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Cambridge comes out in force to cheer on its champions

Thursday 22 October 2009, 9:34AM

By Rowing New Zealand

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Three times world champion single sculler Duncan Grant � one of rowing�s stars at the Cambridge parade
Three times world champion single sculler Duncan Grant  one of rowings stars at the Cambridge parade Credit: Rowing New Zealand

CAMBRIDGE

Cambridge will come out in force to celebrate its unique relationship with its rowers next week when the ultra-successful 2009 rowing team takes part in a parade to celebrate the start of the one year countdown to the 2010 World Rowing Championships at Lake Karapiro.

Thousands of local supporters and schoolchildren are expected to line the streets to cheer on the rowers - who will include world champions Peter Taylor and Storm Uru, Hamish Bond and Eric Murray, Duncan Grant and bronze medal winner Rebecca Scown, as well as a large number of Under-23 world champions who will be aiming to become household names at the 2010 event.

Once the parade around the town centre is complete, organisers of the 2010 World Rowing Championships, sponsors and host council Waipa DC will begin the one year to go countdown. All of the world's top rowers and teams are expected to make the journey to Waipa and Lake Karapiro for the championships, which run from October 31st until November 7th. Defending a world title on home water is at the forefront of the minds of New Zealand's most successful rowers.

"To be world champion and defending a title on home water, and water which we train on every day in our training, will of course be something very special indeed and a highlight of all of our rowing careers," said pairs champion Eric Murray.

As well as the parade and the beginning of the countdown, Rowing will also launch its spectacular 2010 calendar at the event. It includes a 'Rough guide to Rowing' for the world championships and includes all of the critical domestic and international regatta dates during 2010.

"Cambridge really does appreciate its sportsmen and women and there is no doubt that next year our rowers will once again have the spotlight on them, added Waipa Mayor Alan Livingstone.

"The whole town is exceptionally proud that virtually all of our rowing champions are Cambridge residents and everyone is right behind them as head towards such a big occasion."

The parade will commence at 1pm at the Town Hall in Cambridge and will be followed by speeches and the beginning of the countdown.

Cambridge comes out in force to cheer on its champions

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