By Tom Lloyd, Lausanne, June 25, 2019: The International Surfing Association (ISA) is pleased and encouraged by today’s decision by the IOC (Surfing Paris 2024)
Session to approve the inclusion of Surfing on the Sports Programme for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, after a vote by its membership during the 134th IOC Session in Lausanne.
Final ratification will make by the IOC Executive Board, after the sport makes its much-anticipated landmark debut at the Tokyo 2020 Games.
Today’s announcement moves Surfing even closer to long-term Olympic inclusion.
Surfing was first added to the Olympic Sports Programme for Tokyo 2020 at the 129th IOC Session in Rio de Janeiro in 2016.
Now, following today’s news, the ISA is looking ahead to Paris 2024 to create a pathway to permanent inclusion in the Programme in Los Angeles 2028 and beyond.
ISA President Fernando Aguerre said:
“This is another amazing day for Olympic Surfing, as we move one step closer to Paris 2024 and long-term Olympic inclusion.
I want to personally thank both the IOC Membership and the Paris 2024 Organising Committee for believing in our sport and for recognizing the value it brings.
We humble and honoured by the confidence placed in us.
“Surfing sport for the new era of the Games, a sport that truly ‘Made For Sharing’ in line with Paris 2024 values.
Surfing combines high-performance action with a connection to the environment, sustainability and self-improvement.
Aligns perfectly with Paris 2024 and the Olympic values and we’re proud to have the chance to continue our journey with the IOC.
“In Tokyo, we have the opportunity to show Surfing’s unique youthful personality and socially-engaged athletes to the world and cement our position within the Movement.
Our Olympic Surfing Festival promises to be a truly innovative element to the programme, showcasing our sport’s vibrant culture.
I am positive that, together with our partners in Tokyo, we can bring a new dynamic youth appeal and leave a lasting legacy for Japan, the Games and our sport.
“France meanwhile, has an incredibly rich Surfing tradition and has hosted some of the most important events in the ISA calendar.
Together with the French Surfing Federation and the Paris 2024 Organisers, I’m certain we can put together an event that inspires the nation and continues to celebrate our sport’s unique value and culture on a global stage.
“On behalf of the entire Surfing community, I would like to thank all involved in today’s decision.”
Paris 2024 has announced a public tender process for the selection of the host venue for Surfing. The process will conduct in coordination with the ISA and the French Surfing Federation. It will begin immediately with expressions of interest. ISA/ Photo: ISA / Ben Reed
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.