The 2018 World Rowing Coastal Championships begin Oct. 11 at Tulista Park in Sidney with nearly 500 athletes competing from around the world.

This is the first time the ocean rowing championship will be held in North America as 24 countries are taking part, including Canada, which will be well-represented with 14 Canadian crews.

B次元官网网址淰ictoria is a great location for it,B次元官网网址� said Brenda Taylor, one of the race directors and part of the bid committee.

B次元官网网址淭he west coast of the Island is ideal for it,B次元官网网址� she continued.

Lots of crews are out on the course this morning practicing for the . CouldnB次元官网网址檛 have asked for better weather to show off how beautiful is!

B次元官网网址� Rowing BC (@rowing_bc)

The North Saanich resident was a double gold medallist in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics in flat water rowing and stepped into an organizing role to get Coastal Rowing to Sidney.

Victoria was awarded the rowing championships following a groundswell of support from coastal rowers across Canada, with hundreds of local volunteers and sponsors stepping in to help the Town of Sidney and Greater Victoria host the four-day event.

There will be food trucks, local vendors, a beer/wine garden and free admission for spectators. A beach cleanup is also scheduled for Oct. 14, hosted by Surfrider Vancouver Island.

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This event has strong connections to four local First Nations who are hosting the event on their traditional territory. Grade 4 and 5 students from 冉A虂U, WELN瘫EW瘫 Tribal School will welcome the rowers with dancing and singing.

All 48 coastal rowing boats provided for the championship will be available for purchase by local rowing clubs after the event wraps up on Oct. 14.

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