Balinese team competes at Australian IRB Championships

Surf Life Saving Australia, July 22, 2013: The 2013 AustraliaBalinese Surf Life Saving Club Balawista Badung will compete against 28 Australian clubs today in the 2013 Australian Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) Championships.

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Balinese Surf Life Saving Club Balawista Badung will compete against 28 Australian clubs today in the 2013 Australian Inflatable Rescue Boat (IRB) Championships.

This is the first time an Asian team has entered the annual national event.

In today’s Opening Ceremony, Surf Life Saving Northern Territory President Bob Creek welcomed the competitive team of six lifeguards, along with their supporters to the event.

“We’re very pleased to have Badung SLSC here in Darwin and we wish them the very best of luck in competition,” said Mr Creek.

Amazingly, the Balinese lifeguards whose Club is based at popular tourist spot Kuta Beach have never before raced in an IRB.

Over the years however, they have been given a range of rescue equipment and lifesaving support by Surf Life Saving organisations around Australia to help the growth of the developing movement in South East Asia.

The team’s captain, Marcello said they are excited to be to be in Darwin for the event.

“We are very passionate about lifeguarding and are very happy to be involved in the sport here in Australia,” he said.

Yesterday on Mindil Beach, QLD won the Interstate Trophy with an overall pointscore of 59 in front of New South Wales in second on 49 points and Victoria who came in a close third on 47 points.

There are over 500 participants inclusive of over 70 competitive teams, coaches, team managers, supporters, officials and staff here in Darwin for the Championships running from July 18 – 21.

For more information on the event, head to www.sls.com.au/irbchamps

For images from today, please visit http://sls.com.au/irbchamps/images

Issued on behalf of Surf Life Saving Australia...

Ian Hanson

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