Nitron SuperGP neames SLSQ sponsor charity

100 THE NAME OF THE GAME FOR NITRO SUPERGP, SLSQ

In 100 days time the streets of Surfers Paradise will come alive to the sound of roaring A1GP Powered by Ferrari cars and Australia's own thundering V8 Supercars at the Nitro SuperGP.

To celebrate, Nitro SuperGP General Manager Greg Hooton today confirmed another iconic Queensland institution, Surf Life Saving Queensland (SLSQ) -- which in 2009 is celebrating its 100th year and more than 100,000 rescues - as continuing as an official charity of the October 22-25 event.

"I couldn't be happier to be able to confirm Surf Life Saving Queensland as an official charity of the 2009 Nitro SuperGP as we kick off the 100 day countdown to this year's event," said Hooton.

"SLSQ are an icon of Queensland and I look forward to seeing their volunteers in action over our event as they celebrate 100 years of life saving and over 100,000 rescues.

"As the Nitro SuperGP ticks off its own 100 days to go milestone, preparations for the event are moving along swiftly with the event set to be officially launched next week here at the Southport Surf Club, our new pit facility is also to be unveiled shortly and ticket pre-sales are on-track.

"It is a very busy time for us as we shape up for a great event, which will see the Australian V8 Supercars Championship Series joined on track by A1GP World Cup of Motorsport for the first time in just over three months time."

Local surf lifesavers Finley Taylor and Suzette Sutton joined Hooton on the beach in front of Southport SLSC earlier today to reflect on the milestones for both organisations, while taking in some sun, surf and sand.

Twenty-three year old Taylor has over 3000 patrol hours and 17 Lifesaving awards to his name, and is currently a Patrol Captain at Surfers Paradise SLSC.

Suzette Sutton is a full time administrator for Southport SLSC, and is an active senior member of the club as a Silver Medallion IRB Driver, Radio Officer Trainer and Bronze Medallion trainer and has competed at four state titles, three national titles, and last year's world titles and has represented Queensland in a number of events.

Surf Life Saving Queensland Chief Executive Officer Tony Scanlan said Southport SLSC and Surfers Paradise SLSC would be raising funds during the event by selling ear plugs and accepting public donations.

"We're very grateful that SLSQ will be continuing as an official charity of the Nitro SuperGP," said Scanlan.

"This will be our 10th consecutive year as an official charity, and every year the feedback and support we receive from the event and its fans is just phenomenal.

"Today has certainly had a centenarian theme to it. This year, SLSQ is celebrating 100 years of saving lives and 100,000-plus recues on Queensland beaches, while the Nitro SuperGP is celebrating its 100-day countdown. The race will be here before we know it, and I'm sure it will be as exciting and rewarding an event as we have come to expect."

SLSQ is the peak beach safety and rescue authority and is one of the largest volunteer-based community service organisations in Australia, with about 34,000 members across 59 clubs and 84 beaches and an estimated 30 million visitors patrolled along the Queensland coastline each year.

As a charity SLSQ relies on the support of the Government and general public to operate, while also being supported by the Surf Life Saving Foundation, which raises vital funds through events and beneficiary events - such as the Nitro SuperGP.

In 2008/09, Surf Life Saving Queensland celebrated its first peak summer without a beach-related drowning in at least a decade, while 2009 marks 100 years since the first recorded rescue on a Queensland beach which occurred on February 21, 1909 on Greenmount Beach. Since recording began in 1930, SLSQ volunteers have performed a total of 106,032 rescues.

The 2009 Nitro SuperGP will host Event 11 of the V8 Supercars Championship Series and the first round of the 2009/10 A1GP World Cup of Motorsport season.

-credit: supergp