TUGUN TO HOST SURF SPORT ELITE
THE best and brightest surf sport athletes will descend on Tugun Surf Life Saving Club when it hosts the 2021 Senior and Master State Championships from March 26-28.
Surf Life Saving Queensland CEO Dave Whimpey said thousands of competitors across Queensland from Under-17s to Masters would hit the Gold Coast’s southern sands for three days of elite events, including the most gruelling of all, the Open Ironman and Open Ironwoman.
“Our State Championships are the pinnacle event for surf sports in Queensland,” he said.
“After the disappointment of having to cancel our 2020 State Championships, I know our athletes are busting to get out there and compete on the state stage.
“We cannot wait to come together as a community next March.”
Mr Whimpey said the event for spectators and competitors would be “bigger and better”, harking back to the glory days of surf sports in Queensland.
“Surf sports is an integral part of Queensland culture and we want to get back to
dominating summer sports where our top athletes were household names,” he said.
Major Events Gold Coast CEO Jan McCormick said the Gold Coast beaches were the ultimate stage for surf sporting events.
“I look forward to welcoming the competitors, their families, clubs and spectators back to our city for
another memorable State Championships,” he said.
City of Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate was looking forward to welcoming thousands of competitors to the city.
“Surf lifesaving is synonymous with the Gold Coast and I’m delighted that the 2021 State Championships will be
decided at Tugun and North Kirra,” he said.
For the first time in the event’s history the winners of the Open Ironwoman and Ironman will be presented a prestigious trophy, unveiled on Monday by Former Uncle Toby’s Ironman Champion Guy Andrews and Coolangatta Gold champion Hayley Bateup.
“The reason I came to Queensland at the age of 20 was to join Tugun Surf Life Saving Club,” Andrews, the reigning Queensland and Australian Masters Ironman Champion, said.
“The club embraced me and I have fond memories competing at Queensland State Championships for them.
“I’m nostalgic and thrilled that the glory days will return to Tugun. It set me up for my career and I’ll always be proud of my Queensland roots.”
Nominations to compete are now open and interested applications should speak with their club.
The Junior State Championships will be held at North Kirra from March 12-13.