First FIS Freestyle Ski WC at the end of the world
The Super Continental Cup in the new Olympic event of Freestyle Ski slopestyle was held at Ushuaia (ARG) on 31st August. Organised by the Brazilian Confederation of Snow Sports, it was the first official test of the event held in Latin America.
All eyes now turn to the main event of the South American Freestyle Skiing season, when the first ever South American FIS Freestyle Ski World Cup in slopestyle will be held on 6th and 7th September in Ushuaia. The sport will make its Olympic debut in Sochi (RUS) in 2014.
There are three major Brazilian television networks covering the competition, including Globo one of the largest in the country.
Stefano Arnold, President of the Brazilian Confederation of Snow Sports underlined: “We are interested in the first place in providing opportunities for Southern American competitors to qualify for the upcoming Winter Olympics, and this competition supports our interests and continues to support the promotion of winter sports on our continent.”
FIS Freestyle Skiing Coordinator Joseph Fitzgerald who is on-site in Ushuaia added: “As there is growing interest in Skiing and Snowboarding, especially in Brazil, Argentina is the nature place for this interest to expand. So far, we have had good training sessions with 65 skiers from 17 nations preparing for the event. The sun is out and the conditions are good. All teams and athletes are excited about this first Olympic qualifier leading up to Sochi 2014. Some of them can see their dreams become true to be an Olympian. This is a significant milestone for the sport and its athletes.”