It’s A Wrap - Organisers Review The 2017 Audi Quattro Winter Games NZ
Organisers have looked back on the the 2017 Audi Quattro Winter Games NZ
Arthur Klap Winter Games NZ CEO said: “The 2017 Audi quattro Winter Games NZ was definitely the best so far. Of course, we still have to get all the economic impact results, the media reports and the feedback from the sports, venues, competitors and public, but anecdotally there are many positives. We do know that we had not only the biggest entry ever (930 athletes) but also the depth of quality in all sports was magnificent. It will now be interesting to see how many of those competing at the Games go on to win medals at the Winter Olympics in just five months. Feedback from the competitors has also been uniformly positive with many commenting on how our decision making, in response to changing weather conditions, was always based around what was best for the athletes.
“Surprisingly, we had the best snow conditions at all the venues that we have ever had. There is an element of luck in that but is also the result of the considerable skill that now exists at our ski fields to manage the snow. We are deeply indepted to the staffs of Coronet Peak and Cardrona in particular, as their skills are right up there with the best in the world. Thank you.
“Very successful was the introduction of the North Face Frontier at The Remarkables and the Para-snowboard Banked Slalom World Cup at Treble Cone. Thank you to both venues for becoming part of the Games and we look forward to building on that for 2018.
“Over the next three months we will be working to be able to confirm that the Games can go annual from 2018 onwards. The Government has signed an agreement to financially support the Games on an annual basis so now we just need to secure sufficient commercial support through to 2021 to have the confidence to press the go button. Our confidence is high and a draft programme for next year is already completed. I can say that it will feature the FIS Freeski and Snowboard Junior World Championships as its centre piece.
“Thank you to the Games Board, my wonderful team, the teams at each of the Games venues, our financial supporters and the competitors who make it all so brilliant to be part of.”
Dean Sheed, General Manager, Audi New Zealand added “It was an incredible experience to spend 2 weeks at the Audi quattro Winter Games 2017. The organisation, attendance and world class competition has made it, in my opinion, the best Winter Games ever.
“With over 900 athletes attending from 35 countries, the atmosphere at each games venue was outstanding and I am ecstatic to see that New Zealand athletes were able to earn 10 medals. For this group of New Zealanders, the potential is immense and I encourage you all to get behind them as they prepare for February 2018’s Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea.
“For Audi, the Winter Games was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the all new Audi Q5 mid-size SUV. With our famous quattro four wheel drive this vehicle really is perfect for the traditional kiwi family ski trip. We are particularly proud of the Audi Q5 terrain park feature at Cardrona, with many athletes posting and commenting about its uniqueness on their social media feeds. Congratulations to the team at Cardrona Alpine Resort for their creativity and hard work in making it happen.
“Finally, I take this opportunity to congratulate and thank Sir Eion Edgar, Arthur Klapp and all of their colleagues for the successful conduct of this prestigious event. For now, we look forward to seeing you all again next year.”
