Director thanks Manatee, Sarasota for ‘best’ rowing championships

The World Championships hosted recently in Sarasota set a new bar for rowing worldwide, thanks to the extraordinary community, investment and spirit that the counties of Manatee and Sarasota demonstrated through the event. I have attended nine FISA-hosted World Championships over the past decade, and Sarasota's race course, installation and hospitality are the best I have ever experienced.

The unique accessibility of the course, with easy access to hotels and amenities, the easy flow of spectators and competitors alike, and parking access made the event easier to navigate than any other event worldwide hosted by FISA. In addition to the tremendous design, the special hospitality of the staff and volunteers made visits to the race course a pleasure. Meeting so many friendly people, who were clearly well-briefed on their roles, reduced stress for athletes and officials, and made the event a unique and tremendous success.

I want to commend the public officials in Bradenton and Sarasota for the foresight, determination and vision in bringing this unique event to life. It will bring generations of rowers from around the world to the SANCA park, and will also provide access for local residents to a sport that generates lifetime health and psychosocial benefits.

This story was originally published October 13, 2017 at 11:50 AM with the headline "Director thanks Manatee, Sarasota for ‘best’ rowing championships."