Over 700 athletes are getting ready to take their seat as they prepare to compete at the Queensland Schools Rowing Championships at Bucca Weir Rowing Course next weekend.
Thousands are set to visit the region as part of the championships, with the high-profile event securing the use of Bucca Weir through a sponsorship agreement with Bundaberg Regional Council.
Bundaberg Rowing Club has been working closely with Rowing Queensland to assist in organising the competition and is looking forward to seeing the community come together to support the event.
Rowing Queensland’s Event and Communications Coordinator Lucy Benjamin said they were proud to be hosting this year’s championships back at the Bucca Rowing Centre for the first time in six years.
“Rowing Queensland are excited to be bringing the Queensland Schools Championship Regatta back to the Bucca Rowing Centre in 2022, for the first time in six years,” she said.
“With 773 athletes rowing 2512 seats across three days of racing, the event promises to be a huge attraction for the Bundaberg region.
“Visitor numbers are finally recovering post covid, and regattas are seeing higher and higher attendance throughout 2022, the numbers coming along to the 2022 Schools Championships will be huge.
“With athletes, coaches, officials and spectators coming from all across Queensland and Northern NSW, it’s great to be able to show them the fantastic course and facilities at the Bucca Rowing Centre as well as what the Bundaberg Region has to offer.”
Sport and Recreation portfolio spokesperson Cr Vince Habermann said the event was a great opportunity to showcase the Bundaberg Region and its sporting facilities to visitors.
“It is fantastic to have secured the Queensland Schools Championships as the regatta showcases that we have the facilities to host high level sporting competitions in the region,” Cr Habermann said.
“We are expecting over 1000 people to visit as part of the competition, with over $1 million expected to be spent within the local economy.”
Lucy encouraged the community to get behind the event, with food trucks and vendors on site to enjoy while watching the races.
“There will be food trucks and other vendors on site, plus some exciting rowing to watch, so all spectators are welcome to come along and be a part of the event,” she said.
Further to the economic benefits for the community, this event has also led to exposure opportunities for local businesses through sponsorship agreements.
“It is excellent to also be welcoming local business, Rum City Foods, on board as the Naming Rights Sponsor for the event,” Lucy said.
“Rum City Foods are contributing both cash funding and generous in-kind support, making it possible for Rowing Qld and local hosts Bundaberg Rowing Club to manage the huge numbers expected to attend the regatta.”
Other local business including Murchie Constructions, Nemo car and dog wash and Adina Designed Interiors are gold plus sponsors for the event.
Racing will be taking place on Saturday 17 until Monday 19 September, with the days looking to run from 7 am until 5 pm.
Keep up to date with the latest information here.
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