The International Surfing Association (ISA) said Vans has signed on as Presenting Sponsor for the 2019 ISA World Surfing Games (WSG) in Miyazaki, Japan September 7 to 15.
The inclusion of Vans marks the first time in ISA history that the original action sports footwear and apparel brand has been associated with the World Surfing Games.
ISA President Fernando Aguerre said: “We welcome Vans as a partner to our event. It’s an amazing moment in the history of the ISA and the World Surfing Games. We are stoked that Vans has understood and embraced the unique value of this year’s historic edition as a qualifying event for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Vans has a rich and vibrant history in the sport of surfing and we can’t wait to celebrate with them this momentous occasion.”
Bobby Gascon, Vans Global Director of Actions Sports, added: “This is an exciting time for surfing world-wide, and Vans salutes ISA for championing diversity as part of their global vision. We’re excited to support the world’s surfing elite in their Olympic pursuits and look forward to partnering with the ISA in furthering the momentum of surfing culture on the world stage and beyond.”
Headlining talent at the September event includes World Surf League Champions Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), Gabriel Medina (BRA), and Carissa Moore (USA), along with ISA WSG Champions Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), Jeremy Flores (FRA), and Courtney Conlogue (USA), representing their nations and going for Gold in Miyazaki.
The 2019 ISA World Surfing Games Presented by Vans is also a qualifier itself, awarding Tokyo 2020 slots on a continental basis to the top finishing eligible men and women from Asia, Africa, Europe, and Oceania. The Americas’ qualification slots will be determined at the Lima 2019 Pan American Games in July.
With the Event Branding designed by world-renowned Japanese artist, Yusuke Hanai, the WSG will also feature an innovative two-day Surf Festival during the opening weekend of the event, showcasing the culture, food, music and lifestyle of surfing in Japan. The Festival will include well-known Japanese musicians such as Def Tech, HIRAIDAI and more.
The Vans brand promotes creative self-expression in youth culture across action sports, art, music and street culture and delivers progressive platforms such as the Vans Park Series, Vans Triple Crown of Surfing, Vans Pool Party, Vans Custom Culture, and Vans’ cultural hub and international music venue, House of Vans.
