleasure to be back at Nathan
Benderson Park in Sarasota-Bradenton following
such a successful World Rowing Championships at
the venue last year. Returning for the World Rowing
Masters Regatta shows the standard of venue that
masters rowing enjoys. And not to mention being in
Florida with its warm, inviting weather and beautiful
beaches.
The competition, color, excitement and smiles
that go with masters rowing helps explain why it
continues to grow as a sport, especially as there
is greater realization that rowing is a sport for
life. To share this experience with thousands of
other masters rowers is a real treat and I know
that it is more than what goes on, on the water.
The friendships that form off the water and the
activities around racing make this masters regatta
much more than rowing.
Masters rowing in the United States is huge and I
know that the local representation will reflect this.
As well as local clubs, I would also like to welcome
the many participants that have traveled from other
parts of the world to compete here and I hope you
are able to make the most of the regatta as well as
the many activities that the area offers.
World Rowing is proud that the masters regatta
helps fund youth rowing through the 1 per seat
initiative. We are grateful to all masters rowers as
this has become a major contributor to support the
development of our beautiful sport and indicates
the strength of support from one generation to the
next.
I warmly welcome you to Nathan Benderson Park
and wish you the best in your racing. I would also
like to thank the local organizing committee and its
partners for the huge effort that goes into making
this event possible. I know this will be the event of
the year.
Let the racing begin!
2
WELCOME
JEAN-CHRISTOPHE ROLLAND
PRESIDENT
FISA