Natural Luge Added To Winter Games NZ Programme

MONDAY, 30 MARCH 2009
Submitted By: Mariangela Silvestre

Winter Games NZ today announced natural luge has been added to the Winter Games NZ (WGNZ) programme as a demonstration sport on the Southern Hemisphere’s only natural luge track in Naseby, Central Otago.

A variation of the more commonly known Olympic luge that takes place on an artificially refrigerated track, natural luge is the ‘4WD’ of the sport, taking place on an un-banked track with a base of hard-packed snow covered in a layer of ice, enclosed within low wooden walls.

The sport is as exciting for spectators as it is for participants with competitors descending on their back, feet first, expecting to reach speeds of up to 70kph on Naseby’s 360, 10-curve track. The sled is flexible and directed down the course by the skill of the athlete applying pressure to the runners on the bottom of the sled, together with a rein to provide additional steering control.

“We are continually approached by sports wanting to be part of the Games but have been very selective for our first Games,” said WGNZ CEO, Arthur Klap. “However, natural luge has that intrigue factor that will make it a positive addition to the programme. Once again it is the community of Naseby that has taken the initiative and built a track that finishes outside the ice stadium that will host the curling.”

New Zealand Luge president, Geoff Balme, has long been advocating for his sport and is delighted at the sport being included.

“We know that natural luge has wide appeal and the location is just magic,” he said after demonstration sport status was confirmed by the Winter Games NZ board.

The natural luge will be held on Sunday August 23rd with a training day on Saturday 22nd August.

For more details on this news, please contact Victoria Murray-Orr at victoria@wintergamesnz.com or +64 3 443 2700.