National Teams Unite in San Diego’s Iconic Balboa Park, Celebrate the ISA Spirit with the Parade of Nations and Sands of the World Ceremony
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The 2015 ISA World Adaptive Surfing Championship Presented by Challenged Athletes Foundation, Hurley, Stance and the City of San Diego was officially inaugurated with the Opening Ceremony in San Diego’s iconic Balboa Park, marking the largest international Adaptive Surfing competition of its kind to date.
In attendance were 18 National Teams that travelled from around the globe to celebrate this inaugural competition. Influential members of the San Diego community and Surf Industry, such as Mayor Kevin Faulconer and surf legend Rob Machado were also present.
The celebration began with the Parade of Nations. Each country carried their national flags while parading through the picturesque walkways of Balboa Park, led by ISA President Fernando Aguerre, ISA Officials and Judges. The Parade ended at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion where the ceremony continued.
Mayor Kevin Faulconer welcomed the international athletes to the City of San Diego.
“Surf culture is San Diego culture, which makes our city the perfect spot to host the very first ISA Word Adaptive Surfing Championship. Surfers and San Diegans may seem laid-back, but beneath the surface, have the passion and drive to do some incredible things. This competition is about celebrating those who have overcome physical challenges to perform amazing feats in the water. The athletes in the ISA World Adaptive Surfing Championship are proof that physical challenges don’t mean physical limitations.”
ISA President Fernando Aguerre spoke regarding the inauguration of the historical ISA World Championship.
“This is history in the making. 69 athletes from 18 countries have united for the ISA World Adaptive Surfing Championship.
“I would like to wish the best of luck to all of the competitors and National Delegations. Most importantly this is a great opportunity to teach and learn from one another about life as an adaptive surfer for everyone to take back to their countries.
Following the dignitaries’ speeches, every nation participated in the Sands of the World Ceremony. Two members from each team took to the main stage pouring sand from their local beach into the glass container while waving their national flag. The Ceremony symbolizes the peaceful gathering nations of the world through surfing.
Also in attendance were Council President, Sherri Lightner, and Director of Park and Recreation of the City of San Diego, Herman Parker, who greeted the athletes and expressed their enthusiasm for hosting this inaugural ISA World Championship at La Jolla Shores in San Diego.
Adding to the festivities was a crowd-pleasing wheelchair dance by the Wheelchair Dancers Organization and music performances by renowned organist Dr. Carol Williams.
Competition begins on Friday with the live webcast starting at 7:45am PST.
Friday, 7:45am San Diego, USA
Friday, 11:45am Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Friday, 2:45pm Paris, France
Saturday, 12:45am Sydney Australia
The event schedule is as follows:
Friday, Sept. 25 – 8am-5pm: Live webcast of competition to begin at La Jolla Shores
Saturday, Sept. 26 – 10am-3pm: Adaptive Surfing Symposium featuring keynote speakers about the future development of Adaptive Surfing at Deni + Jeff Jacobs Challenged Athletes Center.
Sunday, Sept. 27 – 8am-5pm: Live webcast of competition Finals at La Jolla Shores to culminate with the event’s Medal and Closing Ceremony
To follow all the action, visit – www.ISAworlds.com
