NZ to Host the 2007 Sailplane Grand Prix Race Final

A sponsor has emerged enabling the finals of the Sailplane Grand Prix to be
hosted in New Zealand. The finals will be split across two sites: one for
best racing, one for best spectator value:
Omarama: 19th and 24th of December 2007
Wanaka: 27th and 28th of December, 2007


Following negotiations between the IGC and various potential hosts, the IGC
is pleased to announce that the IGC Sailplane Grand Prix race Final will be
held in New Zealand this December.

The event will be covered by all of the pioneering media features that
marked the first qualifying event held at Omarama in January 2006.

This is the breakthrough we have been waiting for - the world's best pilots
have competed for a place in the Final through eight qualifying events
around the world, and now the final battle, with the pilots racing
head-to-head, will be seen globally using the latest innovative TV
technologies.

Coverage of the Final, managed by Air Sports Ltd, will be broadcast via the
internet and will involve live air to air shots, multiple on board cameras
and live 3D graphics from Animation Research - who are currently providing
the 2007 America's Cup graphics from Valencia.

The event will be held at Omarama, recognised as one of the world's best
gliding locations, between the 19th and 24th of December 2007. Two
additional days will be staged at Wanaka, on the 27th and 28th of December,
as part of a new multisport event. Other FAI sports such as skydiving, hang
gliding, paragliding, aerobatics and ballooning are expected to participate
in the Wanaka event.

The glider pilots who have qualified for the World Series Gliding Final
include an impressive array of World and European Champions. A total of 20
pilots will take part.

Apart from internet coverage, it is planned to feature both the Glider and
multisport events on both New Zealand and global television. Confirmation of
the event follows confirmation of major financial backing from Air Sports
Ltd, the company which staged the initial competition at Omarama last year.

The events at Omarama and Wanaka are planned to be the first of a new global
competition circuit designed to meet the needs of the media and sponsors.

The pilots who have qualified a

Pilot Representing Qualifying Grand Prix
Ben Flewett New Zealand Omarama, NZ

Giorgio Galetto Italy Omarama, NZ

Sebastian Kawa Poland Omarama, NZ

Herbert Weiss Germany Nitra, Slovakia

Petr Krejcirik Czech Republic Nitra, Slovakia

Victor Panafutin Russia Drakino, Russia

Tim McAllister USA Drakino, Russia

Uli Schwenk Germany Hahnweide, Germany

Tassilo Bode Germany Hahnweide, Germany

Mario Kiessling Germany St. Auban, France

Didier Hauss France St. Auban, France

Christophe Ruch France St. Auban, France

Peter Harvey UK Gransden Lodge, UK

Phil Jones UK Gransden Lodge, UK

Steve Jones UK Gransden Lodge, UK

Mark Holliday South Africa Bloemfontein, Sth Africa

Oscar Goudriaan South Africa Bloemfontein, Sth Africa

Bruce Taylor Australia Gawler, Australia

Peter Trotter Australia Gawler, Australia

Michael Sommer Germany Gawler, Australia


Anyone need crew !

A web photo video guy.

Or got a spare spot on the floor for me ? 19th and 24th of December 2007

Mal

www.mals.net