Greetings from Enniskillen in Northern Ireland and also from the Irish Waterski Federation. We are all looking forward very much to seeing you here for a great Waterski World Cup Stop on September 25th / 25th.

 

INTRODUCTION

While we currently have 10 venues around the World bidding for World Cup Stops in 2006 and others hoping to be selected, two regions have proven difficult in 2005 – namely the USA and Western Europe. Although the bid arrived late, we were delighted to receive the request from Enniskillen in Northern Ireland some months ago to keep Western Europe firmly on the calendar.

While there is a history of pleasure boating, wakeboarding and waterskiing in this area, this will be the first major international waterski competition ever staged at this natural site.

The Irish Waterski Federation, founded in 1959, is the organizing body and there are 17 Waterski and Wakeboard Clubs in Ireland. Those involved have had considerable event experience over the years and we hope that this will be a thrilling event for all our visitors, sponsors, skiers and supporters.

 

SITE LOCATION

If you are searching your maps, the site is located in the Town of Enniskillen in the north west of the country. This is about 90 minutes drive west from either of Belfast’s two Airports and about 2 hours drive north west of Dublin.

The Courses are on a calm stretch on river almost in the downtown area. There is virtually no current at this time of the year and the entire area is well protected from winds. Temperatures should be about 16/18C – 62/66Fh. Don’t be surprised if we get some rain and warm cloths may be needed.

 

AIRPORT COLLECTIONS

There are two Airports in Belfast – and Coaches will be provided for all from these Airports to get you to the Hotels in Enniskillen – IF YOU HAVE GIVEN US YOUR ARRIVAL & DEPARTURE DETAILS IN ADVANCE ! These can be communicated to Bob Corson so that nobody will get lost. The Ski Bags will be transported in a Van directly to the site.

You will be met at the Airports by our Volunteers so watch out for the signs in the Airport Arrival areas. They have the Welcome Mat ready and waiting !

 

HOTEL ACCOMMODATION

We will be based in two nearby Hotels within minutes of the Ski site on the River Erne – the Killyhevlin and the Belmore Court. We tried to get all into one Hotel this year but some rooms have been booked up since 2004 !

If we return in 2006, we will resolve this. Transport will also be provided from the Hotels to the site throughout the event – but walking is an option as the distances are not great.

 

ENNISKILLEN COSTS

Our Sponsors will cover the cost of all ground transportation to and from the Belfast Airports and daily local site transfers , the Hotel accommodation of all qualified Stop entrants from Thursday night till Monday morning, Hotel breakfasts from Friday morning till Monday morning, and all meals from Friday till Monday morning.

Lunch will also be provided on site on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The evening meal will be provided on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Please note that the local currency is £GBR. There are Banks and ATM’s located close to the Ski site.

Please note that, as usual, all non-competitors will be required to cover their own costs of food and accommodation for the duration. Tickets for the Sunday Banquet will be made available on site on Friday and Saturday.

There are places for 350 in the Sunday night Banquet Room overlooking the River Erne. Dress will be smart-casual. Non-competitors will be charged GBR£ 40.00 for the Banquet, and also GBR£ 40.00 per night for Bed and Breakfast in the Hotels. We ask that they make this clear when checking in to help our Volunteers and Hotel staff.

 

ASSISTANCE

We will have a large group of Volunteers to help all our Skiers from Thursday till departure on Monday. They will do their best to make sure that you enjoy your time with us in Enniskillen and are all looking forward to meeting you.

 

ON SITE FACILITIES

The stainless steel Courses have all been built just for this World Cup Stop – and include a new Beaman Jump Ramp. MasterCraft will provide the boats as usual. Sports Massage will also be available for all Competitors – FREE OF CHARGE – throughout the weekend.

The nearby Forum building has Broadband, a Gymnasium, storage for Skis and equipment, a small Restaurant, toilets and showers. Our Volunteers will be happy to direct you to these as needed.

There are shops, supermarkets, restaurants and bars also within walking distance of the site.

 

OUR SPONSORS

The International Waterski Federation is working closely with several important groups involved in this Enniskillen Waterski World Cup Stop. Northern Ireland Events, Waterways Ireland, MasterCraft, Fermanagh District Council, MasterCraft and the Irish Waterski Federation, have all combined their resources to make this Stop possible.

N.I.Events have a very busy 2005 calendar which includes motor racing, motor bike racing, festivals and many other sports. They are experts in the field of event organization and promotion and we are delighted to have them on board.

 

MEDIA COVERAGE

At this point, we have arrangements for three TV companies to work with us to maximize the exposure of the Enniskillen Stop of the Waterski World Cup – RTE, UTV and ProActive TV.

Our edited 26 minute Show will also be available for global distribution in the coming weeks. Media Releases with photos will be issued to 16,500 contacts in 192 countries and also throughout Ireland.

 

FURTHER INFORMATION

A further Bulletin update will be issued in the coming days to keep you in touch with developments on site and our detailed programme. Please make sure that your Flight details have been sent to Bob Corson so that our Airport crews can get you safely to our site as quickly as possible.

Best Wishes from all our team here in Enniskillen,

Des
___________________________

Des Burke-Kennedy
President
IRISH WATERSKI FEDERATION
des@burke-kennedy.com