Cornwall wins bid to host Rescue 2010!

Cornwall wins bid to host 2010 World Surf Lifesaving Championships

Newquay has been confirmed as the host of a major international lifesaving event. The Surf Life Saving World Championships in 2010 will include swimming and rescue competitions as well as surf boat and inflatable rescue boat racing. The competition is expected to attract more than 4,000 competitors and 40 national teams from lifesaving clubs throughout the world. The bid, backed by the RNLI, includes a 50m Olympic-size pool at Fistral Beach. Jonathan Ball, president of Surf Life Saving Great Britain said: "This is a wonderful opportunity for Britain. "It is a unique opportunity for organisations to contribute positively to an ethical mission that will help to inspire young people and raise public awareness of a sporting challenge that recognises bravery, encourages selflessness, personal fitness and well being and service to the community." The estimated £6 million cost of hosting the championships will be funded from public and private sponsorship. A 50m swimming pool at Fistral beach was part of the bid. Cornwall Sports Partnerships Strategic Director Mike Thomas said: "Its wonderful news for Cornwall to be hosting an international sporting event making full use of our unique coastline. We will be supporting Rescue 2010 in the build up and working together to increase and sustain particpation in sport". The initial bid costs of £65,000 has been funded by contributions from South West Regional Development Authority, Cornwall County Council, Restormel Borough Council and Newquay Town Council. When Australia hosted the event last year it brought in an estimated £18m, 40% of which went into the local economy. The first Rescue Championship was held in 1994 at Newquay and Cardiff and they are now held every two years. In that time, the event has grown in size from about 1,000 to about 4,000 athletes. UK young lifesavers have won medals at all previous championships since 1994.

2010 Website:
http://www.rescue2010.co.uk/