“Pride. That’s the overwhelming feeling I get when I think back on the 2016 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships. Pride in our athletes. Pride in our staff. Pride in the volunteers and officials who delivered one of the best editions of The Aussies in more than a century of its existence.

The commemoration of 100 years of Surf Life Saving on the Sunshine Coast was a fantastic celebration of community service and saving lives. A special thanks to the three Sunshine Coast Surf Life Saving Clubs and their members at Maroochydore, Alexandra Headland and Mooloolaba, whose hospitality was so generous.

The Aussies is not an easy event to put together and deliver. Think about the numbers; 7,000 competitors. Nine days of competition. And this year, four host venues (including Coolum) – a first for our organisation.

In terms of athlete entries alone, it is bigger than the Commonwealth Games. But with more than 400 volunteers taking time out of their busy lives and schedules, The Aussies happens. It works. And weeks later I, like all of you who were there, sit back with a smile on my face basking in incredible memories and experiences that will stand the test of time.”

ILS President Graham Ford AM

Read the full story at https://sls.com.au/aussies-milestones/