Ski and snowboard competitors sought

Victoria Palmer
Contributing writer


***image1***HEIDELBERG – Skiers and snowboarders from throughout Europe will vie for medals in the 2006 Jeep Ski and Snowboard U.S. Forces Championship at the Hausberg Ski Area in Garmisch March 11 and 12.
  
The Championship will feature competition in alpine ski slalom and giant slalom, and snowboard giant slalom events, in racer, professional and youth classifications. The event is open to all U.S. ID-cardholder military men and women, civilians and family members age 6 and up.
  
Entrants in the adult racer class will compete in active duty or civilian divisions, in men’s or women’s open (age 18-29), senior (age 30-39) or master’s (age 40 and up.)
  
Skiers earning local commander cup points for their unit must be entered in this class.
  
Youth class skiers age 6 to 17 will compete in boy’s or girls minor (age 6 to 9), junior (age 10 to 12), and senior (age 13 to 17) categories.
  
Youth skiers will race on the same course as the adults and must have the ability to control their speed and turns on the steep hills of ‘blue’ runs. Race organizers said that helmets are highly recommended for all youth skiers.
  
Professional class skiers are civilian ID-cardholders who are associated with providing ski or snowboard related services – such as instructor, trip guide and ski patrol – on a paid, compensated or volunteer basis, but active duty military with professional credentials may also compete in the racer class.
  
There is no entry fee for participation in the racing events. Registration forms are available at Army Morale, Welfare and Recreation outdoor recreation centers or online at www.mwr-europe.com. Pre-registration ends March 8.
  
For more information, call Wiesbaden Outdoor Recreation at 377-5760 or visit www.mwr-europe.com.
  
The 2006 Jeep Ski and Snowboard U.S. Forces Europe Championship is hosted by Installation Management Agency-Europe Morale, Welfare and Recreation.