Here’s hoping Bradenton area embraces upcoming World Rowing Championships

Four years ago, a major announcement was made in Chungju, South Korea – an announcement so many of us throughout Sarasota and Manatee counties had been anxiously awaiting.

The World Rowing Federation, also known as FISA, had selected Nathan Benderson Park to host the 2017 World Rowing Championships, only the second time the event would take place in the United States.

What was once a gravel pit where Nathan Benderson would ride his bike would now be on the world stage for the largest and most prestigious international rowing event outside of the Olympics.

Four years later, it’s hard to believe that we are only a little more than 100 days from the event’s Opening Ceremony on Sept. 23.

Our own Nathan Benderson Park has become North America’s premier sprint rowing course and regatta center, offering 2,180-meter race lanes (as well as 1,500-meter warm-up and cool-down lanes), a state-of-the-art floating wave attenuator platform that doubles as a dedicated TV lane for broadcast, and an exclusive 3-meter-wide paved coaches cycle path.

It is gearing up for eight days of action, including Olympic and Paralympic events for men, women, lightweight men and lightweight women.

This regatta is expected to draw 40,000 spectators from around the world. They’ll be on hand to witness 1,700 elite athletes from more than 60 countries compete for gold medals.

For our community, it’s as if we’ve already won gold. These athletes and spectators will be staying in our hotels, shopping in our malls and dining in our restaurants. Event organizers expect the World Rowing Championships to generate an economic impact of $25 million for Manatee and Sarasota counties.

Like all Bradenton area sporting and annual signature events, the World Rowing Championships will serve as an opportunity to highlight the world-class athletic facilities located throughout the region, showcase why we are becoming a top sports destination in the state and introduce millions of potential visitors to our destination.

As the event quickly approaches, it is my hope that our residents embrace the sport and come out to see some of the world’s best athletes competing in our backyard.

In addition to races, the event includes live entertainment, food and fun – all taking place from Sept. 23-Oct. 1 at Nathan Benderson Park.

What’s even better is that you can be there in person to lose your voice while screaming, “USA! USA!”

This is the closest thing to the Olympics our wonderful area has seen, so be sure to take advantage of it.

I know I will.

This story was originally published June 11, 2017 at 8:35 AM with the headline "Here’s hoping Bradenton area embraces upcoming World Rowing Championships."