Bali to hold world surfing c'ships

JAKARTA (JP): Bali is to play host to the 600 surfers from 40 countries competing in the World Surfing Championships next year.

Rizani Idsa Karnanda of the Bali Surfing Club said yesterday that Bali's appointment to hold the prestigious championships was made by the chairman of the Carlos Kagathosf Foundation in the United States, Brunce S. Pohopping.

Bali has accepted the offer to host the event which is held once every two years. Coordination of even preparations and activities will be done by the local authorities.

Rizani said that the surfing event is expected to support tourism since the participating surfers are likely to bring their spouses and children along with them.

Citing an example, he said the previous championships held in France in 1992 managed to attract 1,600 people, consisting mainly of family members invited by the participating athletes.

"A throng of surfers and spectators attended the 1994 championships in Brazil. We hope that the same is going to occur at the upcoming global championship in Bali," Rizani told Antara news agency.

Rizani quoted the chairman of the Australian Surfers Union as saying that the United States had set its eyes upon becoming the host country next year.

"The honor of being the host country of such a prestigious, international sport event, is not just be profitable from the tourism aspect of brining in a huge number of visitors, it also will provide us with free promotion," he said.

Aside from this, almost all foreign participants in this international event are going to be accompanied by journalists from their respective countries.

A total of 80 surfers from seven countries are now participating in the international surfing championships "Quicksilver Teenagers" at Kuta Beach. The ongoing championships from July 12 to July 16, feature girls and boys aged 18 years and under.