Diverse Entries for Junior Championships

Rowers from 49 countries will take part in the FISA Junior World Rowing Championships in Duisburg Germany next week, with numbers boosted by a unique development programme.

The FISA Development Programme aims to encourage talented rowers from countries where the sport is not traditionally strong.

The German Federation has worked closely with FISA finding families for the rowers to stay with and clubs where they can train to ease the financial burden of coming to a championships.

As a result young rowers from Algeria, Cyprus, Georgia, Iceland, India, Myanmar, Moldova, Paraguay, Peru, Tunisia, Uzbekistan and Zimbabwe are able to race in Duisburg.

But development is also a key consideration for countries where rowing is well established. Several have sent strong teams, no doubt looking towards the Athens Olympics and beyond.

Germany looks set to make the most of any home advantage with a crew entered in every one of the 14 boat classes.

Russia and Italy have 11 crews entered each, with USA (10), Croatia (9), France (8) and Romania (8) also sending a solid contingent.

To qualify to race at the Juniors, rowers must be 18 years or younger and not turn 19 in the same year as the competition.

Racing begins on August 8 and finishes on August 11.

Worldrowing.com will feature a daily news wrap and photos from the events. The Race Tracker will not run but results will be posted daily.

For more information please see the bottom of the World Championships section of Events.