2009 ISA Scholarship Program has successful number of aspiring candidates

More than 70 juniors from 24 different countries have sent their application forms to the ISA 2009 Individual Scholarship Program, showing how successful this project has become. Forty grants will be granted to those juniors that show they find themselves in a situation of economic need, are good surfers, good students and admired by their communities.

In clear evolution, the Program began with five grants in 2007, followed with 20, and will double in number this year.  On the other hand, interest and desire to win one of the scholarships has grown around the world, considering that for this year’s program, over 70 aspiring candidates presented their credentials, belonging to the following countries: Argentina, Australia, Barbados, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Great Britain, Guatemala, Ireland, Jamaica, Japan, Maldives, New Zealand, Peru, Puerto Rico, South Africa, Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, United States and Uruguay.

“This is a great way to show that ISA Individual Scholarship Program is part of the ISA work towards a better world”, ISA President, Fernando Aguerre said.

All candidates had to present their current academic status, sign a sworn statement to commit them to continue studying, present a plan for the use of their money, as well as a letter of recommendation written by a representative of the local federation together with an essay explaining “Why I deserve an ISA Scholarship”.

The beneficiaries will receive 600 dollars and a Global Surf Industries’ surfboard.  Results will be revealed in February.

The main purpose of ISA’s Individual Scholarship Program is to provide funding to make surf practices easier while encouraging the importance of education.  The money awarded can only be used solely to improve their surfing and educational activities.  ISA hopes this program helps young surfers to follow their dreams through financial backing, becoming better athletes and students, and possibly national and world champions.

About International Surfing Association
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), Mike Gerard (USA) and Karin Sierralta (Peru).

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