2017 World Rowing Championships Continues Operations

SARASOTA, FL – It’s clear sailing ahead for the 2017 World Rowing Championships after Hurricane Irma skirted the Tampa Bay area last weekend.

Event organizers were given the go-ahead from Sarasota County officials to continue operations in preparations for the 2017 World Rowing Championships, scheduled to take place from Sept. 23 to Oct. 1. The United States is playing host to the World Rowing Championships for the first time in more than 20 years.

Sarasota County officials assessed the minimal damage left by Hurricane Irma at the event venue, Nathan Benderson Park, and gave the organizers permission to continue work on Tuesday, Sept. 12.

With planning forecasting for potential storm delays in construction, the venue’s buildout is on schedule and the site will be ready for the World Rowing Championship, event organizers said.

Kristen Hartley, the organizing committee’s Manager of Athlete Services, is in contact with Team Managers from each country to help confirm arrival schedules. Many teams are scheduled to arrive in Florida later this week for training.

Watch: Hurricane Irma's Destructive Journey By The Numbers

“The local organizing committee for the 2017 World Rowing Championships would like to thank the Sarasota County Emergency Management Department and all of the local and state officials for their preparation, communication and mobilization efforts, in keeping the community safe during Hurricane Irma,” said Meredith Scerba, the executive director of the World Rowing Championships.

The 2017 World Rowing Championships are scheduled to begin with the free Opening Ceremony on Saturday, Sept. 23 at 7 p.m.

For more information, visit http://wrch2017.com.

Image via Sarasota County Parks, Recreation and National Resources Facebook page