Winter Games NZ has confirmed it will host IPC (International Paralympic Committee) World Cups in alpine slalom, giant slalom and para snowboard cross in its 2013 event next August.

The three IPC World Cup events join five FIS World Cup events, bringing the number of World Cup events to eight as part of Winter Games NZ 2013. World Cups are the highest level of international competition outside the Olympics.

The para snowboard cross World Cup first made an appearance at Winter Games NZ in 2011 when inspirational women's world champion Amy Purdy, of the United States, competed, along with 2009 world champion Canadian Tyler Mosher. The addition of two further IPC World Cups further cements the Winter Games' position as an event dedicated to delivering an elite sporting event to able-bodied and adaptive athletes together.

Winter Games NZ chief executive Arthur Klap said Winter Games strongly believed no distinction should be made between any athletes that performed at the highest possible level.

"The last two Games have shown how well combining able-bodied and adaptive athletes in the same competition on the same courses works and we continue to work for even greater opportunities for these athletes."

Kiwi Paralympic gold medallist Adam Hall, said the inclusion of IPC World Cups at Winter Games NZ was a very positive move.

"This is great for New Zealand, Winter Games and the athletes from throughout the world being able to help towards qualifying for Sochi. With the event being a World Cup this will help attract so many more athletes from around the globe to come and compete. Personally for me I am very excited. To have a World Cup here at home is going to be an amazing feeling."

- © Fairfax NZ News

Comments