International Surfing Association (ISA) Statement

La Jolla, California – 10 August 2018

Following the news that the 2018 ICF SUP World Championship would be cancelled, International Surfing Association (ISA) President Fernando Aguerre has released the following statement:

"This announcement follows a well-reasoned and thorough examination of the history, legality and tradition of the sport of StandUp Paddle by the Portuguese Court of Arbitration for Sport, and is testament to the Portuguese Surfing Federation who have defended their legal right to the sport in Portugal.

"The ISA is the only International Federation that has ever organised StandUp Paddle World Championships and, together with the Association of Paddleboard Professionals (APP), we have worked tirelessly to ensure the best conditions are in place for the sport to flourish at both elite and grassroots level.

"Unfortunately, due to the interventions of the ICF, SUP athletes have been denied the chance to compete at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aries and the 2019 ANOC World Beach Games in San Diego. We, at the ISA, believe that the athletes are the most important aspect of any sport, and we look forward to continuing to work in their interest.

"The ISA has provided clear and unimpeded means for SUP athletes to compete for more than a decade, and has been saddened by the continuation of this situation, created by the ICF. We now look ahead to a swift and appropriate resolution, in the interests of the athletes and the Olympic Movement, at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS)."

-ENDS-

For further information:

Sujit Jasani

VERO Communications

Email: sjasani@verocom.co.uk

Mobile: +44 [0]7940 375 282

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