December 2012
The Snolympics is basically the mini Winter Olympics but not as many events. In the competition we had Skiing, snowboarding, Skelton running push start, tobogganing and a relay down ice. There was four countries competing in the competition England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. The competition was held for the celebrations of the new release of Ice Age 4 Contenital Drift. It was being sponsored by Cartoon Network. Every country had four contestants representing them and for NI we had Lucy McDowell age 6, Heather Wenlock age 7, Harry McDowell age 12 and I.
When we got to the ski centre in Melton Keynes it was still opening up and we were the last team to arrive. We were given team gear with our bibs having our country name on the back. We had to wait for a while so we watched the movie Ice Age 4 while the film crew set up. When the film was over we all went for a free ski so we could get use to the conditions on the slope. After 3/4 runs we were told to get of the slopes because there was athletes being interviewed. Freestyle skier Becky Hammond, Olympics Snowboard star Dan Wakeham and Amy Williams GB first Winter Gold medalist in 30yrs (She won the gold medal in the event skeleton running in Vancouver in 2010)
After the interviews we got photos as teams with Scrat's and the athletes. After the photos where taking, we started to get ready for the first event, were NI was represented by Harry. While Harry was was learning what to do in his event, little Lucy was learning from Amy how to do a good push start Scrat's Skeleton Run . The first two events were done and we came third in the push start and second in the tobogganing. Since we had no snowboarder with us the ski centre gave us one and he got us second. When it came to my slalom race I tied second with Scotland.
After my race I was interviewed for team NI. They asked me questions like who I am, where I'm from, am I having a good time, do I watch the Ice Age films, who's my favourite character and who's doing the best so far. And I said what anyone would of said in my position "I think team NI is doing the best so far Northern Ireland all the way." After the interview we were to do our team event. A relay down ice called Acorn relay Challenge and when it came to us we came third. This was the final event and decided the finishing position.
When we were done, all the teams were asked to go into the centre for prize giving. The ranking was done and Wales came fourth with 9 points, team NI came third 12 points, Scotland came second with 13 points and England came first with 14 points. All the medal were handed out by Amy Williams. After the prize ceremony we gave back our gear and headed to the airport to get home.
It was a really good day and was happy to represent Northern Ireland and would love the opportunity to do so again. The recording is being boardcasted on Cartoon Networks from Wednesday 12/12/12.
by Jordan T Hanna 11P
CRAIGAVAN SKI CLUB TO REPRESENT NORTHERN IRELAND IN ICE AGE WINTER GAMES NEXT THURSDAY
Four potential Winter Olympic stars of the future from Silverwood Flyers in Craigavan will represent Northern Ireland in the Ice Age SNO!ympics next Thursday.
Lucy McDowell (6), Heather Wenlock (7) Jordan Hanna (14) and Harry McDowell (12), were all nominated by high flying ski club Silverwood Flyers before being singled out by the event’s organisers to represent Northern Ireland in the prestigious event at the Milton Keynes SNO!zone, where they will perform on the slopes in front of some of our finest Winter Olympians and the glare of the TV cameras.
Inspired by the Ice Age films and the success of our London 2012 heroes, the SNO!ympics will see children from as young as six compete in miniature versions of Winter Olympic sports, as schools and clubs from across the UK compete in five thrilling events on the snow and ice, in celebration the release of Ice Age 4: Continental Drift on Triple Play and DVD.
The sixteen children chosen from hundreds across the UK will compete in the Ice Age themed events in front of Olympic heroes including Amy Williams MBE, Great Britain’s first Winter Gold Medalist in thirty years, Olympic Snowboard star Dan Wakeham and freestyle skier Becky Hammond.
Jane McDowell, Chairman of Silverwood Flyers Ski Club, said: “
We are very excited that the Silverwood Flyers Ski Club are taking part in the SNO!ympics and are delighted to be involved in the promotion of snow sports at every level. These winter sports have helped and developed our children both physically and socially from a young age and hopefully will benefit them for a long time to come.
“Thanks to Twentieth Century Fox for highlighting these sports and maybe someday we'll match the success of our Summer Olympians.”
Amy Williams, who won Great Britain’s only Gold Medal in the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, in the Skeleton Bobsleigh, said: “It is great that this event is encouraging children to attempt a simplified and fun version of winter sports. I didn’t pick up a Skeleton Bobsleigh until I was 18, using a push-start track at BathUniversity, and wish I could have been given a similar opportunity when I was much younger.”
Williams, now 30, adds: “If it takes a film like Ice Age to inspire children to try a new sport then I think it’s a great idea. It never ceases to amaze me when I see kids in this country displaying so much confidence on the snow and ice. I am delighted to be involved as it is important to celebrate those who are starting out, and am looking forward to cheering on these children who could be the future of winter sports in the country.”
