New Zealand Team selected for 2013 International German Cup

Surf Life Saving New Zealand has announced its team of four athletes who will represent New Zealand at the 2013 International German Cup next month.

Their selection came about after this weekend's New Zealand Pool Championships, held in Hamilton.

The team of two men and two women includes Olympic swimmer Steven Kent (Titahi Bay) and members of the winning 2012 Lifesaving World Championship team Samantha Lee (Lyall Bay) and Laura Quilter (Wainui). Taking out the final spot is Midway's Chris Dawson who went to the 2011 German Cup as part of the development team.

Acting as Team Coach and Manager for the campaign will be Scott Bartlett. He coached the winning Black Fins team who took out the title of lifesaving world champs at Rescue 2012 and also took the New Zealand team to Japan last month for the International Surf Rescue Challenge where they took out silver.

Mr Bartlett says part of the selection criteria included participating in the weekend's pool champs.  

"All four of the selected athletes put on a strong display over the weekend and dominated their events. They each have some great strengths which will contribute to a strong team. They all have the experience, talent and an absolute determination to win so we'll be heading over to Germany with the intention of bringing back gold," he says.

Mr Bartlett says the German Cup is another great chance for Surf Life Saving to compete on an international stage ahead of Rescue 2014 in France, where they will be hoping to hold on to their title of world champions.

The German Cup is a pool rescue event which will be held in Warendorf, Germany from November 22-24, 2013.

New Zealand Team:

1. Steven Kent- Titahi Bay

2. Chris Dawson - Midway

3. Sam Lee- Lyall Bay

4. Laura Quilter- Wainui

For more information please contact:

Lisa Honeybone, Media & Communications Specialist, SLSNZ
Phone 09 303 9335 or 0276 488 823
Email lisa.honeybone@surflifesaving.org.nz