4 September 2009
Another year, another medal haul from a rowing world championship.
Waipa District Mayor Alan Livingston says the recent successes of the very talented Waipa-based athletes in Poland means next years champs at Karapiro will be even more exciting, as they will be competing in front of their home crowd.
“After the rowing finals I contacted Rowing New Zealand president Bill Falconer in Poland who passed on to the rowers my congratulations on behalf of council and the District. We are now counting down to one year out from our world champs at Lake Karapiro, which will be huge for followers of rowing everywhere”.
Mayor Livingston is looking forward to welcoming the world’s best to the region, as many will not have competed in New Zealand before.
“Within the rowing community there are so many fond memories of the champs held at Karapiro in 1978, that we know the current crop have heard great things about the venue, and the hospitality that was received. It’s a perfect foundation that New Zealand has such a strong team, so will be able to show them how its done with not only the best athletes, but the very best setting and facilities.”
An upgrade of the facilities at Karapiro was first programmed into the council’s 2006-2016 10-year Plan, however works were moved forward to ensure first class facilities would be ready for the championships in 2010. They include a new events and community centre, new toilets and roads, grandstand seating, alterations to the Rob Waddell Lodge, a new site office, children’s playground and other infrastructure upgrades.
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