Now that warmer weather is on its way and water skiing is getting under way, I will be obtaining information on warm weather sporting activities. In regard to waterskiing, I thought it would be a good idea to give some background on previous Championships. The following information is provided through the courtsey of Jim Grew, Chairman of the IWSF Disabled Council.
97 World Disabled Championships
IN THE HEAT OF THE DAY
The World Disabled Water Ski Championships
"In the stifling mid-summer heat of Florida, the third World Disabled Championships took place
at Jack and Lelani's world class tournament site on September 21-24. It was the first-ever held in the
United States and a success with thanks to the weather gods who smiled upon us and a lot of water.
Sixty-six athletes from a record sixteen countries competed for medals while skiers from ten
different ones mounted the highest step of the podium. The attendance of two new countries from the
Pan Am Region, Canada and Argentina, was most welcome with an Argentine stating his case by winning
the gold and coming within one buoy of the world record.
Despite the increased level of ability in all categories, there were still 16 new world records (7
jump, 8 tricks and 1 slalom) set by athletes from six different countries. The tournament's most
outstanding athletes were Debbie Cummings, an arm amputee from Great Britain, with four world records
and five golds and Peter Brepoels, a partially sighted skier from Belgium with two world records and four
golds. The only other multiple-record setter was a quadriplegic from the U.S., Bill Furbish with two, in
jump!
A fierce battle was raged for the prestigious team title between two-time defending champion
United States and the winner of all three World Trophies Great Britain. The victor was not decided until
the final American skier had left the water. The British had won by a mere 170 points out of over
14,000, but the Americans have promised to return with a vengeance in 1999. The rivalry would continue.
Our thanks go to hard working chief organizer and U.S. Team Manager Rhonda Van Dyk; Jack &
Lelani Travers, gracious site owners; all the officials, most ably led by Australia's David Beretta Chief
Judge and his Assistant Dan Van Dyk from the U.S.; and especially the many volunteers on-site and off
that made the tournament flow.
The future? We hope to meet again in Italy with a new event (audio slalom for the vision impaired
which simulates the actual slalom course) and a new category (for those with both arm and leg
disabilities [arm and leg amputees, hemiplegics, etc.]).
Thanks to all!"
Links to other sites on the Web
I.W.S.F
(updated 2000)
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