TAITUNG, TAIWAN - Media OutReach - 10 November 2020 - The 2020 Taiwan Open of Surfingwill be entering its 10th anniversary this year. The five-day competition willbe held in Jinzun Harbor in Taitung County on November 18^th. Whilemost international surfing contests this year have been canceled or postponed untilfurther notice due to the pandemic, Taiwan has excelled at beating COVID-19with minimal disruption to daily life. Since the outbreak, Taitung's status ofzero coronavirus case contributes to Magistrate April Yao's decision to proceedwith this year's Taiwan Open of Surfing as scheduled. The winning prize of800,000 New Taiwan Dollar (about US$26,600) marks the highest accolade inTaiwan's surfing competition history. With this, the event organizer hopes toboost publicity for the Taiwan Open of Surfing and continue to share thisspecial event with the world.

Photo caption: Taiwan Open of Surfing Debuts in Taitung on 18 November - Surfs Up

TaitungCounty bordering of the Pacific Ocean sets a slow pace for locals and visitorsto enjoy its mild climate and fresh air. These factors along with consistentsurf make Taitung the perfect location to hold a surfing competition. TheTaitung County Government has collaborated with the World Surfing League (WSL)to host the Taiwan Open of Surfing in Jinzun since 2011. This internationalsurfing competition has attracted over 30 different countries' top competitorsover the years. This year the contest will continue to cooperate with the WSLas they have agreed to provide remote support to ensure the event adheres tothe strict WSL international tournament standards - from competitionpre-planning, scoring, live broadcasting, etc. Once the world recovers fromCOVID-19, Taitung hopes to continue with the WSL to host this grand world-classsurfing event long into the future.

TheTaitung County Government has been actively promoting various ocean activitiesand events - such as beach cleanups, surfing lessons, marine life education,local hand-craft markets, kite surfing and windsurfing demonstrations, and manymore ocean-themed activities to encourage the general public's participation.All participants can experience first-hand Taitung's unique allure and itspicturesque surroundings. Official website: https://www.taiwanopenofsurfing.org/tw