Armin van Buuren at rowing champs opening

By this time next month the best rowers in the world would have completed their first round of racing and be well into the groove of the 2009 World Rowing Championships.

Already 44 countries have confirmed their intention to race in Poznan, Poland at this year’s championships.

The Malta regatta course in Poznan has become very familiar to top rowers in recent years. Last year they hosted the final Olympic Qualification regatta and they have also held the Rowing World Cup in 2004, 2006 and 2008.  But rowers will notice many changes from previous years. The grandstands and boathouse have been newly modelled and general facilities increased including a shopping centre within walking distance from the venue.

Award-winning DJ Armin van Buuren from the Netherlands will be the attraction at the opening ceremony. Van Buuren will feature a special blend of music designed especially for the rowers. The opening ceremony, held on 22 August, the day before racing starts, will be part of an all day event called "Dzien w parku" which describes the day in the park. Organisers promise new surprises at the ceremony and originality in the team presentation and flag raising, never seen before at a World Rowing championship event.

During the World Rowing Championships the City of Poznan will also be attracting large crowds for a one show only of British rock group Radiohead. Performing on 25 August.

“The organising committee for the rowing championships can not wait to start the regatta and we warmly invite everyone to Poznan,” says organising committee member Pawel Daniel.

The 2009 World Rowing Championships go from 23 to 30 August 2009.

Official website: www.rowing.poznan.pl