Top Windsurfers Listed For Inaugural Tourney
The Fiji Pro Invitational, like many other international sporting events, is driven out of passion and the love for the sport.
Minister for Commerce, Trade, Tourism and Transport Faiyaz Koya made the comments at the official opening of the international windsurfing tournament, the inaugural Fiji Pro Invitational 2022 at the Bayview Cove Resort, Sonaisali, Nadi on Saturday.
Windsurfers
20 windsurfers from as far as France, Ireland, United Kingdom, Italy, Morocco, and the Pacific are part of the weeklong event at CloudBreak.
A similar tournament was held at Namotu in 1997, this is the first to be held at Cloudbreak. Cloudbreak is located about three miles south of Namotu Island.
Cloudbreak is a world class left reef pass regularly voted one of the 10 best or most challenging waves in the world.
Koya said over the years, the Fijian Government has invested heavily in hosting international events – illustrating Fiji’s ability to host top tier international sporting events.
For this event, Fiji Surf Co. has partnered with a number of stakeholders – including the local communities Nabila and Momi Villages; this ensures that the local communities also benefit.
International Windsurfing Tournament Director Simeon Glass said he was incredibly grateful for the opportunity to run an event with the support and partnership with Government.
“From a rider’s point of view, this is a dream mission, dream of riding at Cloudbreak. Everyone in Fiji and everyone in the world are aware of this wave. It is one of the greatest waves that the world has to offer,” Glass said.
“It’s been over 27 years since I’ve tried to create this. “
“For a guy like me, walking down the Nadi street with a surfboard and now bringing in the best in the world, and realizing that we have some of the best waves in the world. It is a long journey and I am proud of it,” IWT event director/Fiji Surf Co managing director Ian Muller said.
The tournament is from August 20 – 30.
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