| ENGLISH | SPANISH | FRENCH |
The Junior Surfing Olympics were officially launched
The world’s
best junior surfers from 28 nations paraded through the streets of Hossegor,
France today to celebrate the start of the Quiksilver ISA World Junior
Surfing Championship. As the clouds parted, the sun shone upon the teams and
a traditional music band provided a carnival atmosphere. Over 300 surfers
and officials marched in colourful team uniforms, waving national flags and
singing, whilst the locals lined the streets. Hossegor, a town long since
recognised as the surfing capital of Europe is familiar with pro surfing of
the highest level, but has never before seen such a collection of young
surfers showing off their national pride.
Brazilians showed off football skills as they walked. Debut nation Senegal
may not have the largest or most experienced team but their bongo drums and
singing made the most noise. Hawaiians and Tahitians as always spread Aloha
and flowers to proceedings whilst the Irish wore huge green and white
novelty hats emblazoned with their lucky shamrock! South Africa wore their
traditional bright green blazers and New Zealand tried to scare the
opposition with an awesome ‘Haka’ display. The reigning champions Australia
even bought an inflatable kangaroo along for the ride.
Part of the Opening Ceremony, which is both exclusive and symbolic to all
ISA World Championships is the ‘Sands of the World Ceremony’. This was held
inside the ‘Jai Alai’, a Hossegor sporting arena that is celebrating its
50th anniversary. Dignitaries present were Fernando Aguerre charismatic
president of the ISA, Pierre Agnès president of event sponsor Quiksilver
Europe, Henri Emmanuelli, president of the Landes General Council, Stéphane-
Delperat vice president of the Landes General Council. Local mayors Mr
Soubestre, Mr Dufau and Jean-Luc Arassus, president of the French Surfing
Federation.
During his openning remarks, ISA President Fernando Aguerre said “While some
people insist on keeping our world divided and at war, here today, we are
proving that a better, more peacefull world, respectufull of different ways
of living is achievable. Black and white, Western and Oriental, Rich and
Poor, muslim, christian and jewish are all here today united through
surfing…”
All teams brought together sand from their corner of the world to share with
the home nation of France. The ISA World Championship prides itself on
having an Olympic spirit, where the minnows of the surfing world such as
Israel, Germany or Equador have a chance to push themselves against the
traditionally best surfing nations such as Australia, USA, Brazil and South
Africa. The ‘Sands of the World Ceremony’ signifies the world’s surfers
coming together, regardless of international, political, or religious
boundaries.
The contest begins at 8am local time tomorrow, when all eyes will be on the
first heats of the day. Mother nature has provided fantastic sand banks at
Seignosse Le Penon for the two competition podiums and organisers hope to
commence with the Under 16 and Under 18 boys first round. Swell forecasts
also look great for the event window with waves predicted all week. Another
unique feature of the ISA World Junior Contest is the double elimination
format which allows every surfer a second chance of winning by the use of a
repercharge round. You can stay tuned to your home nation’s progress live on
the Internet webcast and live scoring, which will be brought to you by event
sponsor Quiksilver, the global boardriding company.
Live feeds will run from
www.quiksilver.com
Or via www.isasurf.org or
www.isaworldchamp.com
PHOTOS
Usage-free high quality images of today’s parade and each day’s events will
be available for worldwide press use at:
www.quiksilver-press.com
Login: pressroom / password: quiksilverpress
VIDEO
Daily
high-resolution video sequences will be available for free usage by TV on a
dedicated FTP server. http://inside-media.fr/isa2008
A 3-minute sequence of today’s highlights will be available from 8pm.
About International Surfing Association (ISA):
The International Surfing Association (ISA) is recognized by the
International Olympic Committee (IOC) as the World Governing Authority for
surfing, bodyboarding and surfriding. It was originally founded as the
International Surfing Federation in 1964 and has been running world
championships since 1964 and the Junior World Championships since 1980.
ISA membership includes the surfing National Governing Bodies (NGBs) of over
50 countries on six continents. Its headquarters are located in San Diego,
California. It is presided by Fernando Aguerre, first elected in 1994 in
Rio, and re-elected six times since. The ISA's four Vice Presidents are Alan
Atkins (Australia), Robin de Kock (South Africa), Maile Aguerre (Hawaii) and
Mike Gerard (USA).
