GOLD COAST, QUEENSLAND (Monday 15th February 2021) – Surfing Queensland acknowledges media reports suggesting the World Surf League may not run this year’s Corona Open Gold Coast, scheduled to take place at Snapper Rocks throughout April and May.
Surfing Queensland recognises that the decision to run the event rests with the World Surf League and Queensland Government, and appreciates the strain that COVID-19 places on activating events of this kind.
Surfing Queensland CEO, Adam Yates, said that a major South East Queensland surfing event is an important part of the state’s broader sporting culture.
“The Gold Coast championship tour event is Queensland’s, if not Australia’s, biggest surfing spectacle, with tens of thousands of enthusiasts supporting the event each year at Snapper Rocks as well as following online,” Mr Yates said.
“Snapper Rocks has been a breeding ground of world surfing talent, fast-tracking the development of national icons including Mick Fanning, Stephanie Gilmore and Joel Parkinson,” he said.
“No official decision has been announced regarding the Gold Coast world tour event, and we’ll be following the matter closely over coming days to keep the Queensland surfing community updated,” he said.
Regardless of the decision surrounding the Gold Coast event, Surfing Queensland is on track to deliver its full calendar of events throughout 2021.
“We’re collaborating with state and local government, commercial partners and community stakeholders to ensure that our Queensland-based surfing programs, initiatives and events continue to run, providing an important pathway to professional surfing,” Mr Yates said.
“Events such as the Queensland Surfing Festival, Gold Coast Open and Australian Open of Surfing will provide ongoing surfing action throughout Queensland, which is great news for surfers and spectators,” he said.
“All world surfing professionals start local, which is why grassroots competition is so vital to the ongoing health of one of Australia’s most celebrated and historic sports,” he said.
For more information on Surfing Queensland events, please follow Surfing Queensland on social media and visit www.surfingqueensland.com.au
Media Contact
Mitchell Shepherd | Communications Manager | 0418 201 700 | mitchell@surfingqueensland.com.au
