Let the Games Begin: The 2013 ISA World Surfing Games in Santa Catalina

Today (May, 4 2013) brings the start to 2013 ISA Reef World Surfing Games (WSG) in Santa Catalina, Panama. For nearly 10 days surfers from more then 20 countries will compete in one of the biggest surfing events in the world.  This is the 4th ISA event hosted by Panama, last year the ISA WSG was held in Playa Venao.The event will be inaugurated today with Opening Ceremonies and a Parade of Nations. At 10:00 a.m. this morning teams will meet for the Sand Ceremony. Competing countries have brought sand from their home breaks; the mixing of the sand symbolizes a shared love for the sport, and the unity of all 20 nations.

Both categories, Men and Women, will begin tomorrow (Sunday, May 5 2013). Heats will continue until the afternoon of the 12th, when the games will come to an end with the award ceremony.

The top 7 countries will be part of the ISA China Cup invitational. The gold medal-winners will be awarded the Fernando Aquerra Perpetual Trophy and a commemorative trophy for the Fifth Centenary of the Discovery of the Pacific Ocean.

Panama’s team this year is as follows: Men: Gary Saavedra, Gian Carlos Gonzales, Jose Alejandro Camarena, Deivis Godoy. Women: Enilda (Samanta) Alonso and Malena Toral. Alternatives: Diego Salgado, Orlando (Rolo) Ortega Jr., Karol Baule. Team Officals: Ness De Icaza, Raul Stanford, Orlando (Rolo) Ortega.

We spoke with Samanta, Oli and Gary here's what they had to say:

Kara: How do you feel?

Samanta: Super motivated. I’m excited that the worlds are in our country again!

Kara: What does it mean to you to be representing your country?

Samanta: It is always a great honor to be representing my country. I give it my all every time.

Kara: Why is the point break in Santa Catalina special to you?

Samanta: The wave has a lot of potential; it’s advanced and very strong. It’s one of the best waves in the country.

Gary: "nothing makes me happier than to be apart of this team. It's something very different to surf professionally, doing it to honor your flag."

Oli: "It is a great honor for me and Panamanians to have the world surfing competition for the 4th time here in Panama. Having the games here gives us an advantage, and it encourages the next surfing generation to go forward. I would like to thank my people from Panama and the President of the Republic for supporting the world competition in our home country, Panama."

Playacommunity wishes team Panama luck and good swell for the next 8 days of competition!