The Honourable Dwight Ball, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, today congratulated the Royal St. John’s Regatta on its 200th anniversary.

The first documented Regatta was held in 1818 to mark the 47th anniversary of the coronation of King George III, making the Royal St. John’s Regatta the oldest continuing sporting event in North America.

One of only four organizations in Newfoundland and Labrador to be granted the Royal Designation, along with the Royal Newfoundland Regiment, the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary and the Royal Newfoundland Yacht Club, the Royal St. John’s Regatta is one of the last fixed seat rowing competitions known to exist in the world.

Commemorative rings, made of gold from Anaconda’s Point Rousse Project, will be presented to the winners of the men’s and women’s championship races.

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“As we all anxiously await the Regatta tomorrow, I congratulate the Regatta Committee for your continued commitment to this exceptional sporting event. This year, in particular, you have done an outstanding job in highlighting and celebrating 200 years of history, while honouring rowers past and present. To put an event like this together takes a team of tireless volunteers – I applaud your hard work and dedication, and I acknowledge the commitment and enthusiasm of the organizers, as well as sponsors, for your efforts in ensuring Regatta Day goes off without a hitch. Best of luck to all competitors as you battle the elements on Quidi Vidi Lake, and strive to achieve personal bests.”
Honourable Dwight Ball
Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador

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Royal St. John’s Regatta – stjohnsregatta.ca

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Media contact
Jason Card
Office of the Premier
709-729-3558
jasoncard@gov.nl.ca