Paralympic hopefuls from around the world converge on Park City Mountain for annual competition event
PARK CITY, UTAH (Jan. 4, 2021) – Today, the National Ability Center, a leading non-profit organization that provides world-class adaptive recreation and outdoor adventures for individuals and families of differing abilities, announced its 32nd annual Huntsman Cup. The event will be held from Jan. 27 to Jan. 29 at Park City Mountain with a revised schedule to align with COVID-19 policies. The World Para Alpine Ski Race (WPAS) invites 2022 Paralympic hopefuls from around the world to challenge each other on the Park City slopes in the International Paralympic Committee sanctioned sporting event.
“As we approach the 2022 Paralympic Winter Games, scheduled to take place in Beijing, China, we are excited to gather adaptive athletes from all over the country to compete and showcase their hard work and talents for yet another year,“ said Tracy Meier, Program and Education Director at the National Ability Center. “The Huntsman Cup is a signature NAC event that brings together adaptive athletes, Park City community members and international competitors to celebrate the workmanship demonstrated in competitive para Alpine skiing and snowboarding. This year, we plan to take increased measures to ensure the health and safety of all our athletes and event attendees.”
Welcoming adaptive ski racers from all over, the three-day competition is sponsored by Park City Mountain Resort and Vail EpicPromise. The popular event builds technical racing skills and offers a racing venue to qualify for top-level international competitions in preparation for the 2022 Winter Paralympics. Super G races are scheduled for Jan. 27, followed by Slalom racing on Jan. 28 and 29. As the location for the 2002 Winter Olympics, Park City is known as a year-round resource for outdoor recreation and continues to be the perfect location to attract globally recognized skiers. With athletes representing countries like Kenya, Chile, Australia, Great Britain, Japan and the U.S., the NAC has served as a hub for these talented competitors. Recently, the NAC announced its 2021 High-Performance competition team roster, with athletes ranging from new faces to Paralympic hopefuls.
“After the past year, we are thrilled to have the resources to continue this tradition we have loved for many years”, said Erik Leirfallom, NAC Competition Team Coach. “Working alongside these talented athletes as they train arduously and vie for the 2022 Paralympic Games has been my pleasure. To watch them thrive amid tough circumstances keeps me motivated.”
The competition’s namesake, the Huntsman family, has been a staple within the NAC community for over three decades, prompting the creation of this event in honor of their commitment and consistent support for the NAC’s adaptive programs. Now in its third year now, the NAC will present awards to a female and male athlete, coach, or support staff that have had tremendous influence on paraskiing, in recognition of the Huntsman family, specifically, Karen and the late John Huntsman, Sr.
Volunteers are an incredible part of the Huntsman Cup, however, due to current COVID-19 policies, the number of volunteers allowed to participate is subject to change. Those with race experience are encouraged to get involved by volunteering as course slippers or gatekeepers. Additional volunteer opportunities include bib collectors, hand timers, and room host runners. If interested, please email [email protected]. Local community members are also invited to support competitors along the race route. Masks and social distancing will be required for all volunteers and attendees.
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About the National Ability Center
The National Ability Center provides world-class adaptive recreation and Splore outdoor adventures for individuals and families of differing abilities, physical, cognitive, and developmental, including competitive athletes, youth, veterans, and more. Rooted in Park City, UT for over 30 years, with additional facilities in Salt Lake City and Moab, the National Ability Center empowers participants by building self-esteem, confidence and lifetime skills through inclusive programming and activities such as alpine and nordic skiing, snowboarding, horseback riding, cycling, swimming, rafting, archery, among others. With Vail’s EpicPromise as the National Ability Center’s largest annual community partner, NAC is globally recognized as a leader in adaptive sports. For more information, visit www.discovernac.org.
