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On March 14 and 15, 1998, some 23 Manitoba Sport Parachute Association members participated in a Paraski competition at Springhill Winter Sports Park, just outside Winnipeg. The event, coordinated by John Parrott, proved to be a huge success.

The accuracy competition was held on the Saturday and featured 69 jumps from a Bell 206 helicopter. The event provided an extra thrill for all those who had never experienced that kind of ride before. There were a number of jumpers who "could not attend" the skiing portion of the competition, most claiming "other commitments or bad knees," although our own investigative reporter discovered that fear of injury in the dangerous sport of downhill was the reason most stayed away. Other reasons may have had something to do with the very successful social held on the Saturday night (thanks Sari).

At the end of the parachute competition the only injuries at the Winter Park were three broken arms - all sustained by snowboarders. Our condolences to them.

The event was an on-again off-again for a variety of reasons including El Nino, spring run-off and cancellation of the first helicopter contract two days before the scheduled event. The event only got off the ground because of John Parrott. We would also like to thank the generous assistance of Kevin Karambowich, the tremendous support of our friends at Transport Canada, Garry Mackinnon and his accommodating staff from the ski hill, Custom Helicopters (for stepping in at the last minute), the Manitoba Masters Ski Club, the Manitoba Ski Patrol and the many volunteers who did the timing, measuring, and crowd control for the event. To all of you, thank you on behalf of all the participants.

Brian Forbes

COMPETITION RESULTS

PARACHUTING SKIING OVERALL
1. Kevin Karambowich 0.09m 1. Mike Adam 31.37sec 1. Kevin Karambowich
2. Rob Hutchinson 0.97m 2. Pat Rice 31.66sec 2. Mike Adam
3. Mike Adam 3.25m 3. Kevin Karambowich 32.45sec 3. Rob Hutchinson

PICTURES

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