George Washington University

April 3, 2007

WASHINGTON, DC -- The 20th annual George Washington Invitational Regatta will be held on Friday and Saturday, April 6-7, on the Potomac River race course. The event is part of the 2007 National Cherry Blossom Festival, which takes place from March 31 to April 15. The George Washington University rowing program hosts the event, which is the largest collegiate rowing competition in the Washington metropolitan area.

This year's regatta entails a departure from the traditional heats and finals format that has been used in years past. Instead, each team will compete in three dual or trial races - one on Friday afternoon, and two on Saturday. The 2,000-meter, four-lane buoyed course begins near the Spout Run area of the Potomac River with the finish line at Washington Harbour in Georgetown. An awards ceremony will follow the competition at approximately 6:00 p.m. on Saturday at Washington Harbour. GW Rowing is headquartered at Thompson Boat Center near the intersection of Rock Creek Parkway and Virginia Avenue, NW.

Men's and women's crews from fifteen universities, including the host Colonials, will compete in the two day-long event with more than 300 rowers expected to take part. Men's squads from The George Washington University, Georgetown University, Michigan, Cornell, Virginia, Temple, Saint Joseph's, Marietta (OH), Gonzaga, and Florida Tech will compete for the Gilbert H. Hood, Jr. Point Trophy. The women's teams are from George Washington, Georgetown, U.S. Naval Academy, Iowa, Clemson, Delaware, Saint Joseph's and West Virginia.

Collegiate men's and women's events this year will include: Varsity Eights, 2nd Varsity Eights, Varsity Fours, Freshman Eights, 2nd Freshman Eights and Freshman Fours.

Last year the U.S. Naval Academy amassed 46 points to win the Gilbert H. Hood, Jr. Point Trophy at the19th Annual George Washington Invitational Regatta on a rain-soaked Saturday on the Potomac River. It marked the seventh time the Midshipmen have won the point trophy. Georgetown was the runner-up with 34 points followed by 2005 champion, Virginia, with 31 points. The host Colonials of George Washington placed fourth with 22 points. Points were awarded based on finish in the grand final races and petite finals.

Admission is free.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival®, Washington, D.C. is an annual two-week, city-wide event featuring daily cultural performances by local, national and international entertainers. Other events include art exhibits, fireworks, tours, arts & crafts demonstrations, sports competitions and special events celebrating spring. The 2007 festival will be held March 31 - April 15 and is highlighted by the Family Day & Opening Ceremony on Saturday, March 31; and the Southwest Airlines Presents the Parade of the National Cherry Blossom Festival® and the Sakura Matsuri - Japanese Street Festival on Saturday, April 14. The 2007 National Cherry Blossom Festival® celebrates the 95th Anniversary of the gift of the cherry blossom trees and the enduring friendship between the citizens of the United States and Japan. Visit www.nationalcherryblossomfestival.org.