OLYMPIC GAMES 1956 Bienvenue 'a ... LA VILLE DE BALLAARAT LE LAC WENDOUREE La venue des competitions olympiques en ramage et canotage When the XVI Olympic Games were planned for Melbourne in 1956, much discussion took place over the site of the rowing and canoeing events. First consideration was the Yarra River in Melbourne, but bridges interfered with the lane divisions, Albert Park Lake (Melbourne) was too short and shallow, then Lake Learmonth (near Ballarat) was seriously considered, and although it had an excellent watercourse it lacked shore facilities because it was in undeveloped country. Lake Wendouree was finally selected after the International Rowing Federation chose the Lake even though it lacked the required depth over the length of the course. Much work was done by the Council and volunteer groups in preparation. 50,000 cubic yards were cleared to ensure sufficient racing and training facilities. The course needed was 2,000 metres long and 75 metres wide. An Olympic Village was erected on the Learmonth Road to house the competitors and officials. Lake Wendouree had ample accommodation for the 72 boats of the visiting crews in the boat houses of the Ballarat, Wendouree and Ballarat City Clubs. However, fire destroyed the Ballarat City Boat House, and a new one was only completed a week before the Games started. Special stands were erected to seat 2,300 spectators, while there were vantage points along the rowing course for 50,000 additional viewers. The Olympic events took place from November 23 to December 1. For the rowing, 249 oarsmen from 24 countries competed, and for the canoeing and kyaking another 112 competitors from 17 countries took part. The events competed were: Pair-Oars Without Cox 9 competitors Pairs-Oars With Cox 8 competitors Double Sculls 8 competitors Single Sculls 12 competitors Four Oars Without Cox 12 competitors Four Oars With Cox 10 competitors Eight Oars With Cox 10 competitors On 18th January 1958, at Lake Wendouree, the Rotary Club of Ballaarat handed over to the Mayor, Cr. J.A. Chisholm, an attractive monument topped by the five Olympic Circles supported on a boomerang, symbolising the invitation to return.