Champion Ironman Zane Holmes’ dedication to Surf Lifesaving led him to create the Medibank Wave Warriors Junior Challenge, an annual event now in its 5th year which attracts competitors from across Australia and New Zealand.
Junior lifesavers (Nippers) from across Australia are keen to hit their local beach with one of their heroes and a legend of the sport to develop their skills and have fun in the water.
Open from U-9 to U-15-year-old competitors, Medibank Wave Warriors Junior Challenge is a beach and surf spectacular, set up to mirror the famous Kellogg’s Ironman series and promote further development for junior lifesavers in this iconic Aussie sport.
“My goal was to create a unique ocean and beach spectacular for junior lifesavers (Nippers) so they can come together from around Australia to participate in an exciting competition,” said Holmes.
The Medibank Wave Warriors Junior Challenge has events across all surf sports disciplines with individual events such as beach sprint, beach flags, surf race, board race and iron person and team events including surf teams, board relay, warrior relay and a two kilometre all age beach relay.
The competition is about participation and fun - encouraging our youngest athletes towards a healthy and active lifestyle and encouraging them to continue their participation in the sport and to become future volunteer patrolling lifesavers at their local surf lifesaving clubs.
“Medibank is proud to be the naming rights sponsor for the Wave Warriors Junior Challenge,” said Laz Cotsios, Chief Customer Office, Customer Centred Healthcare, Medibank.
“We love Wave Warriors because the events reflect so much of what we are about – families, community connectedness, being active, and building health habits from a young age. Our For Better Health focus spans Australia and New Zealand and it is pleasing to find a partner who echoes our sentiments, connecting with the community, families and being active,” said Cotsios.
Zane has a 40-year family history in surf lifesaving, beginning as a Nipper and now at the pinnacle of his sport. He is the most successful Ironman in Surf Lifesaving history.
The first event at Mullaloo in WA was held on 22 November, with the remaining six to be held at:
- Greenmount QLD, Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 December, 2014
- Henley SA, Saturday 13 December, 2014
- Newport NSW, Friday 16 January, 2015
- Wanda NSW, Sunday 18 January, 2015
- Torquay VIC, Saturday 14 February, 2015
The national finale will be held on Saturday 21 February, 2015 at Noosa.
For more information about Wave Warriors go to – www.wavewarriors.com.au.
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