�Game fishing is one of the biggest sporting events in the USVI, and I can not think of a better place to showcase this exciting element of St. Thomas than on the most watched sports network, ESPN,� Commissioner Richards said. �This year, the BXRL group is bringing a unique element to the tournament, a series of events for firemen from New York City.�

With a purse of $600,000, ESPN�s Billfishing Xtreme Release League is one of the most competitive big game fishing events in the world, with team skill requirements exceeding most other tournaments. The BXRL requires a flawless performance by every member of each fishing team, and the point structure includes costly point penalties. For example, points are deducted for a broken line or tags outside of the designated tag zone. The League�s philosophy requires that all game fish are released and provides for the conservation and promotion of a healthy, offshore fishery.

The BXRL has added a unique element to this year�s event. The league is bringing to St. Thomas 12 firemen from New York City, for a separate program, �The Battle of the Burroughs.� All of the firemen worked tirelessly during the events of September 11 and the massive cleanup that followed. The firemen will go head-to-head during the special �NY Fireman�s Shootout,� on August 21, with two firemen on each BXRL boat. For an added twist, the firemen will test their strength in a very unique event, the �Chair Pull.� Seated in game fishing fighting chairs, the New Yorkers will compete in a challenging tug of war with fishing poles, with local firefighting crews.

The film crew from ESPN will capture all events surrounding the big game fishing tournament and the �Battle of the Burroughs,� as well as the beauty of St. Thomas and the crew�s host properties. Two one-hour programs will result and be developed and featured on the ESPN 2 network later this year. The Department of Tourism will release those dates at a later time.

To learn more about ESPN�s Billfishing Xtreme Release League, visit www.billfishingxtreme.com.

For additional information about the United States Virgin Islands, call 800-372-USVI (8784), visit www.usvitourism.vi or contact the nearest USVI Department of Tourism regional office in Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Washington, D.C. or Toronto.

United States Virgin Islands Department Of Tourism
Member Of The Caribbean Tourism Organization

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