. world ski news : Weather challenges at Winter Games NZ - 15 August 2011 - 09:23
Winter Games NZ superstars come to downtown Wanaka and Queenstown
WINTER GAMES NZ. Due to high winds, blizzards and anything else mother nature
threw at us, today's Freeski Slopestyle action was postponed until tomorrow 16th August - weather permitting.
Competition didn't look promising with 50kmph winds and snow blizzards reported at 6am this morning. However, a strong international field including big names Jossi Wells, Charles Gagnier, Colby West, Devin Logan and Gus Kenworthy are ready to take on Snow Park's fierce course bright and early tomorrow morning. The action starts at 9.15am with the finals taking place from 2.00pm.
The weather also hampered Winter Games NZ CEO, Arthur Klap's efforts to return to Queenstown from Dunedin's figure skating gala with an impromptu night in the tiny remote town of Roxburgh. He and six other WGNZ staff and athletes managed to find the last room in town. Sadly for Arthur, he was unable to pull rank on the sleeping arrangements and drew the short straw ending up spending the night on the kitchen floor!
Winter Games NZ superstars come to downtown Wanaka and Queenstown
Spectators can experience the glory and emotion of the 100% Pure New Zealand medal ceremony as well as see winter's sporting super stars in downtown Wanaka and Queenstown.
Each evening following the on-snow competition, the top three men and women will receive their medals at the 100% Pure New Zealand Winter Games downtown stages which are at the Village Green in Queenstown and on the corner of Ardmore and Helwick Streets in Wanaka. Live music, entertainment and refreshments will add to the celebrations that start from 4.00pm.
Winter Games NZ CEO, Arthur Klap, said the medal ceremonies were a great way to bring the events down from the mountains and into town.
"We really wanted to include the local community more in this exciting event," he said. "Not everyone can get up the hill to see the action so by bringing the athletes into town for the medal ceremonies, so many more people can be part of the Games, and see some of the world's sporting super stars. Kids can get autographs and photos and the live music and entertainment will add to the party atmosphere."
www.wintergamesnz.com
Mon, August 15, 2011 9:27 am