NZSTAR SKIERS GET AWARDS

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 2, Issue 27, 3 December 1984, Page 6

NZSTAR SKIERS GET AWARDS

For the second year since AHI Turoa undertook to run the NZSTAR CocaCola Ski Racing programme several local skiers were presented with trophies in a simple ceremony in Ohakune last week. Each had won their age-group handicaps in a series of fun races on the Turoa Skifield during the 1984 season. Those who won medals this year were Matthew Bramley-( 10), Jacyn Bramley (13), Shirene Mosaed (14) and Maurice Bishop (58). The NZSTAR Coca-Cola Ski Racing programme was initially launched several seasons ago but it wasn't until Turoa embraced the opportunity to stage the programme last year that local skiers participated ... then it was Jacqui Wilde and Kent Goldfinch who won medals. The ski racing programme gives everyone, irrespective of age and ability an opportunity to participate against skiers in their own age and gender group. There are six age groups for both male and female skiers: 1:10 and under; 2: 11-14; 3: 15-35; 4: 36-50; 5:51-60; 6: 60 and over. But as the programme is designed for recreational skiers, those who participate do not compete so much against each other as against a Par Time Handicap which is determined by official pacesetters in each age group early in the season. For example the fastest Par Time would, as expected, be

in the Group 3: 15-35 age group. As 58-year old Maurice Bishop of Ohakune said last week when he was presented with his medal by Turoa Ski School Director John Ball, "it gives me and everyone else chance of competing in a racing programme that would otherwise always be won by youngsters."

John Ball is very impressed with Maurice Bishop 's skiing progress and performance. "For someone who has only been skiing since Turoa opened five years ago Maurice is a very good recreational skier who is always trying to improve his technique," he said.