Issue link: https://newsleader.uberflip.com/i/143399
Sarasota News Leader July 12, 2013 In January, Paul Blackketter, chief operating officer of the SunCoast Aquatic Nature Center Association (SANCA) told the Sarasota County Tourist Development Council that US Rowing, the national governing body for the sport, and FISA "want to bring international rowing back to the United States." He pointed out, "The impression that we get is that this [bid] is basically ours to lose." Page 24 with more than 42,000 visitors from 62 countries attending the two-week event. Additionally, approximately 130 million people from around the world would be expected to watch the championships on television and on the web, the county news release notes. Blackketter began traveling the world several years ago — as Benderson Development Co.'s executive director of planning — to tour international rowing venues and become acquainted with FISA officials as work progressed on the park. SANCA is the nonprofit organization charged with overseeing events at Benderson Park and landing major corporate sponsors for the championships, if the park wins the bid. In recent months, Reid, representatives from According to estimates provided by Visit Sara- Visit Sarasota County and commissioners sota County and SANCA, the 2017 World Row- from both Sarasota and Manatee counties ing Championships could generate $24 million have joined Blackketter on his trips as a sign in economic activity for the state and region, of support for the Benderson bid. A Sarasota County Sheriff's Office vehicle leads a procession across the North Cattlemen Road extension at Benderson Park on May 24. Photo by Norman Schimmel