MARCH 14, 2011
Mr. Neil Pryde withdraws endorsement of Olympic kitesurfing
Mr. Neil Pryde has released the following message regarding his support for kitesurfing as an Olympic event:
"I have been acting as an Ambassador for the IKA in order to assist Kitesurfing in its objective to attain Olympic Event status.I have now withdrawn my endorsement of the IKA Campaign because it is my view that Kitesurfing has not yet developed the rules of competition and disciplines that must be demonstrated to qualify Kitesurfing as an Olympic Event.As the Managing Director of Neil Pryde Limited, the owner of Cabrinha, a world leader in Kitesurfing I remain a strong supporter of Kitesurfing and I believe that the sport will continue to grow and develop as a lifestyle / adventure sport. Kitesurfing offers tremendous opportunities to combine sport and travel and there is no doubt that it is an exciting action sport that ultimately could obtain Olympic status.However it is important to look at Kitesurfing today and understand the limitations of the sport within the requirements of an Olympic Event.I would support the inclusion of Kitesurfing as a Demonstration Event at the 2016 Olympic Games if this is feasible. NEIL PRYDEManaging Director
NEIL PRYDE LIMITED"
Brockbank’s in the Power Zone!
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Brockbank, sponsored by Digicel, had a highly successful Billabong BVI Kite Jam and was named "Most Improved Rider
ROAD TOWN, TORTOLA, VI – Seventeen-year-old, Virgin Islander and Kite Boarder, Chris Brockbank, is heading for the “Big Air” and in his short but highly successful career, he has already gained much attention from fellow competitors, judges and sponsors!
Cedar School International School student by day and Kiteboarder the rest of the time, Brockbank brought home the “Most Improved Rider” Award from the recent Billabong BVI Kite Pro-Am Kiteboarding competition held on and around Necker Island.
At the event, Chris was not only representing the BVI, but also sponsor, Digicel, who had been searching for a local rider and had no hesitation in choosing Brockbank.
He may only have had 18 months experience, but has taken to the sport like the proverbial “Duck to water”, proving his natural ability to perform “S Bends and Un-Hooked Kite Loops” with the best of them under the watchful eyes of Rusty Hendersen and Mike Hurst.
He started in the sport by just sitting and watching his “mentors” ride at Nanny Cay and got hooked and is now a regular at both Nanny Cay and Long Bay Beach.
“The Jam was a great event,” He said, “the atmosphere was very friendly and I was able to learn a lot from the Pro’s who took part as well as the other Riders.”
Chris Brockbank is sponsord by Digicel. Photo Courtesy Digicel
The highlights for him were the Free Style Competition and the Race Around Necker. He finished outside the prizes in the Freestyle, but learnt some new tricks and landed most of his attempts, before getting a special mention from the judges and the “Most Improved Rider award”.
In the race, which featured a staggered beach start followed by riders racing onto to their boards and “Diving the Kites into the Power Zone”, he finished in the top 10, which he was satisfied with, especially as his board is a twin tip. This type of Board is used more for freestyle than racing, making his result even more remarkable.
Next up for Brockbank is more practice, learning new tricks and taking part in regional events when the opportunity arises.
He is also very excited by trying out the “Ramp” where Riders can reach heights of 25-30 feet and achieve “Big Air”.
It seems Digicel might have just unearthed another BVI Athlete who with their help will no doubt move onto “Bigger and Better” achievements!
“Angela Burns and Alan Bates were happy with my performance and I like them as a Sponsor, I hope they will do so again,” Brockbank said.
Sent from Jeremy