World champ Wells and Paralympic skier Hall places New Zealand winter snow sports on the world map

Wanaka's Jossi Wells being named the world's best freeskier and Paralympic skier Adam Hall winning gold at this year’s Winter Paralympic Games are a huge boast for New Zealand’s winter snow sports industry according to their New Zealand based sponsors.

“We always knew Jossi had the potential to be the best in the world,” Brandex Adventure Sports, which imports Atomic skis into New Zealand, Snowsports Director Ian Bright said.

“And for Adam to do so well at this year’s Winter Paralympic Games was outstanding for him, as we know all the sacrifices and effort he puts into his sport.”

Hall won a gold medal in the Slalom, was seventh in the Super G and eighth in the Super Combined at the Vancouver Games last month.

“A New Zealander being named best in the world at a winter snow sport – who would have thought that was possible 10 years ago. It is testament to the growing level of competition in this country and both Jossi’s world champion status and Adam’s recent results will help to further enhance New Zealand’s reputation on the international winter snow sports radar.”

Bright stresses the impact of these results cannot be under estimated, saying he believes there will be benefits for the snow sports and tourism industry in New Zealand, the challenge is “ to make sure we are in a position to make the most of them.”

“We got Jossi on board early and it played a part in his being picked up by Atomic internationally as well. This is just so exciting and fantastic recognition for one of not only our most exciting sponsored athletes, but for one of New Zealand’s most exciting talents, in any sport.”

“We always had no doubt he would have a huge impact on the world stage. This is a huge result for our winter snow sports scene that will further enhance our growing reputation as a winter snow sports destination.”

The 19-year-old Wells has earned enough points in the three disciplines he competes in – slopestyle, halfpipe and big air – to be named the Association of Freeskiing Professionals' 2009-10 world champion with two events still to be completed.

Wells has had an impressive northern hemisphere winter with seven top-10 performances in the Winter Dew Tour, a runner-up placing at the New Zealand Winter Games last year, victory at the Austrian Open in February and a fourth in the big air competition at the Winter X Games.

Bright said being a New Zealander achieving these significant results in the northern hemisphere means New Zealand is highlighted as having snow sports facilities and should mean more profile and recognition for this country as a winter destination.

Brandex works hard on aligning with athletes that represent the values of the brands they work with, and that seeing both athletes succeed on the world stage and recognised as New Zealanders “makes us feel truly proud.”

“We believe both have the ability to make an even bigger impact on the international stage over the next few years.”

Wells is currently ranked No 1 in the halfpipe standings, fifth in the slopestyle and 11th in the big air.

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For more information please contact:

Ian Bright
Brandex Adventure Sports Ltd
Snowsports Director
027 433 5053
www.atomicsnow.co.nz

John McKenzie
enthuse ltd
021 384 730
03 384 7338