Thursday, November 23, 2006

Disabled Alpine World Cup to Open in Aspen

ASPEN, Colo. (Nov. 22) - The U.S. Disabled Ski Team is set to open the 2007 International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Alpine World Cup tour Jan. 17-21 at Aspen Mountain. Hosted by Challenge Aspen, U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) and Aspen Skiing Company, the U.S. Team joins more than 15 nations in the quest for the Nations Cup.
Over 80 athletes will compete in super G, giant slalom and slalom for a total of six out of 17 World Cup races on the 2007 schedule

"Challenge Aspen is very excited to host the fastest disabled skiers in the world this January and show the town of Aspen how incredible they really are," says Kevin Jardine, Director Of Skiing.

Jardine and Bryan Peterson, both residents of the Roaring Fork Valley, were coaches for the 2006 U.S. Paralympic Team and the U.S. Disabled Alpine Team. They have been instrumental in securing the bid for the Disabled World Cup and are working for a successful event as members of the local organizing committee.

Following the Aspen races, the World Cup will move on to British Columbia for three competitions before taking a short training break. Five more races will then run in early March in Abtenau, Austria, before the World Cup finals slated for Arte Therme Zoncolan, Italy on March 14.

Aspen/Snowmass, considered one of the worlds top ski areas since the Aspen Skiing Company hosted its first FIS World Championships in 1950, has become an international hub of sport and culture. The picturesque ski resort was chosen to host this years event based upon the excitement and support of area residents during prior World Cup events. World Cup racing events have helped build Aspen/Snowmass' reputation as one of the top ski resorts in the world.

Volunteers interested in working with the World Cup races are asked to contact Evan Zislis at Challenge Aspen at 970.923.0578, extension 17, or via email at evan@challengeaspen.com.

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