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INTERNATIONAL surfing competitions can help to boost tourism in Bali in line with the efforts to build sports tourism in the region, Bali Deputy Governor Tjok Oka Artha Ardhana Sukawati stated.
“Implementation of (the surfing) championship is also in line with the government’s efforts in building sports tourism in Bali, where sports is a means of reviving the community’s economy while supporting the revival of Bali’s tourism,” Sukawati stated here, on Sunday.
According to the Bali deputy governor, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the frequency at which sports championships are held, especially in Bali.
“As we all know, since the COVID-19 pandemic, the intensity of organizing sports championships is very minimal, especially in Bali,” he remarked.
The deputy governor pointed to an almost two-year hiatus in the implementation of international competitions, though currently, some of them were held again due to an improvement in the pandemic situation in Bali.
Sukawati remarked that the improving situation of the pandemic had proffered a sense of security to the community to return to organizing or conducting sports activities.
“Based on this (improved) condition (of the COVID-19 pandemic) and with the support of the local government, the local surfing community, and the proper wave conditions in the Padang-Padang Beach area for the international championship, I believe this event will run successfully and smoothly,” Sukawati stated.
Sukawati opened the 2022 Rip Curl Cup Padang-Padang international surfing competition in Badung District, Bali, Sunday, which was held again after a two-year hiatus.
He said that the activity, held on August 1-31, 2022, aligned with the Bali provincial government’s mission to develop highly competitive human resources, specifically humans with quality, integrity, professionalism, morale, and strong identity.
Through the 2022 Rip Curl Cup Padang-Padang international surfing competition, the deputy governor expressed optimism that new local talents, who can compete and make the region proud, would emerge. [antaranews/photo special]
