Cool Runnings Star For Winter Carnival

Original “Cool Runnings” bobsledder for Montana Christchurch Winter Carnival

Three-time Winter Olympian and international celebrity Devon Harris, a member of the original Jamaican bobsled team, has been confirmed as the special guest for this year¹s Montana Christchurch Winter Carnival.

Born and raised in the ghetto, Devon Harris went on to compete in the 1988, 1992 and 1998 Winter Olympics as a member of the Jamaican bobsled team. The hugely popular movie Cool Runnings, featuring John Candy, was based on the story of the 1988 team ­ the first ever to represent Jamaica at the Winter Olympics.

Carnival manager Mike Considine says the opportunity to bring Devon to Christchurch was too good to pass up. ³The Montana Christchurch Winter Carnival is all about bringing the best of winter to everyone here in the city. Devon is an inspiration, proving that anyone can make the best of themselves, whatever the odds.

³Devon¹s philosophy is that he will not permit others to define the limits of his success. His message of inspiration and hope will be a wonderful addition to our carnival.

³We expect Devon to play a key role in several of our major events, including the official Montana Christchurch Winter Carnival launch on August 3 and the Outdoor Expo in the Square on August 4,² Mike Considine says.

The athletic Jamaican is currently training with a view to competing at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, although he is yet to make a final decision.

This year¹s Montana Christchurch Winter Carnival is poised to be even bigger and better than its predecessors. The ninth annual carnival opens on August 3 with the extreme, fast-paced, high-adrenalin action of the Montana Big Air.

³Last year over 10,000 people witnessed the biggest ever Montana Big Air, and we believe it will be even better this year,² Mike Considine says. Coupled with an outdoor opening party in the Square, the Big Air will kick off 10 days of fun events designed to showcase the attractions Christchurch and Canterbury have on offer in winter.

The 50 metre long Montana Big Air ramp (the biggest of its type in the southern hemisphere) will again be built in the central city to host the exciting freestyle ski and snowboard aerial event. Competitors from New Zealand and overseas will perform some of their most daring feats in front of the massive crowd.

Mike Considine says this is the strongest carnival programme yet. ³It is our opportunity to show the world what winter in Christchurch and Canterbury can offer, and it¹s a great time to be in the city. The Montana Big Air is one of New Zealand¹s highest profile snowsport events, so it is the ideal premier event for the carnival.²

Over the course of the carnival, a range of skifield events at leading Canterbury ski areas Mt Hutt and Porter Heights will complements events in the city. A second Big Air event, this time in the township of Methven ­ adjacent to Mt Hutt ­ will feature during the second weekend of the carnival.

Other highlights of the Montana Christchurch Winter Carnival (August 3-12) include the Parade of Lights, Winter Wonderland, Methven Big Air, Mt Hutt skifield carnival fun day, Ridge to Road multisport race on Porter Heights skifield, street luge on Christchurch¹s Port Hills and the Outdoor Expo in Cathedral Square.

Cheers,

Kirsty

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