9 August, 2011: Surf Life Saving Australia (SLSA) and the Australian Surf Rowers League (ASRL) have today signed an historic agreement that will see the two organisations partner to further the development of surf boat rowing in Australia.
The agreement is the first of its kind and will see the formation of an SLSA Surf Boat Commission, charged with overseeing the ongoing development of surf boat rowing, improving risk management processes and maximising the national surf boat calendar.
Speaking at the signing, SLSA President, Graham Ford, said the agreement will be a significant step forward for surf boat rowing.
“This agreement will see SLSA and the ASRL take a collaborative approach towards the development of surf boat rowing, both in Australia and internationally.
“SLSA acknowledges that surf boat rowers make up a significant proportion of our membership and that the sport of surf boat rowing has an important place in our history.
“Through this agreement, we will provide an increased level of support to national surf boat rowing to ensure the sport is as robust as possible.
“We look forward to working closely with the ASRL moving forward to ensure the ongoing success of this great sport,” said Mr Ford.
President of the ASRL, Bert Hunt, said the signing of the agreement will improve the strategic direction of the sport to ensure its future success.
“This is a great opportunity for surf boat rowing in Australia and it will allow us to improve a number of processes, particularly in regards to education, coaching, officiating and risk management.
“We’re looking to further strengthen the sport in every State in Australia so we can set it on the right path for the next 100 years,” said Hunt.
You can read the original article as it appeared on SLSA's web site here
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