World Rowing Tour deadline approaching

The 2009 World Rowing Tour heads this year to the exotic spa resort of Birstonas, Lithuania where the Nemunas River will be used as the Tour’s venue.

Nemunas or Neman River is Europe’s 14th largest river and Lithuania’s largest. It begins in Belarus and flows through Lithuania before draining into the Baltic Sea. The World Rowing Tour will follow a piece of the Nemunas which is well known for its long meandering curves and bends.

Organiser Inga Okuleviciene describes the region that the Tour will encompass; “Nestled amid the grand forests and tucked in an arm of one of the famous Nemunas River bends, a delightful surprise awaits the rowers to Lithuania's south-central countryside. Birstonas is simply the most beautiful little town in all Lithuania.”

“In its early years, Birstonas was a favoured hunting area of the Grand Duke Vytautas and his guests from around Europe during the 1400's. Although Birstonas was given town status in the 1500's the first renaissance was in 1846 when the abundant source of mineral water found in the area began to be used for curative purposes. Birstonas developed into a highly sought after and prized health resort town. Birstonas has developed its beautiful surroundings, clean air and abundant sources of water into one of Lithuania's most charming destinations for rowers from around the world.”

Already more than 50 participants from 11 countries, covering three continents, have signed up to take part in this annual tour designed for recreational rowers.

The World Rowing Tour began in 1971 and is organised by FISA’s Rowing for All Commission. In 1994 Birstonas hosted the Tour. Fifteen years later it returns to Birstonas and will run this year from 15 – 22 September 2009.

For more information contact: inga.lif@mail.lt

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