represent Australia at next month’s International Surfing Association’s Inaugural SUP and Paddleboard

World Titles in Peru.

The Bowraville Central School teacher is over moon on his selection.

“To represent your country is the pinnacle of any sport, but to be part of the first-ever Australian paddleboard team is such a great honour,” Mason said.

Mason is part of a strong nine-person Australian team and will compete in the 6km individual paddleboard race, and is part of a team relay at the world championships in Lima, Peru from 18-26th February.

“I have been training hard since mid-December and I am very excited to get the opportunity to go to Peru,”

he said.

As part of his preparation, Mason has been busy organising a fundraising trivia and games night at the

Macksville Ex-services club on February 4 to help get him to Peru.

“Unfortunately being a new event the governing body here, Surfing Australia, did not have the allocation of funds in the budget to cover the costs to fully fund the national team, so I have put together a fun night of trivia, games, raffles and prize giveaways to assist me in getting to South America.”

Mason has employed the services of Valley trivia guru Michael Major to take the helm on the night.

“We have already had solid support from the local businesses, with some great prizes on offer, so we

hope that people can come along and support what is set to be a great night of fun and laughter,” Mason said.

The night will kick off at 6:30pm for a 7pm trivia start.

Contestants can get together a team (tables of 8), or go along and make up a team on the night, with a disco completing the evening in style.

A 2011 signed Wests Tigers jersey is up for auction on the night.

Tickets are $15, which includes nibbles and are available at the door.

Enquiries should be directed to Macksville Ex- services club.