Summary of FISA Press Conference held on the occasion of 2010 World Rowing Championships

“The upgrade of the facilities and installations at Karapiro are fantastic, the volunteers are extremely friendly and helpful and, apart from the first day concerns about the weather, the regatta has been run under very good conditions” he stated.

Oswald stated that he was delighted that FISA and Samsung had recently agreed a partnership with Samsung taking over as Technology partner of FISA, Title sponsor of the Rowing World Cup through to 2012 and a main sponsor of the 2010 and 2011 World Rowing Championships.

President Oswald, who is Member of the IOC, clarified his position on the subject of allegations about a possible conflict of interest between FISA, Oswald and the bidding for the Olympic Games of 2018. The IOC Ethics Commission had been asked to look into the matter and concluded that the contract between FISA and Samsung was perfectly in accordance with IOC rules. Oswald read out parts of the statement sent by the IOC earlier today saying that “The IOC Ethics Commission recognised that FISA and its President acted in good faith.”

President Oswald, on his own initiative, in order to eliminate any possible perception of a conflict of interest, decided to renounce his vote in the decision for the 2018 Winter Olympic Games. Oswald emphasised that “what is important is the fact that this is a summer sports federation, and the allegations were in relation to the winter Olympics bid process”. He added “in our case, no infringement was made to the IOC rules.”

In the press conference, Executive Director Matt Smith provided some updates on FISA’s Strategic Re-assessment including the recent rebranding survey carried out in August and which received over 900 responses. The responses will lead to a new brand identity which will be announced next year. Several new television rights agreements were mentioned including Sky New Zealand, Fox Sport in Australia, CBC in Canada among others.

2010 World Rowing Championships take place at Lake Karapiro, New Zealand from 31 October to 7 November 2010. A Finals started today and will run through until Sunday.

For more information:
Marion Gallimore, FISA Communications Manager – Marketing & TV and on-site press officer
Tel: +41 21 617 83 73 or direct +41 21 612 02 26, mobile +41 79 706 72 55
E-mail: marion.gallimore@fisa.org