Guy Dresser | Oronne Communications - The authorities in Germany are mulling over the future of the country’s Olympic canoe regatta course in Munich. The 2,000m long facility in the Oberschleißheim district of Munich is now more than 40 years old and showing its age. It’s in need of restoration and the cost of doing so is thought likely to run into millions of euros.

The city of Munich, according to reports, can’t afford the bill and the Federal Government has said it’s not going to fund the redevelopment project. So Munich’s sports authorities are looking for private sector backers to come up with some ideas and proposals that they can take forward.

Anyone interested in developing the facility or coming up with proposals for its revamp have until May 17 to produce proposals for its financial future. A committee will then select finalists. One thing is certain: rowing and canoeing have to be part of the proposal – the authorities will not support any proposal that doesn’t envisage the two sports having a long-term future at the course.

On the left, check out a video of the facility in its heyday – the K1 500m women’s final at the 1972 Olympic Games.

The Bavarian Canoeing and Rowing Associations are looking into the idea of a national training centre for Para-canoeing as well.

Munich isn’t the only regatta course to ponder its future. As I reported recently, Nottingham came up with an outsourcing agreement with Serco – best known for running British prisons – to ensure the future of its facility at the National Watersports Centre in Holme Pierrepont.

For the 1972 results in Munich visit: www.sportscene.tv/flatwater/canoe-sprint/result-archive