ISA Scholarship Programme

Vargas, Venezuela, 25 May 2014: At the South American Beach Games this week in Vargas, Venezuela, Surfing demonstrated its clear suitability to being a core part of a large-scale, multi-sport event with world class athletes competing as part of a national team on an international stage.

Surfing was one of 10 sports featured in the third edition of the Games and male and female athletes from Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and host nation Venezuela competed in four Surfing disciplines – Open Men, Open Women, Longboard and Bodyboard.

The International Surfing Association (ISA) is proud to confirm that seven Surfers competing in Vargas have been through the ISA Scholarship Programme thus validating and reaffirming the success of this important development programme in Latin America.

The ISA Scholarship programme financially assists young boys and girls develop as Surfers – while continuing their education – enabling them to progress to represent their countries at the highest level of international Surfing competition. Since 2007, the scholarship programme has delivered 192 scholarships for junior Surfers in over 40 countries, including 15 from Latin America.

The Surfing champions at the 3rd South American Beach Games are:
 Open Men: Miguel Tudela (PER), 2009 ISA Scholarship recipient
 Open Women: Miluska Tello (PER), 2010 ISA Scholarship recipient
 Longboard: Piccolo Clemente (PER)
 Bodyboard: Sergio Alonzo (VEN)
 Aloha Cup: Peru

Speaking about the Surfing competition at the 3rd South American Beach Games, ISA President, Fernando Aguerre, said:
“It’s wonderful to see such high class Surfing competitions included in multi-sport events like the South American Beach Games. This shows how the sport is compatible with the multi-sport format where athletes can compete with pride and passion in unison with compatriots under their national flag.

“This adaptability is another strength that Surfing can draw on as we aim for inclusion in the Olympic Games. Surfing is already a sport that has incredible worldwide appeal – it fundamentally resonates with young people and it is imbued with youthful values. This is incredibly valuable for the future of the Olympic Movement and with our natural focus on youth culture; Surfing would bring renewed attention and interest in the Olympic Movement.

“We are also so proud to see seven of our young Scholarship holders competing for their national teams in Vargas. With these athletes showcasing Surfing as youthful, progressive and dynamic, and with the new, ground-breaking wave technology that is set to revolutionize our sport, we are confident that we can be valuable contributors to the Olympic Movement and ultimately be recognised as an Olympic sport.”

Peru’s Miguel Tudela, Open Men’s Champion and 2009 ISA Scholarship recipient, said:

“It’s really special for surfers to take part as a team and compete on behalf of your compatriots and nation. Surfing for your country is an entirely different sensation and I’ve enjoyed every second of it. I’m so thrilled and honoured to be taking home the championship medal. I dedicated this triumph to my parents who were supporting me from Peru.

“Seeing my national flag waving and being here in Vargas with so many great athletes from different sports is also amazing. It’s now my dream to one day have this awesome experience at the ultimate sporting event – the Olympic Games.” By: Robert Fawdon