Premier farewells WA's 60-member rowing team

27/2/00

Western Australia will field the biggest team ever at this year's National Rowing Championships to be held in Sydney next month.
Premier Richard Court this morning presented the 60-member team with their competition outfits at the Legion of Oarsmen send-off - the official function to convey best wishes on the State team.
Mr Court said the team would be defending last year's win of the coveted Kings Cup, and would also enter teams in the men's and women's youth eights, single sculls, men's lightweight four and events for people with disabilities.
"With our enormous success last year, including a medal haul of 25 and 10 national titles, Western Australia's rowers have shown they are a force to be reckoned with in this popular sport," Mr Court said.
"For the teams involved this year, the National Championships' venue, the Sydney International Rowing Course, will be significant as it's the site for this year's Olympic rowing events.
"The championships are a preview to the Olympics for competitors and spectators.
"Western Australia's rowers have had terrific success in the past in the national and international competition arena - such as at the Olympic Games in Atlanta - and I know they are confident they can continue this success."
Mr Court said six of the rowers in the State team were also Olympic hopefuls - Stuart Reside, Tim Perkins, Ronald Snook, Johnno Fievez, Amber Bradley and Sally Robbins.
They should know in April whether they have been selected to represent Australia in September.
Media contact: Justine Whittome 9222 9475