Next February more than 4,000 competitors from over 40 different countries will converge on Geelong and Lorne in Victoria, Australia, for the 2006 Lifesaving World Championships, called Rescue 2006.
The Organising Committee is looking forward to hosting the best-ever Lifesaving World Championships and a simple click on the logo of Rescue 2006 will guide you to the very functional web site of Rescue 2006 that will keep competitors, officials and volunteers up to date.
The countdown has begun
With less than ten months to go until the opening ceremony for Rescue 2006, Event Manager Nick Jordan said that interest in the Championships was building.
“We’re confident we will attract the fastest, strongest and most-skilled lifesavers from around the world to Geelong and Lorne, when the celebration of lifesaving begins on 10 February next year, he said.
“The combination of world-class facilities – including a purpose-built, FINA-approved 50 metre pool at Kardinia Park in Geelong – spectacular scenery and the world renowned Australian hospitality, means that we will offer visitors a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
“We are working very closely with the Victorian Police and the Department of Infrastructure to minimise the impact of this event on the community, particularly when it comes to travelling on the Great Ocean Road, Mr. Jordan said.
The economic impact of the championships for Victoria is expected to be in the vicinity of AUS$30 million, and it will leave a legacy of improved sporting facilities and safer beaches through increased local participation in lifesaving.
Sponsors
Rescue 2006 is pleased to announce the following sponsors for the championships; the Victorian Government, DHL and the City of Greater Geelong.
DHL is the world’s leading express and logistics company and has been a sponsor of Surf Life Saving Australia since 2003. Gary Edstein, Area Director, DHL Express Oceania, said the company was committed to ensuring that Rescue 2006 will provide a friendly and enjoyable event for all who visit Geelong and Lorne in February 2006.
As well as marketing the event to the world’s lifesavers, detailed local preparations are underway including travel and transport planning.
The City of Greater Geelong is excited about the economic impact Rescue 2006 will bring to the Geelong Otway Tourism Region. Tourism and Major Events portfolio holder Cr Bruce Harwood identifies that the benefits will not only be seen economically, but also through the promotion of Geelong and the Surf Coast in the international marketplace and the development of a state of the art sporting facility.
“Thousands of competitors and support staff plus a large spectator base will spend money on accommodation, meals and entertainment within the Geelong region during this world event. “The redevelopment will also deliver significant improvements at the centre for general community use, Cr Harwood said.
Geelong is situated one hour from Melbourne and will host the pool events and is home to around 200,000 residents. There is something for everyone, with attractions, entertainment, a variety of places to eat, parks and gardens plus a lively, new waterfront on its unique north backdrop of Corio Bay.
Over $150 million has been spent on redeveloping Geelong’s waterfront which has been spectacularly transformed into one of Australia’s leading coastal locations. When it comes to great food and wine, Geelong offers an excellent variety of restaurants and eateries often with sweeping bay or bush views. The hundreds of restaurants, cafes, hotels and clubs provide every imaginable kind of fare.
Lorne is located along the famous Great Ocean Road and set between the sparkling waters of Loutit Bay and the beautiful forests of the Otway Ranges, Lorne has a special charm. The village has become one of the region’s most popular holiday destinations with its café culture and shopping precinct.
Lorne is also made famous by its beach, where gentle waves lap the wide stretch of golden sand just opposite the town’s main street. Lorne also boasts a recently developed pier, where tourists can try their hand at fishing. There are kilometres of well-marked walking tracks in the bush behind Lorne that take in waterfalls, rainforests and rivers. Lorne will host the open water and beach events throughout the championships.
The Lorne Surf Life Saving Club (SLSC)
The Lorne SLSC is one of Australia’s oldest clubs (formed before the Second World War), though the current clubhouse was built in 1999 with the assistance of the Victorian Government. The Club provides essential lifesaving services to all beach goers and the local community at Lorne. Boasting over 900 members, the club continues to be a social and recreational hub on the beach.
2005 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships
Recently more than 7,000 competitors competed for the chance to be crowned National Champion at the 2005 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships at Kurrawa Beach, Queensland. Club events are always a highlight at the National Championships and this year was no exception with 197 clubs represented from across Australia. On a state level Victoria was represented by 19 of the 58 patrolling clubs including the strong clubs of Anglesea, Ocean Grove, Torquay and Lorne. Anglesea was the leading Victorian club in the competition.
DHL International Surf Lifesaving Challenge
The Australian surf life saving team has been victorious in the DHL International Surf Challenge on the Gold Coast recently. Australia won 18 of the 22 events contested and finished with 106 points, clinching the Test ahead of New Zealand (87) with Great Britain third on 51. The United States (43) were fourth just ahead of Japan (42) fifth. For the Australians, ski paddler Nick Crilly, rookie teenage swimmer Emma Wynne in the surf race, beach sprinter Zane Campbell, and beach flags competitor Lisa Wright, were the stars. The New Zealand team had plenty of success on the sand with Morgan Foster winning the men’s beach flags, Holly Moczydlowski the women’s beach sprint and the same pair helping the Kiwi’s mixed beach relay team to victory.
