A handful of excited young competitors today joined members of the organising committee, Chair of the NSW Parliamentary Friends of Surf Life Saving and Member for Oxley Melinda Pavey MP, Kempsey Shire Council Mayor Liz Campbell, and event sponsor Stramit Building Products at the official launch of the Championships at the picturesque Mid North Coast beach.
Preparations for the biggest surf carnival for those living outside the metropolitan areas have been tracking smoothly with an influx of more than 1500 competitors, officials and supporters expected to be welcomed to town throughout the two-day event.
Mayor Liz Campbell believes it is a fantastic chance to highlight not only South West Rocks as a premium tourist destination but the wider Macleay Valley.
Defending champions Byron Bay will be gunning for their seventh straight title while their fierce northern rivals Cudgen Headland are keen to close the gap after falling agonisingly short of ending the streak in 2016.
Warilla –Barrack Point and Mollymook will be strong contenders from southern NSW while local clubs including Port Macquarie, South West Rocks, and Wauchope-Bonny Hills will be keen to take advantage of the familiar coastal waters.
This year marks the 10th anniversary for Stramit as naming rights partner of the Country Championships, and it has proved to be a fruitful partnership.
“The Country Championships showcase the incredible abilities and commitment of regional surf lifesavers with the event covering a wide and varied set of skills,” said Stramit Marketing manager John Bull.
South West Rocks President Rod McDonagh said his core group of volunteers means that the acquired knowledge gives the club confidence in hosting a successful event.
"We are really fortunate to have a great bunch of committed volunteers who are vital to making this happen. It's a lot of work but we're almost there and looking forward to welcoming everyone to our little patch of paradise," said Mr McDonagh.
The 2017 Stramit NSW Country Surf Life Saving Championships will be held at South West Rocks from Saturday 5 February.
Monday 16 January 2017