13th WUC Rowing: Gravelines awaits Student-Rowers!

The press conference with the Mayor (Middle)

GRAVELINES – On 12 May 2012, the candidacy of Gravelines, presented by the French NUSF (FFSU), together with the city of Gravelines, was selected by the FISU Executive Committee to host the 13th World University Rowing Championship. After Brive-la-Gaillarde in 2004, it is the second time that France hosts this exciting FISU event.

 The city of Gravelines is part of the university centre ULCO (Université du Littoral Côte d’Opale) which represents more than 11,000 students. The Faculty of Sports and the Faculty of Foreign Languages have many competent and motivated students that will participate in the organization of this 13th edition of the World University Rowing Championship.

 Nature, culture or adventure, Gravelines is a mixture of feelings and colours. Historic sites to natural resources, its heritage is revealed through the walled city.

 Opened in May 2011 by Mr Bertrand Becket, Mayor of Gravelines, the ‘Stade Nautique Olympic Albert Denvers’ has hosted teams in preparation for major events from around the world (like New Zealand before the London Olympics in 2012), while offering recreational activities for the general public.

Rowing is one of the four Olympic sports disciplines that one can practice at the Stade Nautique. Clubs, leagues and federations can enjoy 10 lanes with Albano system on a distance of 2,000m. The road along the entire basin is used to monitor via bike or even the catamaran is an interesting alternative for monitoring all angles. Finally, the landscape mound greatly reduces the wind impact, which guarantees an opportunity to train even in adverse weather conditions.

Regarding the numbers, the 13th edition of this FISU championship has already established a record before even starting:

• 34 participating countries (previous record: 30);
• 5 continents;
• 500 participants;
• 60 races;
• 13 titles;
• 200 volunteers and organizers;
• 800 accreditation cards;
• 2,500 nights/6,000 meals;
• 6 days of average attendance by delegations.

See you on September 12th for the official opening of the WUC.

(Source: WUC Rowing OC)

Working as a team