Greeting

Dear Rowing Friends,

Here in Brandenburg, a never-ending number of possibilities are centred around the basic element of water. That's no surprise: with 3,000 lakes and more than 33,000 kilometres of flowing water, Brandenburg - a federal state of Germany - has one of the highest number of waterways in Germany.

These are ideal conditions for water sports. For many people from Brandenburg rowing is the favourite leisure time activity. This rubs off on the next generation. Early on, the'youngsters' row with enthusiasm. Very often, the next step is to become a member of a club and to meet their idols there. Great names; real "icons" of rowing belong to our local "rowing family". I am convinced that the continuous success of the Juniors and the U23s has something to do with the fact that they meet the "stars" while training. It motivates the younger generation to see their idols' preparations for their outstanding success at Championships and Olympic Games closely, and to have the opportunity to race with them very early and to profit from their experience. Day after day they experience how much rowing can give to them.

In addition, there are fantastic training facilities, as well as support from coaches and other helpers, many of whom remain unrecognised. The fact that the U23 World Rowing Championships will take place here in 2013 at the beautiful Lake Beetzsee, shows how highly the achievements of the Rowing Federation of the Federal State of Brandenburg are appreciated.

To stage World Championships like these requires a large amount of work and enthusiasm. I thank all who enable the preparation of an event on this scale. Lake Beetzsee will be well prepared for 2013. We are looking forward to welcoming you. Then you will see me keeping my fingers crossed tight for our ‘youngsters' from Brandenburg!

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