Key Decisions at 2017 World Rowing Congress -- Photodesk

(ATR) Several key decisions made for an intriguing World Rowing Congress in Sarasota, Florida.

The congress took place on Oct. 2, a day after the conclusion of the 2017 World Rowing Championships at the newly developed Nathan Benderson Park. Click here for photos from the congress.

World Rowing President and IOC member Jean-Christophe Rolland opened the congress by thanking and recognizing the organizers of the Sarasota 2017 World Championships.

After the pleasantries, several key decisions were taken by delegates of the congress. First, the election of the host cities for the 2020 Senior, U23 and Junior World Rowing Championships and 2021 World Rowing Championships took place.

Bled, Slovenia was awarded the 2020 event after Plovdiv, Bulgaria withdrew from the race and delegates voted 94-57 in favor of Bled over competitor Poznan, Poland. Shanghai, China emerged as the sole bidder for the 2021 World Championships and was confirmed as the host before signing the host city contract.

Delegates were updated on plans for rowing at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics before moving on to the re-election of the World Rowing Executive Council. Rolland and his fellow Council members were all unanimously approved for re-election.

The largest agenda item came with the proposal to change Rule 36 which stipulates the boat classes that compete at the world championships. After thorough discussion about each of the proposals presented, delegates approved the recommendations of the Council and produced a completely gender equal program for future championships.

Written by Kevin Nutley

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