Olympic hopefuls focus on Winter Games New Zealand

Most of the world’s top halfpipe snowboard riders are expected to descend on New Zealand this winter in a bid to gain a place at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics.

The snowboarding spectacular is part of the Winter Games NZ 2009 festivities and scheduled to take place at Cardrona Alpine Resort near Wanaka between August 20-26. The Winter Games NZ will feature more than 800 of the world’s top athletes competing in over 30 events ranging from ski racing to curling, snowboarding to skating as well as a full adaptive skiing program. The ten-day long Games also include plenty of off-snow activities for spectators and athletes with live music and entertainment in downtown Queenstown and Wanaka, August 21-30.

Tom Willmott, Head Coach of the New Zealand Halfpipe Team, told media the high profile riders in the competition provides an opportunity for New Zealand riders to shine on the international stage.

“We’re looking forward to using the event as a test piece in our Olympic buildup, so we expect top performances from our New Zealand riders in a truly world-class field,” Willmott said.

For more information visit the Winter Games NZ Website: http://www.wintergamesnz.com/

Posted by CherryPow on June 29th, 2009 in New Zealand and Winter Olympics