Alpine News
The 7th World Winter Transplant Games were held in January in the small village of St Foy, near Val D'Isere. The Games attracted some 200 participants and accompanying persons from 20 countries. The Games are held every two years, and are organised by the World Transplant Games Federation.
Lisa Cuthbertson, a bone marrow transplantee, competed for Australia. To the surprise of some Europeans who are not aware there is snow in Australia, Lisa won the women's slalom, and was second female in GS and Super G. She also competed in the 5km cross-country, and in the parallel slalom - a short fun event. Along with Stephanie Theobold, an Australian now resident in England, they were the only Australians competing. Stephanie, new to skiing, entered the snow-shoe event, and slowly, but successfully, wound her way through the slalom course.
Apart from the usual alpine events, there was a snowboard race and a
snow-shoe race; while cross-country events include a biathlon, the 5km race, a one hour race where the winner competes the most rounds of the course; and a team of three race. Medals are awarded by age groups, which encourages performers of all standards and ages.
The objective of the Transplant Games -summer and winter - is to increase public awareness of the success of organ transplants, of the need for donors, and very importantly, to show appreciation of, and respect for, donor families. All events are held in a spirit of fun, with lots of hot drinks and cakes available for freezing spectators, as well as competitors.
Alongside the main events, the Nicholas Cup is held. This is a social week organised for transplanted children, age 4 to 17, who are novices at skiing. They are introduced to skiing and other snow games, with an easy slalom on the final day. A team of volunteers looked after some 50 children all week. This Cup is held to honour the memory of Nicholas Green who was killed in a drive-by shooting in Italy, and whose organs saved seven lives. A similar camp - TACKERS (Transplant Adventure Camps for Kids) is also offered in Europe for transplanted children to enjoy a week in the snow, with all equipment and clothing supplied. See www.tackers.org
The 8th Winter Games will be held in Anzere, in the Valais region of
Switzerland, 3rd -10th March, 2012. It would be good to have more
Australian transplant skiers competing there. Visit the website www.trans-forme.org for more information.
20 Australian Masters skiers will be competing in the 2010 World Winter Masters Games in Slovenia in January. 
More than 2,000 people from 42 countries have already registered to be part of the World Winter Masters Games. By now more than 500 alpine skiers, around 400 cross-country skiers, 200 ski jumpers, 100 competitors in biathlon and over 30 ice hockey teams have registered to have an “Olympic” style experience. In addition, futsal teams from many countries have decided to register. Registrations are open till Decemeber 25.
The aim of the World Masters Games is to support the Olympic movement and encourage mature athletes to practice sports regularly and participate in Masters Games. The first World Winter Masters Games 2010 will allow anyone over the age of 25 to participate in an Olympic style experience. There is no qualifications or national teams, only age criteria.
For more information, visit www.2010mastersgames.com
Congratulations to ACT Skiers Ben Hood and Alia Moore, who have been selected as members of the Australian Alpine Children's Squad. Ben and Alia will be competing in two International Children's races in the northern hemisphere season; Topolino and Whistler Cup.
The ANC (Australian New Zealand Continental Cup Series) yellow bibs are awarded to the best placed Australian or New Zealand racer in each of the four disciplines.
The winners of these bibs earn the right to start no worse than 31st position
in the coming seasons Europa Cup and NorAm race series, and if they qualify, have a personal quota spot with expenses in the World Cup.
Bryce was awarded the Slalom yellow bib and was runner up in the Giant Slalom. Meanwhile, Hugh recieved the yellow bib in Giant Slalom and was runner up in the Slalom.
100 men from 20 nations and 63 women from 18 nations competed in this year's ANC series.
At the Ski and Snowboard Australia National Children’s Championships at Hotham, Ben Hood was awarded equal overall champion in his age group. Alia Moore also had a success champs, placing second in the Giant Slalom 2 and Slalom 1.