Three radio amateurs have been selected to be on the Advisory Council for the 2014 World Radiosport Team Championships (WRTC): Tim Duffy, K3LR, of Edmond, Oklahoma, Craig Thompson, K9CT, of Trivoli, Illinois, and George DeMontrond III, NR5M, of Houston Texas. The WRTC Advisory Council consists of individuals who have not only have experience in the execution of major events, but can provide significant financial resources to the project.

Held every four years, WRTC is an on-the-air test of operating skill for approximately 50 two-person teams of Amateur Radio operators from around the world. Unlike most on-the-air competitions, all stations are required to use identical antennas from the same geographic region, eliminating all variables except operating ability. The 2014 WRTC -- always held during the IARU World Championship the second full weekend in July -- will take place in New England, USA.

Duffy has participated in the past four WRTC competitions. An active contest operator for almost 40 years, Duffy is a 20-year member of the CQ Contest Committee and a founding member and past President of the North Coast Contesters. He also serves as chairman of Contest University (CTU), organizes of the Dayton Contest Dinner and coordinates the Dayton Contest Super Suite. Duffy serves on the board of directors of the World Wide Radio Operators Foundation as Vice Chairman, and on the Executive Committee of the Radio Club of America (RCA). He was elected to the CQ Contest Hall of Fame in 2006. “I am thrilled to become a member and assist the organizing committee in its goal to host the world in New England,” he said. “I hope that others will join me and become involved in this shining moment of radiosport.”

Thompson recognized the high visibility of WRTC within the ham radio and contesting community. His first contest was the 1967 Novice Roundup. In the past few years, he has rediscovered Amateur Radio contesting and is in the process of building a competitive contest station that is capable from 160 meters to 23 cm, as well as EME on 2 meters. Although semi-retired, Thompson is the President and owner of Thompson Electronics Company, an electronic system integrator/contractor since 1980. He has been on many boards, both elected and appointed. “I am pleased to offer my support for this important international ham radio event in the United States,” he said. “The highest expectations have been set by prior hosts and it is in the best interests of ham radio that we continue to improve.”

Licensed since 1966, DeMontrond joined the Texas DX Society in 1984 and has been an avid contester ever since. His world class station, located 50 miles northwest of Houston, is on-the-air on all contest bands -- and all modes -- from 160 meters to 23 cm. DeMontrond brings a wealth of big event experience through his involvement, such as being a part of the City of Houston’s bid for the 2012 Summer Olympics and as a Director for one of the area’s biggest events, the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. “I support WRTC as the premier venue to display Amateur Radio contesting skills and talent,” DeMontrond said. “It is important to provide an environment that properly showcases those that qualify to compete in such an event.”

Chairman of WRTC 2014 Doug Grant, K1DG, said he is pleased that these three amateurs have accepted invitations to join the WRTC 2014 Advisory Council: “Receiving this level of support from such well known contesters and successful businessmen is a vote of confidence for the organizing team. We look forward to receiving the benefits of their experience and advice as we progress toward the WRTC event in July 2014.”

The WRTC 2014 Advisory Council is responsible for advising the organizers on the planning of the event. Council members are all well-respected in the Amateur Radio community as operators and station builders and have demonstrated success in business. They generally have experience in the planning and execution of major events and are able to provide guidance and assistance in areas such as fundraising, project management, and making connections with useful resources. These individuals have also committed to provide significant personal financial support to the project.

About WRTC

WRTC began in 1990 under the auspices of the Goodwill Games, the brainchild of Ted Turner of CNN fame. The first Games were organized in Seattle, Washington, focusing on areas of cultural exchange, arts and other unique subjects -- one of these being Amateur Radio and WRTC. Radio amateurs from around the world gathered in an Olympic-style event, joining in competition and camaraderie. In 1996, WRTC moved to San Francisco, then Slovenia in 2000, Finland in 2002, Brazil in 2006 and Moscow in 2010.

For information about WRTC 2014 or on joining the Advisory Council, contact Grant via e-mail.