SOME of the world\u2019s best rowers could be putting on an elite sporting show on Lake Wendouree in four years\u2019 time.<\/p>\n
A pitch has been made by the City of Ballarat, including a video package, to host rowing events on the lake\u2019s two-kilometre course when the Commonwealth Games come to regional Victoria in 2026.<\/p>\n
The Office of the Commonwealth Games, Commonwealth Games Organising Committee, Rowing Australia, and the State Government have been sent the bid, which mayor Cr Daniel Moloney said presents not only an impressive, but \u201ccost-effective\u201d venue.<\/p>\n
\u201cMajor investment in the last decade means Lake Wendouree is a world class, event-ready venue. Importantly, it is the only Word Rowing-standard course in Victoria, which means it has all the infrastructure to host elite level international rowing events,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe lake is in the heart of the city, so athlete access for training and competition is straightforward, and with Ballarat home to one of four athlete villages for the Games, all the medical and team support for rowers is within easy reach as well.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor spectators, Lake Wendouree provides the opportunity to ticket the start and finish of the rowing course, while also allowing free spectator access to the rowing events for thousands of local and regional residents who might not otherwise have the chance to enjoy watching live, elite level sporting competition.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rowing has been in the Commonwealth Games, formerly the British Empire Games, seven times, but not since Edinburgh hosted in 1986.<\/p>\n
Although it\u2019s been a while, Ballarat is no stranger to hosting an elite international regatta, having been the rowing venue of Melbourne\u2019s 1956 Olympic Games.<\/p>\n
Cr Moloney said this milestone moment in the city\u2019s history continues to leave a legacy, but there\u2019s so much more of this sporting story to be written.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 2026 Commonwealth Games has the potential to motivate a new generation of Ballarat rowers,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
SOME of the world\u2019s best rowers could be putting on an elite sporting show on Lake Wendouree in four years\u2019 time. A pitch has been made by the City of Ballarat, including a video package, to host rowing events on the lake\u2019s two-kilometre course when the Commonwealth Games come to regional Victoria in 2026. The […]<\/p>\n