The regatta will be the first international rowing event held at the Sydney International Regatta Centre since the 2000 Olympics. It will be held in 2013 and again in 2014.
Over 300 of the world’s best rowers from over 20 countries have confirmed they will be competing at the Regatta, which will be held from March 18 to March 24.
An analysis by Destination NSW shows that the event will contribute $7M to the state economy based on the domestic and international visitation rates.
A Penrith City Council report estimates that 80% of day visitors to the event will be domestic day visitors and the event will attract about 28,000 spectators.
The Council report says the event also offered social benefits such as the people of the region given the opportunity to experience elite sport in their backyard and the prestige of hosting an international sporting event.
The NSW Government will contribute about $750,000 towards improvements to the International Regatta Centre in preparation for the event.
Great Britain, Germany and New Zealand, who topped the medal ranks at the London 2012 Olympic Rowing Regatta, have confirmed their attendance as well as strong rowing nations such as Canada, China and the USA.
Great Britain and New Zealand will have the biggest teams with 60 athletes arriving in mid-March, including many of their London 2012 Olympians and Olympic medalists.
Smaller teams will be amongst others coming from Hong Kong, South Korea, Singapore, Estonia and France – the latter including their 2012 Olympic silver medal winning men’s pair with Germain Chardin and Dorian Mortelette.
Many of the teams coming from the Northern Hemisphere will make the most of Australian summer and add a training camp to their stay before or after the event .
The 2013 event will start on Monday, March 18 with the Australian Open Rowing Championships running through the week.
Tickets are on sale on Ticketek www.ticketek.com.au For information visit: www.rowingdownunder.org
