Meridian Energy Empowers Rowers To Succeed
A new South Island rowing performance centre is being established in Christchurch with the support of long-time rowing
sponsor Meridian Energy. "New Zealand rowers have been achieving on the world stage for many years. We are delighted to
be able to support the Rata Performance Centre, which we hope will help young South Island athletes develop into the
next generation of world-class rowers," says Meridian Energy Chief Executive Keith Turner.
John Wylie, Rowing NZ's Regional Manager, who will manage the Rata Performance Centre, says the aim of the centre is to
provide young South Island rowers who show potential with a springboard to international success.
"The centre will provide young rowers with the facilities, resources and advice they need to achieve their potential in
rowing," says John Wylie. The Rata Performance Centre will provide a stepping-stone between club competition and
international representation. For this reason rowers at the centre are expected to perform at a higher level than club
rowers.
To help the rowers achieve this the centre will provide a dedicated professional coach, former international oarsman and
world silver medallist David Lindstrom, to lead a top level coaching team drawn from around the region. The Rata
Performance Centre will also give rowers access to quality health and nutritional services. The centre will cater for up
to 20 premier male and female rowers, 20 male and female under-21 rowers and a selection of lightweight rowers.
ENDS