SURFING DOWN THE STREETS OF ALMADA

28 delegations present at the official opening of the Quiksilver ISA World Junior Surfing Championships


Preparing to ride the waves of Costa de Caparica, the Quiksilver ISA World Junior Surfing Championships paraded through the city of Almada, in a grand and colourful opening ceremony. The host country, Portugal, closed the parade. A major highlight is the new record in participation at these “Surfing Olympic Games”: 261 surfers, representing 28 countries.

The world’s main junior surfing event came to life at Costa de Caparica today, Saturday May 5th; where the opening ceremony of the Quiksilver ISA World Junior Surfing Championships took place. The 28 delegations gathered early morning next to the Courthouse in Almada and proceeded to parade in style through the streets of Almada, up to the Praça da Liberdade. Inspired by the Olympic Games, Portugal closed the parade – to the pride and satisfaction of vast numbers of spectators

After the parade, the Sands of the World ceremony was a moment of mutual sharing, symbolising the union of the people and the ISA hopes for World peace. Fernando Aguerre, the International Surfing Association (ISA) President, officially launched the competition, highlighting the “importance of achieving this record participation, with 261 athletes from 28 National Teams, a strong sign of vitality of junior surfing”. Also present at the opening ceremony, the Mayor of Almada – Maria Emília Neto de Sousa – spoke of the “honour of hosting such a prestigious world sports event”.

Less than 24 hours to go before the first paddle out on the waves of Caparica, the Portuguese Team selector José Braga chose restraint: “The whole team feels motivated and in great shape. We have expectations of a top 10 finish”.

The Quiksilver ISA World Junior Surfing Championships will be broadcast live on the Internet, at www.isasurf.org.




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