Lake Wanaka, New Zealand (Wednesday July 30, 2009) Canada’s Tyler Mosher took gold today at the World’s second World Snowboard Federation (WSF) Adaptive Snowboard World Championships, held at Cardrona Alpine Resort.

Tyler Mosher (CAN) - picture by Jane Sinclair

Competitors from five different countries took part in the sling-shot Snowboardcross race, the premier event during the 2009 Adaptive Snow Sports Festival and National Championships. Mosher, who clocked a combined time of 75.99 travelled all the way from Canada for the event. “It is anyone’s game, and was a tough competition. I’m so honored,” said Mosher. “I wasn’t snowboarding that well leading into the event, so I was happy to push that aside for the race.” Mosher expressed thanks to the event volunteers and the event crew for putting all the time and effort into making the event a huge success.

Bibian Mentel (NED) - picture by Jane Sinclair

Silver went to New Zealand’s Carl Murphy (New Plymouth) with a time of 78.25, while third place taken by New Zealand born Ian Lockey, representing Canada, who clocked 78.66 seconds only .41 seconds behind Murphy. “The course and set up was awesome. It’s really nice to be able to compete and get silver in the biggest event of the year at my back door.” said Murphy.

Carl Murphy (NZE) - picture by Jane Sinclair

The Women’s Adaptive Snowboard World Champion 2009, posting a time of 77.88 was Bibian Mentel from The Netherlands. “It’s fantastic to be here in New Zealand. The course was great - nice and fluent. I have a hectic schedule at home so am flying back on Sunday be with my family again.”

Second place went to USA’s Nicole Roundy who finished in 89.34 seconds. Australian Jodie Thring placed third with 122.46.

World Champions Mosher and Mentel were presented with a greenstone toki necklace symbolising leadership and power. This design was traditionally worn by Maori chiefs to symbolise status.

Men's Podium - picture by T.C.Smiley

The Adaptive Snow Sports Festival runs from the 26th – 30th July at Cardrona Alpine resort. The festival is the highlight of the adaptive snow sports winter calendar in New Zealand, offering instruction and coaching for recreational skiers and boarders alongside the elite level competitions. The New Zealand SnowboardUnion is a member of Snow Sports 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

ABOUT ADAPTIVE SNOWBOARDING
Adaptive snowboarding refers to a modified version of the sport, which adapts in equipment, rules, and technical specifications that enable persons with physical disabilities to participate in both recreational and competitive activities. Athletes compete based on their functional ability, allowing athletes with different disabilities to compete against each other.

ABOUT THE WORLD SNOWBOARD FEDERATION
The WSF is the only international organisation dedicated exclusively to the development and support of snowboard at all levels, including competitive as well as training levels, snowboarding for disabled, and initiatives for riders of any age. The WSF is a network of international snowboard associations which cooperate all over the world aiming at the development of this sport. Le nations members of the WSF find in it an inspiration source and a support to their activities. The WSF can create added value for all those who practise snowboarding at an international level and it offers ideas, manuals and initiatives. As a result, members are united in a widespread organization with the same objective, that is the progression of snowboard at all levels. www.worldsnowboardfederation.org

Media contact:
Kristy Quin
Snow Sports New Zealand
Ph:   +64 3 443 4085 ext. 3
kristy@snowsports.co.nz