World Sculling Challenge 1999

Friday 2nd April 1999

THAMES WORLD SCULLING CHALLENGE

PRESS RELEASE APRIL 1st 1999

SLOVO - COP RELEASED FROM ARMY TO FIGHT BATTLE OF TIDEWAY
Iztok Cop, the World Sculling Champion of 1995, is being enabled to participate in the Thames World Sculling Challenge on Good Friday in spite of his national service with the Slovenian Army. Iztok, 26, a policeman, will be racing a field of world-class champions thanks to a last minute intervention from the British Embassy in Ljubljana, Slovenia at the request of the International Manager of British International Rowing, David Tanner. The Embassy have seemingly persuaded the Army that the rowing 'star' would better shine as an ambassador to sport in Slovenia in this time of conflict. International sport again plays the part it historically has in time of war: a peaceful interlude. In the Thames World Sculling Challenge, there are only two sides: Surrey and Middlesex.INFLUENZA CLAIMS CHAMPION
The current holder of the Thames World Sculling Challenge trophy, Greg Searle, having missed the Head of the River Race at the weekend, has today confirmed that he will not now be able to defend his title of Champion of champions. Following its decimation of the England football squad, the bug has shown up on Greg's medical tests at the British Olympic Association and his rate of recovery will not be enough to allow him to race, according to Dr Anne Redgrave, wife of Steve, the doctor in charge of the British Rowing Squad. Greg is aiming to fly the flag and take gold in the Olympic Single Sculls in Sydney, a feat not achieved by a Briton since the legendary Jack Beresford in 1924, and cannot be allowed to compromise his health seriously at this stage of the season. The Challenge Committee supports him in his ultimate cause and Greg would in any event continue to be totally involved in this year's event - including handing over his coveted trophy.

SPORTS CAFÉ FOR WEIGH - IN THURSDAY 1ST APRIL 1.30 PM
The premier sports bar in London, in the Haymarket (nearest tube Piccadilly) is the location for the weigh-in for the champions competing at the Thames World Sculling Challenge. There will also be a photo-call and opportunity for interviews. Light refreshments will also be provided for the press. Unlike heavyweight boxing, there will emerge an undisputed winner of this main event.

RACE DAY - GOOD FRIDAY, 1 PM
The day commences with a traditional English brunch for press and guests at Thames Rowing Club, followed by the Draw for lanes at 2pm. The Women's Race will commence at 3.30 pm, the Men's Race at 4pm. The presentation and reception will take place in the Hall at Thames at 5.30pm. All times are subject to slight alteration by the BBC.

TELEPHONE: +44 171 723 4966 FAX: +44 171 723 8771 E-MAIL thames_scull@yahoo.com
THAMES WORLD SCULLING CHALLENGE LTD, REGISTERED OFFICE: SUITE 2, 36 DAVENTRY ST, MARYLEBONE, LONDON NW1 6TD, COMPANY NO.: 3495100
Organised by: Peter Haining MBE, John Tierney, Guy Rees, James Felt, Rachel Haining
This event is in aid of The Sculling Development Fund