Last chance for Olympic qualification

Regional qualification events took place around the world over the past year, with the primary qualification opportunity last year at the 2007 World Rowing Championships in Munich. There 129 boats secured their qualification places.  In total, 465 athletes have already booked their tickets for Beijing through the various qualification events and only 28 boat spots (85 athletes) are still up for grabs in Poznan, which will bring the tally of boats that will compete in Beijing to 550 athletes in 202 boats.

This regatta also features the last international adaptive rowing regatta before the Paralympic Games regatta from 9 to 11 September 2008. Although qualification for the Paralympic Games was finalised in Munich last month, this regatta gives a final opportunity for international racing before the big event in September. Any crew is eligible to take part here in Poznan, whether qualified for the Paralympic Games or not. In total 25 adaptive crews will race in the usual four boat classes.

For the full list of entries, by event and by nation, please visit our website www.worldrowing.com or click here. The website will also provide an event by event preview, race reports and photo galleries during and after the regatta.

Media accreditation can be requested through the website (www.worldrowing.com > media > media accreditation).

For more information contact Marion Gallimore, FISA Marketing and Communications Manager on tel: +41.21.617.83.73  or direct +41 21 612 02 26 E-mail: marion.gallimore@fisa.org

On site FISA press officer: Colleen Orsmond mobile: +41 79 414 02 36 e-mail: colleen.orsmond@fisa.org

The following number of qualification spots are to be determined during this event: