NZSnowboard.com - The home of New Zealand Snowboarding

14th July 2009

Mt Hood, USA Five members of the New Zealand Winter Performance Programme (WPP) Snowboard Team are currently taking part in a three-week Olympic training camp alongside the US and Australian Snowboard Teams in Mt. Hood, Oregon (USA).

High Cascade's 22ft Halfpipe

The camp, which makes use of Mt Hoods High Cascade 22-ft halfpipe, is giving snowboarders the opportunity to perfect their skills in soft, spring-snow conditions before returning to New Zealand to transfer their new level of riding onto the mid-winter snow in New Zealand.

Training under Head Snowboard Coach Tom Willmott and with support from team Physio Sheryl Dickinson, athletes attending the camp include Rebecca Sinclair, 17, of Taupo, Ben Stewart, 16, of Whangamata, James Hamilton, 20, of Auckland, Paula Mitchell, 27, of Christchurch and Mitch Brown, 21, of Wanaka.

Mitch Brown checking it out

We have an excellent opportunity to train in a world-class environment alongside previous Olympic medallists and World Champions, said Willmott. The team are in great shape following their pre-season off-snow preparation in Wanaka and Christchurch.

On return to New Zealand, the team members are scheduled to compete in the New Zealand Burton Open and the LG FIS World Cup Halfpipe as part of the 100% Pure New Zealand Winter Games.  The LG FIS World Cup is one of a few remaining Olympic qualifying opportunities where the team will be looking for peak performance.

Ben Stewart and Rebecca Sinclair hiking back up

All snowboarders are members of the New Zealand Snowboard Union (NZSBU) Team and train with the New Zealand Winter Performance Programme (WPP) under Willmott.

The WPP athletes are selected to be developed by Academy South Island through its Winter Performance Programme, which supports elite athletes in several winter sports capable of success on the world stage. It co-ordinates and provides coaching, sports science, medical and performance support, with medals at the Winter Olympics the upcoming focus. www.asi.org.nz

The New Zealand Snowboard Union (NZSBU) is a member of Snow Sport New Zealand. Snow Sports New Zealand is the official governing body and National Sports Organisation representing all snow sports in New Zealand. www.snowsports.co.nz   







LINKS:
www.asi.org.nz
www.snowsports.co.nz