Snowplanet Turns Up Heat For Winter Olympic Games

Snowplanet Turns Up The Heat For Winter Olympic Games

Ski bunnies and snow enthusiasts are in for a treat when Snowplanet opens its doors to host Auckland’s own mini-Winter Olympics Series from Saturday 13 February 2010.

On the back of its inaugural partnership with the New Zealand Olympic Committee, Snowplanet is turning on a real ‘winter wonderland’ to celebrate the opening of the Winter Olympics in Vancouver next Saturday.

“We have lined up a fantastic opening ceremony for the Winter Games, which gives way to a two week mini-Winter Olympic series, culminating in a special prize giving and closing ceremony on Saturday 27 February,” says Nick Bradshaw, General Manager, Snowplanet.

Bradshaw says that the partnership with the New Zealand Olympic Committee has provided strong impetus for the ‘mini-Games’ event, as they work together to bring the northern hemisphere Winter Olympic Games to life for snow fans still enjoying a southern summer.

Terry Daly from the New Zealand Olympic Committee says the stunning line-up of events will provide a wonderful back-drop to the opening of the Games in Vancouver. “We are thrilled to be involved and look forward to putting on an unforgettable show for both spectators and snow afficionados right here in Auckland,” he says.

The Opening Ceremony at Snowplanet – starring former Olympic athletes and officials - will take place from 1.00pm – 2.45pm on Saturday 13 February, with young amateur skiers and snow-boarders - and trained professionals - taking part in an on-snow spectacular that culminates in a traditional Haka before live coverage of the Winter Olympics’ Opening Ceremony from Vancouver at 3.00pm.

TIMING:
1.20pm – flag run and torch ceremony with 52 children participating
1.45pm – professional freestyle and synchronised ski display with 12 talented instructors
2.10pm – Haka on the snow
3.00pm – live coverage of Opening Ceremony from Vancouver

The Snowplanet mini-Winter Olympic series kicks off the following day. Custom-made, New Zealand mini-Winter Olympic medals will be awarded to the top athletes competing in the series at Snowplanet and features the official New Zealand Olympic trademark. These one-off medals will be awarded to first (gold), second (silver) and third (bronze) place-getters in each discipline. To qualify for medal contention, competitors must compete in all heats.

Sunday 14 February 2010 Freestyle Competition - Heat 1 at 3.00pm
o (ages up to 15 yrs)

Saturday 20 February 2010 Ski Race Competition - Heat 1 at 3.00pm
o (ages up to 15 yrs)

Sunday 21 February 2010 Freestyle Competition - Heat 2 at 3.00pm
o (all ages)

Friday 26 February 2010 Ski Race Masters Competition at 7.30pm
o (ages 16 yrs +)

Saturday 27 February 2010 Ski Race Competition - Heat 2 at 3.00pm
o (ages up to 15 yrs)

Saturday 27 February 2010 Prize Giving & Closing Ceremony at 6.00pm

“We want kids of all ages to enter these events over the next couple of weeks, so forget the board shorts and the boogie boards, and dust off those ski boots today!,” says Bradshaw.

ENDS

© Scoop Media