Maldives biggest kite surfing event "South to North" commenced on Tuesday in Addu city.
During the opening ceremony an event was held to clean areas of the beach in Addu city Hithadhoo.
While kite surfers will be traveling across Maldives from "South to North" for the event, it was officially inaugurated by Addu city mayor Abdullah Sodiq and Deputy Youth Minister Mohamed Azmeel.
Speaking at the opening ceremony held at Addu city Hithadhoo swimming track, Mohamed Azmeel stated that the government is working to promote water-sports in the Maldives and that the government would support such events that develop the sports in the Maldives.
Addu city Mayor stated that this historical event being held in the city brings much happiness and that he urges the youth of Addu city to take part in such sports.
After the opening ceremony, the four participants of the event showed off their kite surfing skills in a show targeted for school children and youth. Two times world kite surfing champion Yuri Zoon was also among the participants.
The remaining three participants are Maldivian athletes Simbe, Hambe and Delio.
The kitesurfers began their journey from Gan of Addu Atoll to the nearest one-island atoll of Fuvahmulah on Wednesday, and will continue their journey with stops at various islands. The kite surfers will clean ocean litter during their journey while also taking part in beach and lagoon cleaning events at different islands.
The main sponsor of the event is Slingshot Sports. Environmental activist groups Parley and Zero Waste Maldives are also supporting the cause.