Silverwood Flyers will compete against the three other clubs/schools in five Ice Age themed mini winter sports, including Sid’s Ski Slalom, Scrat’s Skeleton Run, Diego’s Snowboard Sprint, Manny’s Continental Tobogganing and the Acorn Relay Challenge. The events will be judged on speed, skill and style and Gold, Silver, Bronze and Acorn medals will be awarded at the end of the day.
Tim Fawke, Chief Executive Officer of Snowsport England, said:
“Snowsports are fantastic for young children to get involved in and the SNO!ympics is a great idea. It is only fifteen months until the next Winter Olympics in Sochi and we are always looking to inspire our next generation of athletes.”
The Ice Age SNO!ympics is open for media to attend and all participants and snowsport stars will be available for interview during the day. The event will run from 10am until 3pm and will include a medal ceremony at the end, after the three winter sports stars have judged the winning teams, plus some Scrat-tastic surprises along the way.
Ice Age 4: Continental Drift is released on Triple Play and DVD on 10 December 2012 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.
Ends
For further information or assets:
Amanda Lovelock
amanda.lovelock@premiercomms.com
020 7292 7315 / 07714 406 687
Kash Javaid
kash.javaid@premiercomms.com
020 7292 7357 / 07921 282 069
Leigh Debbage
Leigh.debbage@premiercomms.com
020 7292 6445 / 07912 770799
NOTES TO EDITORS
The Ice Age SNO!ympics
The Ice Age SNO!ympics will take place at Milton Keynes SNO!zone in the XScape Centre on Thursday 6 December 2012, from 10am until 3pm.
Four schools from across the UK will compete, with one representing each of the home nations and four competitors per school – two boys, two girls. The schools are being selected by Snowport England, Snowsport Wales, Snowsport Scotland and Snowsport Northern Ireland.
The events will include:
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SID’S SKI SLALOM
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SCRAT’S SKELETON RUN
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DIEGO’S SNOWBOARD SPRINT
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CONTINENTAL TOBOGGANING
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ACORN RELAY CHALLENGE (TEAM EVENT)
Footage from Event
There will be an in-house crew filming the event throughout the day, including soundbites and individual footage of all regional competitors. This material will be made available on an ftp at the end of the day, so please request this in advance.
Given enough notice, the crew can also film specific requests for TV shows unable to send crews along to Milton Keynes. Please contact Kash Javaid or Leigh Debbage (contact details above).
Photography from Event
There will also be an in-house photographer taking stills throughout the day, which will also be made available on the FTP. Please contact Amanda Lovelock or Stevie-Jayne Mather for access to these or specific shot requests ahead of the event (contact details above).
About Snowsport England
Snowsport England is the Governing Body for English skiers and snowboarders and is recognised by Sport England, the SRA (Sport and Recreational Alliance) and the British Olympic Association. It is a Federation of member clubs and associated individuals with a current aggregate membership of 26,000. Snowsport England’s mission is to promote, develop and celebrate Snowsports both in England and abroad. We have clear objectives to increase participation, develop clubs, coaching and the talent pathway, whilst providing an influential voice for competitive Snowsports. As a well-managed, effective organisation that is financially sustainable, we will deliver these objectives by working with key stakeholders in the Snowsports industry and the wider sporting network.
Ice Age 4: Continental Drift
The world’s most beloved prehistoric herd is back and this time they’re setting off on a hilarious high seas adventure! ICE AGE 4: CONTINENTAL DRIFT sails into stores this Christmas available in Triple Play, Blu-ray 3D & DVD on 10 December from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.
This all-new chapter in the beloved ICE AGE franchise reconnects families with herd favourites Manny, Sid, and Diego. Joining familiar friends of the Ice Age world on their latest journey is Sid’s long-lost and side-splittingly funny Granny plus a band of pirates led by the fearsome orangutan Captain Gutt. And no ICE AGE film would be complete without celebrated icon Scrat, whose existence revolves around the elusive acorn. Scrat once again returns with his very own exploits; however this time his pursuits result in world-changing consequences.
About Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment LLC
Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, LLC (TCFHE) is a recognized global industry leader and a subsidiary of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, a News Corporation company. Representing 75 years of innovative and award-winning filmmaking from Twentieth Century Fox, TCFHE is the worldwide marketing, sales and distribution company for all Fox film and television programming, acquisitions and original productions on DVD, Blu-ray Disc, Digital Copy, Video On Demand and Digital HD™. The company also releases all products globally for MGM Home Entertainment. Each year TCFHE introduces hundreds of new and newly enhanced products, which it services to retail outlets from mass merchants and warehouse clubs to specialty stores and e-commerce throughout the world.
For further press information, interview requests and Blu-ray/DVD review copies please contact:
Kash Javaid / Amanda Lovelock / Stevie-Jayne Mather
020 7292 7383 / 020 7292 7315 / 020 7292 7328
kash.javaid@premiercomms.com
/
amanda.lovelock@premiercomms.com
/
Stevie-jayne.mather@premiercomms.com
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