SINGAPORE SETS ENLIGHTENED PRECEDENT FOR NEW 2004 WAKEBOARD WORLD CUP VENUE
Finding suitable downtown locations for the six 2004 Waterski and Wakeboard World Cup Stops has been an absolute priority for the International Waterski Federation.  Bringing the excitement to the audience has been the key focus and underpins the success of the event this year. On October 30/31, 40 of the Worlds best Wakeboard Riders will compete in Singapore in the HSBC Wakeboard World Cup Stop.
 
At a special Press Conference in Singapore, the Public Utilities Board made a dramatic announcement in the past few days. While recognizing that safe water consumption remains a priority, Yap Kheng Guan, PUB Director, announced that the HSBC Wakeboard World Cup Stop will be staged at Singapore’s Bedok Reservoir, close to the downtown area. “We welcome ideas to liven up the Reservoirs but will monitor the sports carefully to see if they result in any pollution”.  Wakeboarding will be the first sport to benefit from this dramatic decision.
 
This enlightened approach is likely to have wide international implications. It is fully supported by the Singapore Sports Council.  Already, Singapore’s Public Utilities Board is talking of also permitting Sailing on the Lower Seletar Reservoir and Canoeing at the MacRitchie Reservoir.  In all, eight Reservoirs will soon be opened for suitable events. While such activities were in the past frowned upon for fear of polluting the drinking water, technology has moved ahead rapidly in recent years to resolve many old issues. This in turn allows the use of unique facilities to be used for public recreation and enjoyment.
 
In discussing the HSBC Wakeboard World Cup Stop in Singapore, HSBC’s Head of Marketing, Wendy Lim, stated,  “It was a big bonus for us that this world-class event is held near Bedok residents. By bringing the event close to the local community, it fits our marketing concept of being ‘the worlds local bank’ “
 
The Singapore Waterski and Wakeboard Federation have worked closely with MasterCraft, the official tow boat sponsor of the 2004 World Cup. The MasterCraft X Star craft, which will be used at the Bedok Reservoir, is no ordinary boat. The four-stroke engine eliminates any potential oil leakage or fumes. According to Ian Birdsall, Managing Director Europe of MasterCraft, much of the huge recent developments in marine engine technology have been aimed at reducing emission outputs through the adoption of electronically controlled engine management systems, induction optimisation and combustion control. MasterCraft now install engines which have the ability to meet or exceed the toughest emission regulations in the World, including the California and Switzerland Stage 3 requirements.
 
MasterCraft have also invested heavily in noise pollution control through the development and implementation of noise suppression systems for engine, exhaust and hull components. Total noise emissions are reduced to a degree normally not exceeding that of the ambient background level.
 
Singapore’s new Minister for the Environment and Water Resources, Dr Yaacob Ibrahim, was a former Sports Minister.  His influence and significant sports background was a major element in opening up the calm and protected Reservoir waters for greater public enjoyment.  The HSBC Wakeboard World Cup Stop on October 30/31, will be the first major international event to enjoy the results of Singapore’s Reservoir decision. This will be a historic weekend for the City as this new policy comes into force.
 

CONTACT : Des Burke-Kennedy, Media Chairman, International Waterski Federation

For Sponsorship opportunities, contact marketing@iwsf.com


Official Towboat Sponsor for 2004 World Cup 		   
HSBC Wakeboard World Cup 2004 Singapore