OPENING CEREMONY KICKS OFF 2015 NICARAGUA UNICA ORIGINAL ISA WORLD SURFING GAMES

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27 International Teams Take to the Streets of Rivas, Nicaragua Celebrating the ISA Spirit with Parade of Nations, Sands of the World Ceremony

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The 2015 Nicaragua Unica Original ISA World Surfing Games presented by Lafise and Claro were declared officially open by ISA President Fernando Aguerre on Sunday, May 31. The Opening Ceremony circled the center of Rivas, Nicaragua and concluded near the beautiful town square.

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27 International Teams wave their flags in celebration at the opening of the 2015 Nicaragua Unica Original ISA World Surfing Games. Photo: ISA/Ben Reed

 

In attendance were 27 International Delegations that traveled to Nicaragua from all over the world. Local dignitaries, contest officials and thousands of enthusiastic spectators were witnesses to the start of this ISA World Championship.

The start of the celebration began with the Parade of Nations. Each team marched through the heart of the Rivas’ colorfully vibrant town. The teams made their way to the main stage to participate in the Sands of the World Ceremony symbolizing the peaceful gathering of nations through the love of surfing.

Costa Rica marches with pride down the streets of Rivas, Nicaragua en route to the stage of the Opening Ceremony. Photo: ISA/Skyler Wilder

“The Sands of the World Ceremony, which happens at every ISA World Championship for the last 20 years, is a symbol of peace between nations, countries and the people. It’s about peace for Surfing to defend the ocean and nature,” stated ISA President Fernando Aguerre. “I would like to wish to all of the competitors the best in the competition, but more than anything I would like all of you to have a good time, make new friendships, and enjoy beautiful Nicaragua.”

In addition to the ISA ceremonies, cultural groups from the towns of Rivas as well as Tola took to the stage to perform artistic dances for all of the visiting international nations.

“Nicaragua Unica Original, once again, is full of pride to welcome the 2015 ISA World Surfing Games after three years of hosting consecutive championships,” expressed Nicaragua’s Minister of Tourism Mayra Salinas. “It is an honor for us to welcome you to this glorious country.”

Competition begins Monday with the live webcast starting at 8:00am local time.

Monday, 8:00am Playa Popoyo, Nicaragua
Monday, 7:00am Los Angeles, USA
Monday, 11:00am Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Monday, 4:00pm Paris, France
Tuesday, 12:00am Sydney, Australia

Tune into the live webcast here –  http://isawsg.com/live/

About the International Surfing Association:
The International Surfing Association (ISA), founded in 1964, is recognized by the International Olympic Committee as the World Governing Authority for Surfing, StandUp Paddle (SUP) Racing and Surfing, Bodysurfing, Wakesurfing, and all other wave riding activities on any type of waves, and on flat water using wave riding equipment. The ISA crowned its first Men’s and Women’s World Champions in 1964. It crowned the first Big Wave World Champion in 1965; World Junior Champion in 1980; World Kneeboard Champions in 1982; World Longboard Surfing and World Bodyboard Champions in 1988; World Tandem Surfing Champions in 2006; World Masters Champions in 2007; and World StandUp Paddle (SUP) and Paddleboard Champions in 2012.

ISA membership includes the surfing National Governing Bodies of 96 countries on five continents. Its headquarters are located in La Jolla, California. It is presided over by Fernando Aguerre (Argentina), first elected President in 1994 in Rio de Janeiro and re-elected eight times since. The ISA’s four Vice-Presidents are Karín Sierralta (PER), Layne Beachley (AUS), Casper Steinfath (DEN) and Barbara Kendall (NZL).

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