A First for Rowing at 15th Edition

SHANGHAI – Rowing is arguably one of the most popular sports worldwide – and in the University Sports Movement, this is also true. Since the debut in 1984 in Milan (ITA), the sport has been hosted in Amsterdam and Groningen (NED), Poznan (POL), Zagreb (CRO), Nottingham (GBR), Brive-la-Gaillarde and Gravelines (FRA), Trakai (LTU), Belgrade (SRB), Szeged (HUN) and Kazan (RUS). The 2018 edition, originally scheduled in Argentina, has now been moved to Shanghai (CHN) – making it nevertheless the first edition to be held away from the European continent.

The city itself will prove to be an added attraction for the event as Shanghai is the most populous city proper in the world, with a population of more than 24 million inhabitants. It has been described as the “showpiece” of the booming economy of mainland China, being renowned for its Lujiazui skyline, and museums and historic buildings, such as those along The Bund, as well as the City God Temple and the Yu Garden.

 Venue for the WUC: Shanghai Water Sports Center

The event is set for 10-12 August 2018 and will be organised at the Shanghai Water Sports Center, located in the Qingpu District. This high performance centre was used for the 2012 Olympic Games qualifier and every year for national events. It is a candidate for the 2021 World Rowing World Championships.

The local organising committee will be setup between the Shanghai Jiao Tong University and local authorities from sports and political organisations. Accommodation and catering for all participants will both be on-site at the Shanghai Water Sports Center. The sports complex has an ideal location with link to the city’s metropolitan line and is managed by an experienced team which, in 2011, organised the Asian Olympic Qualification Regatta leading to the 2012 London Olympic Games.

(WUC Department)