Masters rowing champs move to Ballarat

THE 2022 Australian Masters Rowing Championships will be held on Lake Wendouree in May.

Due to the developing COVID-19 situation, the national comp has been moved from its initial venue of Champion Lakes, Perth to Ballarat’s two-kilometre course.

The regatta, which features athletes over the age of 27, will keep its original dates of Thursday, 19 to Sunday, 22 May.

Rowing Australia CEO Ian Robson said the organisation is fortunate to have Ballarat as an alternative location.

“I would like to offer my sincere thanks to Rowing Victoria who are taking on the hosting duties in 2022,” he said.

“We look forward to working with RV and the City of Ballarat to deliver a successful AMRC.”

Rowing Victoria CEO Ian Jickell is keen to drive the regatta on behalf of the state’s rowing community.

“We are excited to have the opportunity to bring the Australian Masters Rowing Championships back to Ballarat, and welcome the masters community to Victoria,” he said.

“We know that the Victorian masters rowers will welcome the wider community with open arms. We acknowledge and thank Rowing WA for their work on the event to date.

“We will work to make this the best possible event that we can for the Australian Masters rowing community. We look forward to seeing you in Ballarat.”

The Lake Wendouree course has previously hosted major events including the Australian Masters Rowing Championships, Rowing Victoria State Championships, the World Rowing Masters Regatta, and the 1956 Melbourne Olympic Games.