BSA CALLS ON INDUSTRY TO HELP SUPPORT BRITISH JUNIORS

With less than five weeks to go until the prestigious World Surfing Games, the British Surfing Association (BSA) is making an urgent call to key companies who benefit from the sport to help sponsor and support the British Junior Surf Team. The BSA will be sending a full team of 12 surfers selected from Britain’s best young surfing talent, plus four coaching staff, yet despite continual approaches to key companies, no-one has stepped forward to support this vital component of the British surfing scene.

Britain is one of 40 nations to be competing in the World Junior Surfing Games in Costa Da Caparica, Portugal, taking place at the beginning of May. This will be the third time Britain has sent a full team to the Junior World Championship and with last year’s British medal haul including a silver at the World Surfing Games, a British European Junior Champion and a two world champion kneeboarders, Britain is on a definite roll on the global surfing stage.

The total 2007 sponsorship package for the Junior British Team is available for around £12,000, with the sponsor benefiting from the international exposure centred around the World Junior Surfing Games in Portugal as well a national exposure during the season. Association sponsorship packages are also available and a collective set of sponsors can also be created.

Karen Walton, director at the BSA, said: “These junior athletes are on the verge of long, professional careers within their individual fields and will represent Britain as ambassadors of surfing for many years to come.

“The British Junior Surf team needs this invaluable financial backing to allow the athletes to function professionally at such a high level. They have all been participating in structured training programmes throughout the winter months to ensure they are ready for the 2007 season and we have extremely high hopes for all of the individuals involved and a strong team result. With so many brands and companies benefiting commercially from the sport, I think everyone will agree that some of them should take this opportunity to show their commitment to our nation’s young surfing talent.”

Sponsors will enjoy recognition through a range of channels, including team kit, boards and equipment, representation at BSA surfing schools and official photography.

Failing a number of sponsors coming forward with financial help, the BSA will appeal to all local and national companies to step forward with support in kind and an auction/raffle will be held to raise some of the necessary funds.

For more information about sponsoring the British Junior Team, please contact Karen Walton, National Director of the BSA by calling 01637 876474 or emailing Karen@britsurf.co.uk.

Issued on behalf of the BSA by Excess EneRGy Communications. For further information, photography or interviews contact Rhona Gardiner on rhona@excessenergycomms.com or 07740 410052.