Champions to be honored at inaugural surf extravaganza

Champions to be honored at inaugural surf extravaganza

Bay of Plenty's world-beating surf lifesaving efforts will be celebrated at a fundraising ball later this month, although much of the focus will be on ensuring the future health of lifeguarding in the wider region.

The inaugural Surf Ball on November 29 at Baypark's ASB Arena will feature live music, supper and recognition for the local athletes who claimed multiple titles at the Rescue 2014 world championships in France recently. It will also raise funds for the Papamoa Community Surf Rescue Base Trust, dedicated to building a new community facility where the existing surf club is, although club chairman Andrew Hitchfield points out it will have spinoffs for the wider surf lifesaving community.

"The three main clubs along our beautiful coastline have demonstrated how well we can work together recently and both Mount Maunganui and Omanu are keen to support this event and benefit from it in future," Hitchfield explained. "Surf lifesaving is an integral part of the summer beach culture we all love so much and our lifeguards are fiercely proud of the role they play in keeping our beaches safe. This event is a great chance for the community to support the people who support them on the beach."

Papamoa's proposed new base will contain storage for surf lifesaving equipment, a watch control room, paramedic centre, changing rooms, toilets, showers, a gym/training area, workshop and multipurpose meeting and congregation areas for club members and community groups. The existing building, built more than two decades ago, will be replaced by amuck larger facility, reflecting the rapid growth Papamoa has experienced in recent times. At the moment, the clubhouse is also used by Papamoa Lions, Scouts, Cubs, Brownies and Girl Guides.

Fundraising efforts have been steadily building this year, with plans to have the new facility in place as soon as possible, enabling the 700+ members at the club to provide a world-class lifeguarding service.

In the meantime, Papamoa's sporting program - designed to keep active lifeguards fit and skilled - has already been producing world-class performances.

The club's youth team collected the overall title at Rescue 2014, emulating the deeds of the IRB team, who added the world title to the national championship won earlier this year.

Papamoa senior coach Matt Strange said the club was incredibly proud of their achievements.

"Fitter, faster lifeguards save lives and we've shown that we've got some of the fittest and fastest lifeguards in the world across our three clubs," Strange said. "Our world champions will all be out patrolling the beach this summer and it's great for the public to know that they're in such capable hands."

The ball is being touted as an ideal pre-Christmas party, with music provided by Brilleaux and Rock House Party.

To book tickets, contact the club or visit http://www.eventfinder.co.nz/2014/papamoa-surf-ball/mt-maunganui

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