Karapiro 2010: One day to go!

With just one day left before the Opening Ceremony for the 2010 World Rowing Championships, the organisers are ready.

“The athletes are happy and FISA is happy, so we’ve hit two of our targets,” says CEO Tom Mayo. “Now our aim is to ensure every spectator who walks through the gates has a fantastic day out.”

The Opening Ceremony, starting at 2pm on Saturday 30 October, will feature a cast of hundreds led by top comedian Dai Henwood with music, fun and entertainment on and off the water. The formal part of the Ceremony will include a powhiri in the presence of the Maori King, the Parade of Nations and the official flag-raising. A 90-minute gig from top NZ rockers OPSHOP will bring the day to a close. Tickets are available from www.ticketek.co.nz from just $19.95.

Every day during the Championships, after the excitement of the racing, there is top class entertainment including live bands, DJs and children's entertainment. The Melbourne Cup will be broadcast on the big screens on Tuesday 2 November. Then the four days of medal finals will feature top NZ bands on the main stage.

Off The Water highlights include:

•                Saturday 30 October: OPSHOP

•                Sunday 31 October: Peter Urlich Band

•                Tuesday 2 November: Cambridge Melbourne Cup Day, onsite TAB

•                Thursday 4 November: Autozamm

•                Friday 5 November: Gin Wigmore

•                Saturday 6 November: Brown Brothers and The Monroes

•                Sunday 7 November: The Lady Killers and Tahuna Breaks

•                Every day: Kidzone, DJs and bands

“And there’s the Experience Maori arena, the Nation Bar, the Bod Pod, a huge range of concessions and so much to do and enjoy during the breaks between racing,” says Mayo. “We can’t wait to show the world what New Zealand can do.”