11 - 18 October, Isle of Tiree
Cash injection for Tiree economy as Wave Classic competition generates £1m
The world’s best windsurfers will compete against each other at one of the most challenging of UK sporting events, the Tiree Wave Classic 2008. Running from 11 to 18 October, the competition is set to attract over 700 visitors to the island, with a dedicated half hour television program, which makes it the island’s biggest economic driver of the year.
Set up in 1986 and sanctioned to World Cup level in 2007, the competition showcases Scotland as a world-class events destination. Tiree’s rugged coastline, superb waves and £5000 prize fund will provide the riskiest and most adventurous challenge yet for windsurfing’s elite competitors.
The Event Village will offer a variety of activities open to everyone including cliff jumping, kitesurfing, wakeboarding, blo-karting, zapcat racing, surfing, trade exhibitions, craft exhibitions, island tours and food tastings making the island a perfect destination for families and groups.
A host of other activities and events will also take place throughout the duration of the competition including whisky tasting, traditional live music performances.
From its modest beginnings, owners of the Tiree Wave Classic Competition GMFCo Marketing, have delivered a marketing and sponsorship solution to major brands for over twenty years. Now one of the biggest events on the Scottish sporting calendar, GMFCo expect this year’s competition to be the most challenging yet.
Gordon Ritchie, Director of GMFCo Ltd, the event organisers, said: “The Tiree Wave Classic is now in its 22nd year and is the significant economic driver for Tiree and for Scotland. The island is a stunning location for the competition, its diverse natural assets help to put Scotland on the map. This event is one of the most difficult to organise due to its location and the resources available. But this is what makes it so special, we have to work hard to create it, competitors have to work hard to get there. But when they are there, they realise the adventure of Tiree and the Tiree Wave Classic. This competition is not for the faint hearted.”
Jim Mather, MSP, Minister for Enterprise, Energy and Tourism, said: “The Tiree Wave Classic has a significant, positive impact on the local economy and provides a welcome, annual boost to local businesses. The event showcases Argyll & Bute and Scotland as a location for international events bringing together sports men and women from around the world together to compete. And gives them a chance to experience the magic of Argyll and the islands.
“I know that those who compete and those who compete and those who simply visit Tiree to spectate will be back and many will be tempted to explore further in Argyll & Bute.”
Paul Bush, Chief Operating Officer of EventScotland said: “We are delighted to have supported the growth of the Tiree Wave Classic. The competition holds immense value to both the Isle of Tiree and to Scotland as a whole - attracting international visitors to the country and of course, significant worldwide media coverage.”
