After Irma, competition will go on as scheduled

SARASOTA — Sarasota County officials granted the local organizing committee for the 2017 World Rowing Championships access to continue operations at Nathan Benderson Park after it assessed minimal damage by Hurricane Irma.

According to a press release, venue build out is on schedule and the site will be ready to host the championships on Sept. 23 to Oct. 1.

“The local organizing committee for the 2017 World Rowing Championships would like to thank the Sarasota County Emergency Management Department and all of the local and state officials for their preparation, communication, and mobilization efforts, in keeping the community safe during Hurricane Irma,” says 2017 World Rowing Championships Executive Director Meredith Scerba in a statement.

The organizing committee's manager of athlete services, Kristen Hartley, is in communication with team managers from each country to confirm arrival schedules, a press release says. Many teams will arrive in Florida later this week for training.

The World Rowing Championships is an international rowing regatta organized by FISA, the International Rowing Federation.