MANLY BEACH, New South Wales/AUS (Friday, April 5, 2013) – This Saturday, the world’s most famous surfer Kelly Slater will join HSBC Waratahs rugby stars on Manly beach for a celebrity surfing competition.
The Waratahs & Komunity Project Surf Pro Am tournament, a joint initiative between the HSBC Waratahs, surf brand Komunity Project and Manly Council, will bring together world-famous surfers, rugby players and celebrities in a free event to raise money for the charity Surfers Against Suicide.
In the first event of its kind, HSBC Waratahs stars Adam Ashley-Cooper, Lachie Turner, Drew Mitchell, Brendan McKibbin, Matt Lucas and NSW and Australian rugby legend Phil Waugh will swap their boots for boardies when they take to the professionals at Manly beach on Saturday, April 13, presented by Volvo Car Australia.
Joining 11-time World Champion surfer Kelly Slater will be Owen Wright, Simon Anderson, Tom Carroll, Mikey Wright and Tyler Wright, as well as former world surfing champion Mark Occhilupo, surfer/ironman Clint Kimmins and Manly MP Mike Baird.
Created by Komunity Project, Surfers Against Suicide (SAS) operates within the international surfing community to raise and distribute funds to support organizations that contribute to a reduction in death by suicide by promoting health and resilience amongst young people.
Said Kelly Slater, founder of Komunity Project and 11-time ASP World Champion, “It’s great to have everyone on board for this event and I’d like to thank those involved in making it happen.
“Hopefully we can raise some money for help reduce the individual and social cost of suicide amongst young people and also promote the importance of a healthy lifestyle amongst young people, particularly through surfing and sport.”
A keen surfer, rugby star Lachie Turner says can’t wait to take to the waves for such a great cause. “Rugby and surfing are two of Australia’s biggest sports, so the prospect of jumping in the water with some of the world’s best surfers is both exciting and daunting,” said the HSBC Waratahs and Wallabies wing.
“As athletes they are highly respected, especially Kelly who has dominated his sport for over a decade. I think it’s great that so many great names are taking some time out of their hectic schedules to come together and raise money and awareness for such a good cause.”
The event will be run by Surfing NSW, working in partnership with Manly Council, who are proud to bring an event of such status to Manly beach and to support the Surfers Against Suicide charity.
Said Mark Windon, CEO of Surfing NSW, “Surfing NSW is excited to be working alongside the NSW Waratahs and Komunity Project to support this event concept and the charity partner Surfers Against Suicide and we’re grateful for the support of our major partner, Manly Council.
“Held at Manly, one of Australia’s most iconic beaches, it will see two iconic Aussie sports, rugby and surfing, come together for a great cause. With high profile sports people and celebrities joining in, it is sure to be a great day that all of the family can enjoy.”
Waratahs Rugby CEO Jason Allen believes the event will be a great opportunity for the local community. “With their support and an amazing line up of sporting talent, hopefully we can put on a great day, have a bit of fun and raise a decent amount of money for a very worthwhile cause.”
Sponsored by the HSBC Waratahs’ sleeve sponsor Volvo Cars, the event will run from 10am until 2pm and will see six mixed teams of four, each made up of a rugby player, surfer, celebrity and local board rider or competition winner, contest the heats and finals
Entry to the event is free and as well as the surfing action, there will be beach rugby running from 11am to 1pm and host of other activities on offer for all the family. For those in regional NSW, highlights of the event will be available on both FUEL TV and FOX SPORTS.
From Monday (April 8), The Steyne Hotel in Manly will be running a special promotion all week, with plenty of Volvo and Waratahs giveaways on offer.
For further details about the event and how to donate to Surfers Against Suicide visit www.komunityproject.com
MANLY BEACH, New South Wales/AUS (Friday, April 5, 2013) – This Saturday, the world’s most famous surfer Kelly Slater will join HSBC Waratahs rugby stars on Manly beach for a celebrity surfing competition.