The organizers of the 2014 World Radiosport Team Championship (WRTC-2014) has announced the final team, alternate referees, and the Grand Marshal who will participate in this summer’s event. WRTC-2014 will take place July 8-14 in New England.

The sponsor of the last team has named George Demontrond, NR5M, and John Crovelli, W2GD, as the operators. “Team 59” took its name not only from being the 59th team named, but because 59 is the best possible signal report. Demontrond is a well-known and very active contester from Houston, Texas. A contester since the 1970s, he and his capable station are often found in the Multi-Multi category of major contests. Crovelli, who lives in Flemington, New Jersey, also is a veteran contester and a competitor in three previous WRTC events. He holds numerous contest records, many of them set from his P40W station in Aruba.

The WRTC-2014 organizers also have invited six alternate referees to be part of the event. The alternates will be available to replace any referees that are unable to attend. The alternate referees are DL1NX/PY2SEX, G5LP, K3EST, LZ5VK, OM6NM, and W6RGG.

“The referees play a critical role in confirming a fair competition,” WRTC-2014 Chairman, Doug Grant, K1DG, explained. “We want to make sure that we will have qualified referees available even if someone is unable to attend at the last minute.”

Edmund Giambastiani, N4OC, has been named as the Grand Marshal for WRTC-2014. A US Navy retiree, Giambastiani attained the rank of admiral and served for 3 years as Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The Grand Marshal presides over the opening ceremonies and administers the Oath of Sportsmanship to all competitors.

WRTC-2014 has announced one team change. Rich DiDonna, NN3W, Team Leader for selection area NA4E, has had to withdraw from the competition due to family reasons. In accordance with WRTC-2014 guidelines, the Team Leader spot was offered to the next qualifier in the selection region, Nathan Moreschi, N4YDU. Moreschi has chosen Kam Sirageldin, N3KS, as his team mate.

World Radiosport Team Championship (WRTC) events are typically held every 4 years. Approximately 50 two-person teams from around the world compete in a test of operating skill from equivalent stations set up in the same geographical area. The idea is to eliminate all variables except operating ability. Fewer than 4 months remain until WRTC-2014 gets underway.