ISA welcomes inclusion of Surfing in 2017 Central American Games

The International Surfing Association [ISA] has today welcomed the inclusion of Surfing on the Sports Programme for the 2017 Central American Games which will take place in Managua, Nicaragua.

Surfing’s inclusion in the Central American Games comes after the announcement last year that the sport will feature in the 2019 Pan American Games for the first time in Lima, Peru, and is another significant boost on the path towards Olympic inclusion at Tokyo 2020.

Driven by a strategy underpinned by the growth and development of Surfing worldwide, the ISA’s relationship with the Olympic Movement has been a strategic priority for the governing body for many years. The inclusion of Surfing in another international, multi-sport event demonstrates its global popularity and highlights how National Olympic Committees and major event organisers are embracing the sport.

The ISA has an active and vibrant membership across Central America and has itself hosted several ISA World Championships in the region. Nicaragua, a country with stunning coastlines and excellent Surfing conditions year-round, has hosted four ISA World Championships since 2010, including the 2015 ISA World Surfing Games.

Speaking about Surfing’s inclusion in the Central American Games, ISA President, Fernando Aguerre, said:

"This is another great moment for Surfing as we continue our programme of development and growth around the world. The decision highlights the universality of Surfing and coupled with the sport’s inclusion at the Pan American Games in 2019, this underlines the fantastic reach and popularity of Surfing in the Americas.

"I am excited to see the region’s best Surfers competing under their nation’s flag in another multi-sport Games. Surfing has incredible youth appeal with a unique and modern blend of sport performance, style, culture and dynamic energy – characteristics and values that make Surfing perfect for a multi-sport environment."

Noe Mar McGonagle, Costa Rican Pro Surfer and 2015 ISA World Surfing Games Gold Medallist, said:

"The announcement that Surfing will feature in the 2017 Central American Games is great news for our sport and I can’t wait to have the opportunity to compete for Gold alongside the best Surfers in the region. I’m sure that Surfing will add a huge amount to the Games with its adrenaline filled style and unique culture – it will be a proud moment for me and my fellow Surfers to represent our countries at a major multi-sport event."

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