2022 Paralympic hopefuls challenge each other in popular adaptive alpine ski competition
PARK CITY, UTAH (December 20, 2018) – 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 today that it will hold the highly-anticipated Huntsman Cupfor the 30th year at Park City Mountain. The World Para Alpine Ski Race (WPAS) will run from Jan. 16 to Jan. 18 with hopeful Paralympians from around the world descending upon the Park City slopes to participate in the annual athletic sporting event sanctioned by the International Paralympic Committee.
“Some of the most talented adaptive ski racers from across the country and around the world participate in the Huntsman Cup and it is our honor as a premier adaptive recreation provider to host them,” said Kevin Stickelman, CEO of the National Ability Center. “An event like this encourages and motivates individuals of all abilities to go after their dreams. ”
Held at Park City Mountain, Huntsman Cup focuses on building technical skills in racing and lowering points to qualify for top-level international competitions. The 3-day competition will consist of two days of Slalom and one day of Super G racing. The National Ability Center’s High Performance alpine team is scheduled to compete. As a mecca for year-round outdoor recreation and home to the 2002 Winter Olympics, the Park City-based event attracts top skiers from all over the world including U.S., Kenya, Chile, Australia, Great Britain and Japan. Approximately 30 athletes are expected to participate.
To celebrate 30 years of renowned competition in honor of the late John Huntsman Sr., the National Ability Center plans to introduce brand new annual awards which will be presented to a female and male athlete that has demonstrated exceptional influence on building the adaptive nation. The National Ability Center will also present an award to an exemplary volunteer. The estimated 1,700 annual volunteers play a critical role in making the NAC’s competitions, programs and events come to life.
“The Huntsman Cup attracts global athletes every year that come to Park City aspiring to be a Paralympic athlete,” said Sara Beaudry-Wiltse, Competition Program Manager at the National Ability Center. “We are honored to work with the Huntsman Family to host this event and provide an arena for these incredible athletes to continue their training and progress in their career. This race holds a lot of tradition and excitement for the community and athletes, and this year is no exception!”
Those with race experience are encouraged to get involved by volunteering as course slippers or gate keepers. Additional volunteer opportunities include bib collectors, hand timers, cheering section, room host runners, among others. If interested, email [email protected].
For more information on the Huntsman Cup, visit discovernac.org/huntsman-cupor email [email protected].
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About the National Ability Center
The National Ability Centerprovides 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. The National Ability Center is globally recognized as a chapter of Disabled Sports USA and is one of only 12 Gold U.S. Paralympic Sports Clubs. For more information, visit www.discovernac.org.
