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Eastbourne Hosts First Ever Shuffleboard Event in UK Once the domain of luxurious cruise liners, shuffleboard is returning to UK shores as the International Shuffleboard Association announce their first UK shuffleboard event in Eastbourne from 10 � 12 September. Once the domain of luxurious cruise liners, shuffleboard is returning to UK shores as the International Shuffleboard Association announce their first UK shuffleboard event in Eastbourne from 10 � 12 September. Originating in the UK during the 15th Century, the game which bears closest resemblance to curling, became popular on the decks of cruise ships during the last Century and has now become a popular sporting activity for all ages in the USA and Canada. The International Shuffleboard Association are re-introducing the game to the UK, starting with the �Shuffleboard Inaugural UK� event in the South Coast resort of Eastbourne. Held at the Devonshire Park Centre, anybody can join in and have a go, completely free of charge. Equipment is provided, along with competitions to join in and shufflers will be on hand to teach visitors about the game. Using 52 feet long roll out courts, the aim of the game is using a long cue, to push large discs from one end of the court to the other, landing the disc in the highest scoring box or knocking out your opponents discs. The International Shuffleboard Association are keen to involve more people in the game throughout the world and have been touring countries such as Japan, Australia, Ireland, Brazil and Denmark. The organisation has now decided to return to the historical roots of the event back in the UK, with the aim of returning again in future years for the International Championships. Carol Phillips of the International Shuffleboard Association said �With Eastbourne's popularity amongst tourists and their excellent conference facilities we decided Eastbourne would be the perfect place to host the UK event. Visitors from USA, Canada and other countries who are already participating in the game will be coming for the Inaugural.� �They are a group with a common interest and a common desire. The interest being shuffleboard and the desire to have shuffleboard played and accepted world wide just as tennis, golf and other sports are played and accepted worldwide.� Eastbourne�s main conference and exhibition venue the Devonshire Park Centre caters for 1700 delegates, up to 2500m� exhibition space, 8 syndicate rooms and wheelchair access throughout. Surrounded by beautiful Sussex countryside and overlooked by the South Downs, the resort offers more bed spaces than any other town in the South East with over 7,400 beds, from 5 star luxury to friendly guesthouses. Shuffleboard has attracted a strong following around the world with dedicated and enthusiastic shufflers mixing their love of travel with their enjoyment of shuffleboard, as they introduce the sport in far off countries. Some shufflers already exist in the UK, having played the game while visiting hotels in the USA or while on cruise ships, many have had shuffleboard courts sent over to the UK so they can continue playing with family and friends. The Shuffleboard Inaugural UK event opens 9am to 1pm each day from Friday 10 to Sunday 12 September 2004, free of charge at the Devonshire Park Centre, Eastbourne. For information on Eastbourne and accommodation telephone 01323 411400 or visit www.visiteastbourne.com |
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