Hosts the National Masters Rowing Championships

By Kim Dunbar

August 2005 - When it comes to sports, 2005 has been a good year for Worcester. Not only is the city home to a new professional baseball team and a nationally-known rugby team, but the Heart of the Commonwealth played host to several national sporting events this year. In March, the DCU Center was the home quarters for both the NCAA Eastern hockey championships and the first rounds of the NCAA March Madness. This month, Worcester will play host again, this time from August 10 -13 for the National Masters Rowing Championships.

This August event is considered one of the premiere competitions in the world of rowing. According to Brian Lavin of the Worcester County Convention and Visitors’ Bureau, the Masters Rowing Championship is right on par with other ultimate sporting events; athletes must qualify to participate in the event, thus ensuring that only the best of the best are racing in the championship.
"This is a big event for the Masters of Rowing, especially if you are into rowing," said Lavin.

Seventeen hundred athletes from around the nation - including some of Worcester's own rowers - will gather at Lake Quinsigamond to compete in a variety of events ranging from individual to team boat races. Thousands of spectators will crowd the streets to watch the races and to participate in some of the fun events taking place on land. Lavin shared that the city has planned a mini "Taste of Shrewsbury Street" across from the finish line at Regatta Point. This event is expected to have a huge economic impact on the city. The Masters Championship lasts five days and Lavin said the city expects the hotels and restaurants to be packed during that time.

Worcester can already take pride in Lake Quinsigamond being recognized as one of the best racing courses in the country. Hosting the Masters Championships will now shine an even brighter spotlight on the city’s importance as a sporting event destination.\