French Surfing Federation marks its 50th anniversary with public beach celebration events

The International Surfing Association [ISA] has congratulated Fédération Française de Surf [FFS], the French Surfing Federation, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2014.

The FFS celebrated this landmark moment in its history by hosting a special beach event for the public in the French coastal city of Biarritz, Côte des Basques – a hugely popular Surfing destination that attracts surfers from all over the world.

People of all ages joined in the celebration event in Biarritz, the place in France where the FFS was founded 50 years ago, with Surfing demonstrations and friendly competitions.

The FFS’ 50th anniversary celebrations will continue through to October when it will host the French Surfing Championships [18 – 26th October] in the town of Hossegor, one of Europe’s most popular Surfing locations. More than 450 surfers from France and around the world will compete at the Championships and the FFS will also host a special gala dinner to observe the historic occasion.

Offering his congratulations to the FFS, Fernando Aguerre, President of the ISA, said: "As the ISA celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2014, it gives me great pleasure to see that Fédération Française de Surf is also hosting special events to mark this special year.

"I wish to congratulate the FFS for their long-standing effort to promote Surfing and spread the spirit of the sport to thousands of people in France and beyond. On our journey towards Olympic inclusion, the FFS is a wonderful partner to help our sport grow and we look forward to our ongoing work together to expand Surfing’s positive message and values around the world.

"The ISA is proud that we now have 86 National Federations and with Surfing’s growing global popularity we have the momentum to engage more young people who are attracted to the excitement, thrill and youthful vibe of the sport. As Surfing expands to new markets, we can highlight the universality of the sport and its great appeal which means the next 50 years and beyond are going to be very exciting."

Jean-Luc Arassus, Fédération Française de Surf President, said:

"Fédération Française de Surf is thrilled to be celebrating its 50th anniversary this year alongside the ISA. France has a special connection to Surfing and the sport resonates with the young people of our nation. Over the past 50 years we have seen Surfing grow in France and it makes us very proud to have contributed to the sport’s global development.

"We look forward now to welcoming some of the world’s best surfers to the French Surfing Championships next month when the region and nation can collectively celebrate the sport’s traditions and history and look forward to many more years of success."

For more information contact: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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