Wanganui in thick of world rowing action - 27/07/2010Wanganui is gearing up for three exciting months of rowing events – and you can be in the thick of the action!
Wanganui District Council sport and recreation spokesperson Cr Philippa Baker-Hogan said that during the lead-up to the 2010 World Rowing Championships at Karapiro in October/November, Wanganui will be hosting a number of events and visitors.
First up is the ‘Rowbox’ national roadshow which is coming to Wanganui on August 13-14.
The ‘Rowbox’ is a retractable 20 foot container which contains four rowing machines that are connected to a display of Lake Karapiro. The technology allows users to virtually “row” along the lake as it will look at the world championships.
Wanganui rowing enthusiast Barbara Hammond was the driver to get Rowbox to come to Wanganui.
“I saw it at the Ironman championships and spent some time helping out – it’s a fantastic opportunity for people of all ages to test themselves against others in the same age group and experience some of the thrill of racing on Karapiro,” Ms Hammond said.
“It’s great to see Rowbox coming to Wanganui and I’m sure our community will be keen to support it. So people have got a few weeks to step up their rowing fitness on the machines at their fitness centres, clubs, gyms and schools and then give Rowbox a try.”
The Rowbox will be based in the Splash Centre carpark on Friday, August 13, with school students invited to participate. All students will receive a certificate and will be able to check their age-group time with the best in New Zealand. Then on Saturday, August 14, the action moves to the River Traders Market for community, club and corporate competitions.
In October, both the Canadian and Russian rowing teams will base themselves in Wanganui in the lead-up to the world championships, using the Whanganui River and local facilities as part of their build up.
Cr Baker-Hogan said this year’s Prospace Billy Webb Challenge rowing event will be held on November 12-13.
“The event has been brought forward this year so we can attract athletes who are in New Zealand after the world champs. We are expecting a number of world champs rowers to compete in the Billy Webb event so there will be huge spectator and media interest.
“Wanganui people have given great support to rowing over the years, and particularly at the two previous Billy Webb challenges. We now have some more great rowing events and visitors to look forward to in the coming months.” | 
