Dear Ladies and Gentlemen, On 3rd September 2007 at the FISA Congress in Munich, Bled was chosen for the site of the World Rowing Cup in 2010 and the World Rowing Championship in 2011. It was a great honor and an enormous challenge for Lake Bled where rowing comes naturally. Making special man-oared boats, called “pletna”, and taking pilgrims and tourists to the Virgin Mary’s church on the little island belongs to the most ancient traditional crafts and trades of our area. The first regatta on Lake Bled took place as early as 1905. Today, Bled Rowing Club is one of the most successful sport clubs of the nation. Even the first Olympic medal for the newly independent nation Slovenia was won by the rowers of Bled in 1992. It would be difficult to find another place with a more beautiful natural course than the emerald Lake Bled, which has just the right length for the race. The romantic island is situated just to the side of the main course. A stunning view of the course race can be enjoyed from the medieval castle built atop a 130 meter high rock. There are no problems with accommodation and entertainment; you’ll be welcomed in numerous hotels and pensions ranging from three to five stars, private apartments and rooms, youth hostels, a camp site, restaurants and pubs, discos, etc. The venue can be reached on foot from the entire surrounding area, which is a rare advantage for a regatta course. Bled has already hosted three World Rowing Championships, two Masters’ Championships, the World Junior Championships, and the European Championships, along with numerous national championships and of international regattas. his all shows how much we wish, and also know how, to organize such top international sport competitions. Not only the people of Bled but the whole nation is very much aware of how important it is to promote our rather small but beautiful Slovenia. I assure you that we’ll all do our best to fulfill your expectations and welcome you all to Bled, Yours truly, Janez Fajfar Mayor of Bled / Slovenia | 
