> become the host, and the contracts are signed • Modern facilities with a legacy
immediately afterwards. FISA’s events team then
visits the venue in each year leading up to the World
Rowing Championships to oversee any alterations
or constructions (if required) and to check that all
the facilities, skills and resources needed to host
the event are going to be in place.
Smith says that despite recent advancements in
the bid process, the fundamentals remain the
same. “Fair racing conditions and good technical
facilities remain FISA’s priority. But,” Smith adds,
“recent championships and the ever-increasing
focus on economical and climatic factors have
inspired us to pay more attention to some other
important areas too, for example:
Many of the traditional rowing venues are in
need of a facilities-upgrade in order to comply
with the higher standards that are enjoyed by
our athletes at the Olympic Games. However,
a sustainable legacy for rowing is another
FISA priority. Building expensive facilities for
just one event is not going to help rowing
in the long run and it would be irresponsible
of FISA to encourage this. In the bidding
process, our inspection team pays a lot of
attention to the suitability of any facilities
which are being upgraded or built as new,
with the objective of ensuring that they can
• The Host City
Increased involvement and support (financially
and non-financially) is now required from the
host city and local/national governments
to both strengthen the significance of their
bid and to secure each bid with guaranteed
financial and resource-backing. This results in
far greater relevance for the host city, wider
promotion of the championships and solid
financial security for the total budget.
be useful for multiple purposes long after the
championships have concluded.
Of course, legacy is not just about facilities and
structures – FISA is committed to the sustainable
development of rowing at all levels. So we look
closely at each bid to see what initiatives are
included which will encourage the local and
national communities to take up rowing as Malta Lake, venue of the 2009
a result of the promotion we can give them World Rowing Championships in
through the hosting of a World Championships. Poznan, Poland.
At the competitive level, there is nothing like
winning a medal in front of one’s home crowd
and television audience to inspire national
athletes and coaches. >
