Lake Wendouree named Australian venue in world bid

BALLARAT has taken another step in re-establishing itself on rowing's world stage, with the announcement it has been elected as the Australian venue in the bid for an international event.Lake Wendouree has been named as the Australian venue to host the 2014 FISA World Rowing Masters Championships.It is not yet known how many other countries it will have to compete against, but it is thought to be less than 10.FISA representatives from Bulgaria and South Africa inspected Ballarat yesterday and will report their findings back to the Masters commission.FISA events co-ordinator Colleen Orsmond, from South Africa, said the enthusiasm shown by people in Ballarat would go a long way in aiding the bid."The enthusiasm of the people is extreme, which is always good," she said.Ms Orsmond added the main aim of the visit was to view not only the rowing course, but the facilities of Ballarat as a whole.Rowing Australia national development and events director Matt Draper said he was excited for Lake Wendouree to be the Australian bidding venue for the championships."When we heard there was water in the lake we wanted to see how serious this city was. We're really excited," he said.The lake's water levels have risen dramatically in the last month, and Ballarat mayor Judy Verlin said the timing of the FISA visit was ideal."The visit has come at the right time for us to showcase the lake and our city. To have them here first-hand is critically important. Ballarat is ready to host an event of this stature."The event would be the largest held in Ballarat since 2002, when the Melbourne World Masters Games Rowing Regatta was held, attracting more than 10,000 people.The final decision will be made later this year.