"The Olympics of Underwater Photography" |
May through September, 1997 |
|
The
First World Open Underwater Photographic Competition
will be held in 1997 - The International Year of the Reef - in the Turks
& Caicos Islands, a chain of 40 Islands and cays in the Caribbean immediatly
south of the Bahamas.
These Islands were chosen as the Site of the Competiton because of their
pristine, tropical waters, up to 200' underwater visibility, limitless
marine life, enlightened government policies that protect their 500 miles
of virgin coral reefs through a system of underwater parks and daily access
by commercial jet service through Miami, Florida and various charter services
including Toronto, Canada and Milan, Italy.
The Competiton is open to both amateur and professional underwater diver-photographers,
although the two groups will not be competing against one another. Underwater
photographers may compete as individuals or as members of a team, either
local or national, and all entries will be judged by an international panel
of Judges. From revenue raised by this Event the Competition will be providing
grants to non-profit organizations whose primary purpose is either
(a) to protect the world's coral reefs and marine ecosystems or
(b) to assist the handicapped to participate fully in underwater photography.
The Competition will take place in a different Host Country each year and negotiations are currently underway to identify appropriate Host Countries for the next several years which will include Australia in 2000.
PRIZES
(Value exceeding $60,000 US)
The 8 winning photographs will be issued by the Government of the Turks
& Caicos Islands as a set of commemorative postages stamps, each stamp
bearing the name, country of origin and national flag of the photographer
who took the picture. The next best 12 photographs will be classified as
Honorable Mentions. These photographs will be published as a Commemorative
Calendar presenting excellence in underwater photography.
The Competiton also offers winners $10,000 U.S. in cash awards and up to
$50,000 U.S. in additional prizes including international dive travel,
equipment and diving services. The Competition also provides opportunities
for participating photographers to achieve a higher personal creative profile
and generate revenue from sale and licencing of photographs taken during
the Competition.
American Airlines is the official carrier of the Event, offering their lowest available rates without restrictions from all cities world wide that are serviced by American Airlines.
For
an information package contact:
World Open Underwater Photographic Competition
In Canada
57 Thirty Sixth Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada M8W 3L1
Ian A. Stuart or David Sweeney
Telephone: 416-252-6721 or 416-253-6863 Fax: 416-620-5392 {Attn: A. Curtis}
E-mail: undercphoto@terraport.net
In The United States
112 Lohengrin Drive, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15209 Patricia Manco
Telephone: 412-487-1375 Fax: 412-487-1376
E-mail: IDMintl@aol.com
In The Turks & Caicos Islands
Turks & Caicos Tourist Board, toll free # 800-241-0824
Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos Islands, British West Indies
Ralph L. Higgs
Telephone: 809-946-2321 Fax: 809-946-2733