DIVING seems to be good for longevity. CMAS, formed in Brussels in 1959, celebrated its 50th anniversary with a party on Phuket over the weekend.

The event came after a week long World Underwater Federation general assembly that attracted representatives from more than 120 countries.

The gathering was organised to elect a new board of directors and to celebrate the federations half-century. Formed in Brussels in 1959, CMAS is one of the world's oldest scuba diving organisations.

Among the guests were one couple in their 80s who had been travelling to CMAS events for more than 20 years.

Workshops on various aspects of diving and water sports, including spearfishing, aquathlon and finswimming, were held throughout the week at the Phuket Orchid Resort in Karon.

Rainer Gottwald, CEO of the Thai Diving Association, which has close ties with CMAS, said the week was popular and highly successful.

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