All Clear for Athletes Attending the 2017 World Rowing Championships
The following is a statement from Matt Smith - Executive Director of FISA - regarding the impact of Hurricane Irma on the 2017 World Rowing Championships in Sarasota, Florida.
The Sarasota/Bradenton area did not come under the direct impact of the hurricane as predicted thus, luckily, damage is limited. First and foremost, sincere thanks go to the Sarasota County Emergency Management Department and all of the local and state officials for their preparation, communication, and mobilization efforts in keeping the community safe from Hurricane Irma. Tampa and Sarasota airports are now open and operational, the official hotels, caterers and transport partners are confirmed and, effective today, Tuesday, September 12, county officials have granted the Local Organizing Committee access to continue operations at Nathan Benderson Park. As a result of months of planning and forecasting for potential storm delays, venue buildout is on schedule and the OC will be ready to host the world’s greatest rowers in Sarasota-Bradenton next week. The Manager of Athlete Services is in communication with Team Managers from each team and confirming arrival schedules.
The full schedule of the 2017 World Rowing Championships is now confirmed and will begin with the Opening Ceremony, on Saturday 23 September with racing starting on Sunday 24 September through to the final day of competition, Sunday 1 October 2017.
The Rowing New Zealand Team will be making their way to Florida on Thursday 14 September as planned. We wish them safe travels and the best of luck for their preparations.