Asia Dive Expo 2005 and Virgin Radio Thailand are looking for 1000 'Virgin Divers'

Organisers of Asia Dive Expo (ADEX) 2005 and Virgin Radio Thailand are teaming up in a search for up to 1,000 “Virgin Divers”, who are willing to take their first SCUBA plunge during the upcoming international dive show, from March 31 – April 3 at the Bangkok Convention Center.

As part of an exclusive partnership between ADEX and Virgin Radio, the “My Virgin Dive with the Asia Scuba Tour” will be held in conjunction with ADEX 2005, where first-time divers will be invited to suit up and become part of the fast-growing and exciting dive community.

Full scuba gear – including a wet suit, BCD vest, air tank, mask and snorkel – will be loaned to each Virgin diver for the dive. The scuba tryout is free of charge, and the international dive association, PADI, will be on hand to officially certify the experience.

After a thorough instructional briefing and safety review from a professionally certified dive instructor, the Virgin diver and instructor will submerge in a pool located next to the main exhibition hall, encouraged by cheers from the expo crowd.

Virgin Radio is planning to have some thrill-seeking celebrities on hand to enjoy their first dive experience and help promote the campaign. Virgin DJs will be hosting a number of on-site activities to help stir the excitement among the crowd, as well as conducting on-air call-ins to broadcast all the poolside thrills to Virgin’s listeners.

ADEX sponsor, SONY will capture each Virgin diver in action, and present them with a color A6-sized photo of their first dive experience. The first 100 divers will also receive a special package of goodies from Virgin Radio. Additionally, Swatch will be giving out a free Swatch Scuba Watch for every 50th diver.

Roel van Leeuwen, Director of Suntec Integrated Media, ADEX 2005’s organizer, said, “With Virgin Radio joining us for the Asia Scuba Tour, we’re adding a whole new dimension of excitement to ADEX 2005. Their brand image is a perfect match with the adventurous people who pursue the sport of diving. We’re hoping to have more than 1,000 Virgin divers participate, which would be a record number for Asia Scuba Tour program.”

Alfred Lin, Virgin’s Promotion and Marketing Director, said: “This is an exciting project and we are delighted to be involved in the ADEX event.”

ADEX is also hoping to attract corporate sponsors for “My Virgin Dive with the Asia Scuba Tour”. Companies are being invited to pledge a specified amount of money for each Virgin diver who takes the plunge, with all proceeds going to ADEX’s recently established Tsunami Dive Recovery Fund. The Fund will be used to directly support tsunami recovery programs for Asia’s dive industry.

“Hosting the Asia Scuba Tour in conjunction with Virgin radio is a win-win situation for everyone. These new Virgin divers will be introduced to a sport they’ll absolutely fall in love with, and the dive community will continue to expand its widening appeal and support among Asian divers,” added van Leeuwen.