SCHOOL SURFING STARS VIE FOR STATE HONOURS

Up to 120 school surfing stars will make a splash when they compete in the Queensland School Sport Surfing Championships on the Sunshine Coast this week.

Education and Training Minister, Rod Welford, said Maroochydore and Alexandra Headlands were expected to be the venues for the under-19 and under-16 boys, and the under-19 girls state championships from Thursday 24 May to Sunday 27 May.

“Actual venues for the competitions will depend on surfing conditions each day,” Mr Welford said.

“In addition to individual competitions, there will also be a school-verses-school competition where the best school team in each division from each region will battle it out to be the Queensland Champion School.

"I'd like to congratulate each competitor on his or her achievement, and wish them every success at the championships.

"This event provides a great opportunity for these young athletes to compete at a high level while meeting and sharing experiences with their peers from across the state.

“I have no doubt some of these students will follow in the footsteps of current World Tour competitors Mick Fanning, Joel Parkinson and Bede Durbidge who were all once competitors in the Queensland School Sport Surfing Championships.”

Seven sporting regions will be represented—Metropolitan West, Metropolitan North, Metropolitan East, Wide Bay, Capricornia, South Coast and Sunshine Coast.

Mr Welford thanked the dedicated teachers and school staff who had worked hard to make the championships a success.

The top three competitors in each division and the Queensland Champion School team will make up the state team which will represent Queensland at the National Surfing Championships to be held in South Australia in December.

Media contact: Marnie Stitz or Emma Clarey on 32371000