COLLEGE SKI TEAM

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 2, Issue 15, 11 September 1984, Page 5

COLLEGE SKI TEAM

On Monday 1 7 September and Tuesday 18 September forty-eight North Island Secondary Schools will meet at Turoa Skifields to compete in the annual Secondary Schools' Skiing Competition. Characterised by enthusiastic school loyalty on the part of participants and supporters, the competition is in essence a "teams event" consisting of two races. A timed Giant Slalom the first day provides a seeding list for the very exciting parallel race the following day. This race is a dual slalom with racers skiing against each other and is tremendously exciting for racers and spectators alike. Teams consist of five members ranging from 1218 years of age and must include at least one racer under the age of 1 5 years. No team may include more than one registered racer. The total team score is established by taking the results from both races of the best four competitors in each team, with the successful team winning the Skilands Trophy and the Nicola Hayes Memorial Award. The competition began back in 1965 when the Skilands Ski Shop in Ohakune made a trophy available for the annual Ruapehu College — Taihape High School ski races. This invitation was extended to include all North Island secondary schools in 1981 and saw 19 schools participate. Organised by Ruapehu College Skiing Coordinator,

Allan Graham and Turoa Skifields, the event has grown to the point where over 200 skiers from throughout the North Island meet each year to race in the competition.