All systems go at WRJC 2011
The 2011 World Rowing Junior Championships got underway with a fantastic opening ceremony at Royal Holloway College on Tuesday evening.
Elite junior athletes from 48 nations descended on the University of London college for the ceremony, attended by WRJC Chairman Ben Hunt-Davis.
After a parade of the flags of the competing nations, the assembled masses were treated to short speeches from Hunt-Davis, and FISA Treasurer Mike Williams.
“It’s time the racing started,” said one coach, after a particularly rousing display of chanting and foot-stamping from the German, American, Spanish, and Italian teams. “They’ve got far too much energy.”
The first heats of the 2011 Championships get underway today, with the Junior Men’s Coxless Fours at 5pm followed by the Junior Women’s Coxless Quads at 5.18pm.
Entry to Dorney Lake is free to spectators for the six opening heats, with the GB Rowing Team’s juniors set to feature in both classifications.
The 2011 WRJC will also herald the welcome return of Regatta Radio, which will provide live commentary from the Championships.
Regatta Radio will be available at the event itself via in-ear radios, but can also be accessed online for those unable to make it down to Dorney Lake.
For more information about Regatta Radio be sure to drop by the British Rowing tent, where you can also find out about British Rowing’s taster sessions – giving rowing novices the opportunity to get out onto the water themselves and give our sport a try.
