The Royal St. John’s Regatta Committee builds new timing, viewing and judging tower, and develops strategic plan for 200th anniversary
July 22, 2015 – St. John’s, NL – Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
The Royal St. John’s Regatta Committee has constructed a new three-story timing, viewing and judging tower and has developed a strategic plan to recognize, celebrate and mark the 200th anniversary in 2018, thanks in part to an investment from the Government of Canada. Federal funding of over $125,000 was announced today by the Honourable Rob Moore, Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador and Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency) to help support an important piece of infrastructure and to elevate the 200th anniversary to a key national and international sporting and cultural event.
The new tower will serve as a key focal point of the historic event and will include interpretation of its rich history, as well as a viewing platform for judges and seating for dignitaries and other special guests. The tower enables the Regatta Committee to provide a world-class timing system for the annual event, while providing infrastructure to potentially host other racing events that require this type of accurate and precise timing.
The Royal St. John’s Regatta Committee has developed a strategic plan to celebrate and honour the 200th anniversary in 2018 as well as market and promote the event to a provincial, national and international audience.
Quick Facts:
- The Government of Canada is providing $125,944 in funding toward the project through ACOA’s Business Development Program.
- The Royal St. John’s Regatta is the oldest organized sporting event in North America and dates back to 1818. The event celebrates its 200th Anniversary in 2018.
- The Royal St. John’s Regatta continues to draw in excess of 50,000 spectators each year and is a central summer tourism event in the City of St. John’s.
Quotes:
“Our Government is pleased to support the historic Royal St. John’s Regatta as it prepares to celebrate its 200th anniversary. Our investment will help to further develop this great annual cultural and sporting event into one that is truly world-class and can further contribute to the regional economy as a prime tourism activity.”
- The Honourable Rob Moore, Regional Minister for Newfoundland and Labrador and Minister of State (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency)
“Modernizing and meeting the demands of our athletes are top priorities for The Royal St. John’s Regatta Committee, and we see the Tower as an integral element of this strategy. We are committed to the further development and sustainability of the sport of rowing in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador and are deeply appreciative of the support of our funding partners.”
- Mr. Bob Clarke, President, The Royal St. John’s Regatta Committee
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Contacts:
Kelsie Corey
Director of Communication
Office of the Honourable Rob Moore
Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
613-941-7241
Kelsie.Corey@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Julie Afonso
Acting Director, Public Affairs
ACOA NL
709-772-2984
Julie.Afonso@acoa-apeca.gc.ca
Andrew Wadden
The Royal St. John’s Regatta Committee
709-576-8921
andrew@wpjlaw.ca
