10th BORACAY INTERNATIONAL
FUNBOARD CUP BEGINS
(Special report for Philippine Headline News
Online) By Vangie Palacios
Boracay Island, Jan. 11, 1998 --- Windsurfers from 14 different countries are expected to compete in the 10th Boracay International Funboard Cup scheduled from Jan 11 to 17, 1998 at Boracay's Bulabog Beach on the eastern side of the island. The event is organized by Green Yard Beach Resort in cooperation with the Philippine Department of Tourism and the Boracay Foundation Inc.
Neil Pryde Sails, one of the event's major sponsors, has sent 32-year-old professional windsurfer Roberto Hoffman, to conduct clinics during the event and to give the participants tips on competitive windsurfing. This is Hoffman's first time to sail in the Philippines.
Hoffman was amazed with Boracay Island's winds. "On the Asian Spirit Airlines flight which landed right on Caticlan, we saw the windsurfers from the air zipping across the waters of Bulabog. Can't wait to get to sail in Boracay." Action Asia manager Andrew Owen of Hong Kong will be directing the Action Asia Speed Trials wherein participants speed across a 200-meter course and compete for the fastest speed.
Ed Fajermo and Arnel Panopio of the Philippine Windsurfing Team are expected to be the country's top bets to win the over-all title. Ken Choi, an ex-Olympian from Hongkong, will head the Hongkong delegation competing in the event. Taiwan has also sent 4 of the top sailors of the Kaohsiung Sailing Team to represent the country in the event.
Although the event has no cash prizes, it still attracts the biggest group of windsurfers in the region and all over the world and is now popular as Asia's Best Boardsailing Blast! Trophies were donated by Congressman Allen Quimpo of Aklan with Quiksilver also donating prizes to the winners.
Jan 11 is the official registration of participants and guests. Race proper begins on Jan 12 with the slaloms, and the 4-day Action Asia Speed Trials. The welcome night dinner scheduled on the 11th is hosted by Titay South Beach Resort and Governor Florencio Miraflores of Aklan.
The Boracay International Funboard Cup is the island's longest running and biggest annual international event in the world.
The event could very well be the Philippine's biggest annual international sporting event in terms of international participation.
Reported by: Sol Jose Vanzi
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