Surfers from Costa Rica, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Dominican Republic, Uruguay and Venezuela received ISA scholarships

11 of the 40 scholarships awarded went to surfers from those countries; each will receive $500

December 23, 2018

César Piña from Chile, Johan Díaz and Jesús Pérez from Costa Rica, Freddy Marimón and Marcelo Nakogui from Colombia, Romeo Chavez from Ecuador, Candelaria and Valentina Resano and Oscar Gusman from Nicaragua, Cristofer de los Santo from the Dominican Republic, and Nicole Leiva from Uruguay and Luna Marcano from Venezuela are part of the 40 surfers from 20 countries chosen by the International Surfing Association (ISA) as scholarship recipients, the organization announced this week. Each surfer will receive 500 dollars in the twelfth edition of these scholarships.

“The goal of the ISA Scholarship Program is to accelerate the development of surfers around the world by offering financial assistance for surfing and educational purposes. Scholarships are awarded to surfers based on financial need, dedication to surfing and academic excellence,” the ISA said on its website.

To date, the ISA has awarded $308.500 to more than 300 surfers from around the world.

This year's scholarship recipients include surfers from Iran, Sri Lanka, Samoa, the Ivory Coast and the Philippines.

“The Scholarship Programme is a very special initiative of the ISA. We know that the future of sport lies with children, and we are committed to fostering their growth to ensure a positive future for sport in every corner of the world,” said ISA President Fernando Aguerre. He added: “We have seen many ISA Scholarship Ambassadors go on to become elite-level professional surfers, and we have also seen many who do not become professionals. However, thanks to the scholarship, these kids are able to receive an education and make a difference in their countries, while maintaining their love of the ocean and surfing.”