41 national teams join Parade of Nations, including eight first-time countries
Competition to begin tomorrow with SUP Technical Racing
Today, competition was officially declared open for the 2024 ISA World SUP & Paddleboard Championship (WSUPPC). The streets of Copenhagen rang out with cheers and chants from around the world during an energetic Opening Ceremony that took in many sights of the city.
Over 180 athletes, representing 41 national teams, marched along Copenhagen’s stunning harbor and picturesque canals for the Parade of Nations, flying their flags high as they proudly represented their countries. The flags of eight teams, from three continents, featured for the very first time in a WSUPPC parade; Latvia, Lebanon, Norway, Scotland, Senegal, Slovakia, South Korea and Thailand.
Upon arrival at the Royal Public Library, the ISA’s traditional Sands of the World Ceremony started. A flag-bearer and sand-pourer from each national team poured sand from their local beach into a single container as a symbol of the peaceful gathering of the nations through surfing.
In a cultural display unique to the sport, ‘The SUP Drummers’ roused the crowd by creating music entirely based on using SUP boards as instruments.
The athletes gathered were represented on stage by 2023 SUP Sprint Race Gold Medalist Noic Garouid (FRA), who swore an oath of good sportsmanship alongside ISA Race Official Andreia Silva. Also present on stage were Jens Kristian Lütken, Mayor of Employment and Integration of the City of Copenhagen, Jakob Færch, President of the Local Organizing Committee and ISA Executive Committee Member, and Robert Fasulo, ISA Executive Director.
Mayor Lütken said: “This championship actually captures the spirit of Copenhagen. It was a very strong move when the ISA chose Copenhagen as a destination for the world cup. Here in Copenhagen, we might not have the big waves of Hawaii, but we do have one of the cleanest harbors in the world, and some of the nicest people as well.”
Speaking by video, ISA President Fernando Aguerre said:
“Thanks to Jakob Færch, our friends at Sport Event Denmark, and of course everybody in Denmark for welcoming us once again to this beautiful country and beautiful city. I wish all of the competitors the best time. I know you’re going to remember this event for the rest of your life.
Let’s continue to push SUP into the Olympic Games. I know it’s been frustrating. We asked for SUP to be included in the Tokyo Games, we were turned down. We asked for SUP, of course, to be included in the Paris Games, and in LA. We will continue to support and work with all of you to see SUP as a part of the Olympic Games, as it deserves to be. Enjoy the competition and have a good time.”