ISA President, Fernando Aguerre, spreads Surfing's youthful message at the Youth Olympic Games

Fernando Aguerre, President of the International Surfing Association [ISA], has been at the Youth Olympic Games [YOG] in Nanjing, China this week to witness the Olympic stars of tomorrow and spread Surfing’s youthful message that highlights why more than 35 million young people worldwide are attracted to the sport.

Aguerre has been present in Nanjing to experience the sporting action and the unique atmosphere and culture of the Games while emphasising the ISA’s commitment and dedication to the Olympic Movement, the YOG concept and the youth of the world.

During his time in Nanjing, Fernando Aguerre also met with several members of the IOC Executive Board and other senior IOC officials to underline further Surfing’s strong desire to join the Olympic Sports Programme, and therefore assist the Olympic Movement to connect with young people and inspire in them the positive values of Olympism.

Speaking from Nanjing, Fernando Aguerre, said:

"It’s fantastic to be here at the YOG in Nanjing to promote Surfing – a sport with a unique blend of youth culture, lifestyle and sport performance infused with a dynamic energy that makes it especially relevant for young people all over the world. Surfing has no regard for wealth, status, race, gender or age, which is why the multi-cultural YOG is a perfect platform for global promotion.

"I would like to congratulate the IOC and Nanjing organizers for the outstanding organisation, and especially for the Sports Lab concept which featured new, youth-oriented sports and offered an opportunity for the local public to try and engage in these sports. I have continued to learn and receive valuable feedback from my meetings with Olympic leaders here which is incredibly helpful as we position Surfing going forward within the Olympic context.

"With its engaged base, Surfing connects with the young people like no other sport via powerful social media and marketing platforms – we are at the forefront of youth engagement at a time when this is vital for the Olympic Movement. The new wave technology that is about to revolutionise our sport is also set to open up Surfing to millions more people around the world. The values of Olympism are embedded in Surfing’s culture and with our youthful vibe and global reach, we would bring excitement, fun and value to the Olympic Games."

The ISA currently has 86 member nations all over the world and in recent years there has been a drive for expansion in new markets such as Asia, Latin America and Africa. Surfing’s booming popularity in these markets shows the universality of the sport and its great appeal amongst young people.

In addition to its unique culture, the sport also carries financial value. It is estimated that Surfing is a 22 billion dollar business with websites, social media channels, magazines, newspapers, TV networks and radio stations – most of them 100% dedicated to the sport and focussed on the youth demographic.

For further information:

Sujit Jasani, VERO Communications

Email: sjasani@verocom.co.uk

Mobile: +44 [0]7940 375 282

Robert Fawdon, VERO Communications

Email: rfawdon@verocom.co.uk

Mobile: +44 [0]7769 216 649

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