Istanbul to host World Rowing Forum 2005

Istanbul, Turkey has been chosen for the second biennial World Rowing Forum this November. Lectures and shared discussions by the best specialists in the world of rowing will take place from 3 – 5 November, 2005 bringing together coaches, sports medicine professionals, regatta organisers and rowing suppliers.

Under the theme of “COMPETING FOR THE FUTURE – Attracting New Generations to Rowing” the forum is open to coaches and rowing specialists with the backdrop of Istanbul creating the ambiance.

Discussions and seminars will be followed by evening opportunities to explore some of Istanbul including a boat trip on the Bosphorous. The Bosphorous, which joins the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea, runs through the heart of Istanbul.

Rowing has been part of Istanbul’s society since ancient times when galleys used rowing as well as wind for power. Today, Turkey’s sporting world is dominated by football but football clubs often incorporate rowing, along with other sports, in their facilities. Two of the largest clubs, Fenerbahce and Galatasaray Sports Clubs – both in Istanbul – are best known for their football teams but both also include rowing. The rivalry between these top two teams is intense and the best rowers in Turkey often come out of these clubs.

Although Istanbul is surrounded by water, calm, rowing-friendly waters take clubs to lakes found outside the city. Both Fenerbahce and Galatasaray choose to do their training on nearby lakes. Three more clubs, including Bosphorous University, row on the Golden Horn which runs through the city before it meets the Bosphorous.

Bilgetay Kisacikoglu

Turkey has moved up through the rowing ranks in recent years with their first international medal being won in 2004. Ahmet Yumrukaya and Emre Vural became the toast of Turkish rowing when they won gold at the World Under 23 Regatta in Poland. Turkey most recently competed at the World Indoor Rowing Championships with Bilgetay Kisacikoglu from Fenerbahce Sports Club competing.

Turkey has also taken part in Britain’s Henley Royal Regatta and United States’ Head of the Charles.

In 2003 Turkey hosted the FISA Junior Coaches Conference and the 2005 World Rowing Forum will again bring the international rowing community to Istanbul. Online inscriptions will be open on www.worldrowing.com from 1 April 2005.

For more details on the forum, click here.

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