Friday, May 25, 2007

World Disabled Water Ski Championships




The ‘World Disabled Water Ski Championships’ were held on the Ross River, Townsville during May 2007.
Water Skiers from 17 Countries wowed spectators taking in the thrills and spills from the River way. A team of 11 Australians took on skiers from countries such as USA, Canada, Mexico, Great Britain, Switzerland, France ect.
There were three events in the competition ‘Jump’, ‘Slalom’ and ‘Wakeboard/Tricks’ with skiers in different categories ranging from blind to paraplegic.
The competition was intense with athletes competing for themselves and country.
The powerful V8 Ski boats had to be specially imported from America to meet the specific championship criteria and the judges were from different countries within the ‘International Water Ski federation’.
This was no small event, make no mistake this was a WORLD CLASS competition.
Congratulations must go to the Townsville Water Ski Club for making this event an unparalleled success; with all saying it was the best world Championship they had been to.
Townsville rallied to the Championship providing the sponsorship to make it happen.
The Australian team had its best ever championship results finishing second (behind Great Britain and ahead of United States).

Several Australians won GOLD medals including Brisbane paraplegic skier Scott Wintle who won a GOLD medal in the MP2 Wakeboard/Trick event and a SILVER medal in the Jump.
Darryl Hoyle also of Brisbane won GOLD in the MP3 Jump and set a new world jump record.
Those that watched were in awe of the courage, spirit and determination shown by these athletes.

No comments: