Ontario Supporting 2024 World Rowing Championships in St. Catharines
August 24, 2023
St. Catharines – Excitement is building as Niagara prepares to host the 2024 World Rowing Championships at the Henley Rowing Course in St. Catharines, August 18-25, 2024. The premier event will showcase over 2,500 rowers and para-rowers from eighty different countries in the Senior, U23 and U19 categories.
Sam Oosterhoff, MPP for Niagara West, joined local, provincial and federal representatives at the Neil Campbell Rowing Centre in St. Catharines today, announcing $800,000 in support through the Ontario Sport Hosting Program for the international competition.
The program helps applicants deliver national and international amateur sport events across Ontario and has supported over 221 events since 2013.
“Just as Niagara hosted last year’s successful 2022 Canada Summer Games, our region is poised to shine again as we host the 2024 World Rowing Championships,” said MPP Oosterhoff.
“With support from the province through the Ontario Sport Hosting Program, I am confident next year’s event – with competition at the highest level of skill – will be the most exciting and inspiring championship yet!”
“We are proud to support the 2024 World Rowing Championships in St. Catharines,” said Hon. Neil Lumsden, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Sport.
“Sporting events like this unite communities, offer an opportunity for some of our best athletes to compete here at home, attract international visitors, and offer a direct boost to local and regional economies.”
A countdown celebration was held at the Neil Campbell Rowing Centre marking one year until rowers compete at the Henley Rowing Course. The legacy facility from the 2023 Canada Summer Games will again host atheletes from across the globe, along with licensed officials from Rowing Canada Aviron.
“As we raise the World Rowing Flag and initiate the one-year countdown, the momentum is building for what promises to be a truly exceptional eight days,” said Bill Schenck, Chair of the 2024 World Rowing Championships.
“We are committed to delivering an unforgettable experience for athletes, spectators and our community, and we look forward to witnessing the world’s best rowers compete on a grand stage.”
Next year’s event will mark the third time the competition has been held in St. Catharines.
“We are thrilled to welcome the world to Niagara when we play host to the 2024 World Rowing Championships next summer,” said Mat Siscoe, Mayor of the City of St. Catharines.
“We are fortunate to have the Henley Rowing Course here in St. Catharines and to be able to host national and international rowing competitions in our own backyard.”