***** AURIGA PRESS RELEASE *****

AURIGA GET WET AND WILD AT THE DRAGON BOAT FESTIVAL

MILTON KEYNES, UK – 4 July 2004 - 2004 saw the AURIGA STARS take to the water in the third annual Milton Keynes Dragon Boat Festival. Held at Willen Lake in central Milton Keynes, the charity event was in aid of Willen Hospice, a specialist care unit for patients with serious illnesses.

Though Dragon Boat racing is an ancient Chinese tradition, it is the fastest growing water activity in Britain today. Each 40-foot long Dragon Boat is crewed by a team of up to 16 people, paddling in time to the drummer at the front of the boat. At the stern, the helm steers a (hopefully) straight course. Three boats at a time race against each other to progress further in the competition.

With over 40 crews battling it out over the 250m race course, the AURIGA STARS crew were in the thick of the action from the start. Comprised of Auriga Stalwarts from around the company (as well as a few friends from outside it!), the Auriga crew won their first heat. After coming second in the remaining two heats, AURIGA STARS were placed 22nd overall in the festival.

Given the balmy conditions, a fun time was had by all. Rumours of crew members bothering swans and other water fowl have so far proved to be completely unfounded.

About Auriga

Auriga has led the way in the distribution of fibre optic products throughout Europe for well over a decade.  Established in 1989, the company enjoys long-term strategic relationships with leading manufacturers such as 3M, Novar (Brand-Rex, MK, and Ackermann), Fluke, Fitel, Noyes, plus Tyco AMP Electronics. Auriga distributes its own range of OPTRONICS product to further complement the branded range.

For further information visit www.aurigaeurope.com

Press contact:

Jim Edwards

Product Marketing Manager, Auriga Europe Plc

E-mail: jim.edwards@aurigaeurope.com

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