Nova Scotia to Host First Surf Event

SPORT/RECREATION COMMISSION Nova Scotia to Host First Surf Event

The Nova Scotia Lifeguard Service has been chosen to host the first annual Canadian Surf Lifesaving Championship at Risser's Beach on Aug. 29.

"Due to the nature of our coastline, the Nova Scotia Lifeguard Service has a long history of quality surf training and surf competition," said Jane Purves, Minister responsible for the Nova Scotia Sport and Recreation Commission. "Being chosen to host the first Canadian Surf Lifesaving Championship recognizes the outstanding quality of Nova Scotia's program."

The day-long event features about 14 events selected from the International Lifesaving Federation rule book. Events include rescue board race, beach flags, two kilometre beach run, and ironman and ironwoman.

Clubs from lifeguard organizations across Canada will compete for the 2000 Canadian Surf Lifesaving Champions title.

"The National Lifesaving Society is extremely pleased to announce that Nova Scotia will host the first ever Canadian Surf Lifesaving Championship," said Doug Ferguson, national sport commissioner for the lifesaving society. "This event will be a big boost to the growth and development of the sport of lifesaving in Canada, a sport where athletes learn humanitarian skills for the purpose of competition."

The Canadian Surf Lifesaving Championship is sanctioned by the National Lifesaving Society, the Canadian governing body for lifesaving sport. It is also a sport recognized by the International Olympic Committee.

More information on the Canadian Surf Lifesaving Championship can be found on the Nova Scotia Lifeguard Service's website at www.nsls.ns.ca/2000cslc .

The Nova Scotia Lifeguard Service is a joint project of the Nova Scotia Sport and Recreation Commission and the Lifesaving Society, Nova Scotia Branch.