2011 World Heli Challenge to bring two generations of action sports athletes together
The latest edition World Heli Challenge (WHC) is all set to begin in Wanaka, New Zealand, from July 27 to August 10. For the first time in the history of the event, the organisers are looking to broaden the field by welcoming submissions from young guns,
both male and female riders between the ages of 10 and 17, who think they can prove themselves on the big mountain heli-accessed terrain.
The big mountain event has featured athletes such as New Zealand’s Jossi Wells, Australia’s Mitch Reeves, America’s Jeremy Jones and many other exciting athletes over the last few years. Now, the youth is invited to come and prove if they have what it takes
to follow in the footsteps of the most exciting athletes in the world.
“While in the past, we've handpicked our young guns, this year we want to make the opportunity available to kids around the globe,” said event founder, Tony Harrington. “We're on a search for the best skier and snowboarder, male or female, between the ages
of 10 and 17.”
Interested young riders are directed to submit a video, of maximum three minutes, maximum of three action shots and answer two questions on the official WHC Facebook page. The first question is “Why should you be chosen as this year’s World Heli Challenge
Young Gun?” while the second question asks the young riders, “What non-snow activity would you like to do if you are selected and get to visit New Zealand?”
The last day for submitting entries is May 31. As per Facebook policies, children between ages of 10 and 13 will need to request their parents to make the submission on their behalf, as they have not yet reached the age where they are allowed to become users
of the social networking website.
The winners will be announced on June 10, and will include one skier and one snowboarder. They will receive a free entry into the event, which is valued at US$2,200. They will also receive a discount to compete in the Junior World Heli Challenge Academy.
The Academy involves WHC athletes coaching the young riders and skiers in a one and two week accredited training camp at Treble Cone. The youth will be receiving education in outdoor activities, including backcountry safety, environmental studies, mountaineering,
etc.
Undoubtedly, the biggest attraction for the youth to participate in the 2011 WHC is the opportunity to ride alongside some of the world's top skiing and snowboarding athletes. The recognition and exposure that the young guns will be receiving if they manage
to well perform in the contest where the premier athletes are in attendance will be immense.
The young riders are not the only ones excited over the prospect of riding alongside the top action sports athletes. The experienced skiers and riders are looking forward to the opportunity of riding with the younger generation as well.
The 28-year-old snowboarder, Ralph Backstrom, said, “I'm pretty pumped on the idea. After all, 10-17-year-olds dominate every other aspect of snowboarding, and getting youngsters involved in this part of the sport is promising for freeriding's future”
Even though the venues for the big mountain competition cannot be considered ideal for the youth, the experienced competitors will definitely take the responsibility of mentoring the kids and ensure that their first experience of big mountain heli-access
terrain remains safe and fun.
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