The Uni Snow Games start on Sunday (August 26) at Treble Cone in Wanaka, after which a week of competition including events such as Big Air, SlopeStyle and Giant Slalom will ensue at Treble Cone, Cardrona and Snow Farm.
Teams from university campuses throughout the country will compete for the Michael Forrestal Memorial Shield. In the past Otago University has been a force on the slopes, taking the shield comfortably in last year’s event, but University Sport New Zealand executive director Peter McDonald expects that stronghold to be challenged this year.
“Otago could be pushed this year and we’re expecting a week of fun, competition and some good healthy campus rivalry,” he said.
“AUT (Auckland University of Technology) has a team in for the first time in years and Massey University will definitely be a force, combining their campuses to compete as one team this year.”
Up to 100 students from throughout the country will compete in the Uni Snow Games this year and, with the 2013 World University Winter Games set to be held in Italy, there will be plenty of pressure on the top competitors to perform.
“While a lot of the students are coming down for a good time on the slopes and the chance to try some of the great events we’ve got on offer throughout the week, those top athletes will really be looking to put in some solid performances and make their presence felt ahead of the World games next year,” McDonald said.
While the 2012 Uni Snow Games will be the 67th annual games, the event is still growing and this year will see the introduction of the biathlon – a fun team event based at Snow Farm, which combines cross country skiing with laser shooting. Points for that event will be based on speed, accuracy and style.
“The Uni Snow Games is always a great week of both fun and competition and we’re expecting this year to be especially competitive both amongst the campuses and amongst individuals as they compete for the prized overall shield and the chance to compete at the World University Winter Games,” McDonald said.
THE SCHEDULE:
Sunday August 26: Giant Slalom (Ski and Board) at Treble Cone
Monday August 27: Parallel Slalom (Ski and Board) at Treble Cone
Tuesday August 28: Gravity X and Half Pipe Jam (Ski and Board) at Cardrona
Wednesday August 29: SlopeStyle and Big Air at Cardrona
Thursday August 30: Cross Country Skiing and Biathlon at Snow Farm
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