U.S. athletes to face stiff competition at Norge Ski Jump
As winter rolls in so does the Ski Jumping season for ski jumpers in the U.S. and around the world. This Olympic Season will not only showcase extreme winter sports in Sochi but also in the small village hamlet of Fox River Grove, Illinois.
Since 1905 skiers have been jumping at Norge in what has been coined, the “Original Extreme Sport”. Even before Wide World of Sports captured our attention with the horrific scene of a skier careening down and off the inrun of a ski jump in the “Agony of Defeat”, ski jumping has captured the imagination of those athletes willing to risk injury for the sake of getting big air.
Norge Ski Club will be harnessing that thrill by hosting a competition allowing extreme athletes to compete by jumping off the “K70” Tower which sits 150 feet high atop the highest point in McHenry County. Spectators will be able to enjoy the safety and comfort of having two feet on the ground while experiencing good food and beverage as athletes hurl themselves more than 250 feet through the air and down the big hill.
International competitors from Norway, Finland, Slovenia, Poland, among other countries will be pitting their skills against U.S. Team members for Cash and the title of “5-Hills Champion”. Chicago is the 3rd stop in this Midwest Tour composed of five (5) large hill contests. Money is not the only motivator as proud U.S. jumpers are anxious to showcase their abilities against these European rivals and defend their own turf.
Norge's International Ski Jumping tournament kicks off on Saturday, January 25th (Saturday) at Noon with Junior Jumpers on the smaller hills. The large hill (K70) competition follows immediately after and highlights junior national athletes from around the country competing for a chance to represent their respective divisions in Alaska.
Sunday, January 26th, features the Big Hill (K70) only. There will be an Opening Ceremony featuring a Skier Parade where U.S. and International Teams will be introduced, which begins at Noon. The competition will commence immediately after.
Shuttle Busses will be available on Sunday only – and will 11:00 am thru 5 pm to/from the Fox River Grove Train Station and Stone Hill Shopping Center at the intersection of Routes 14 & 22.
Admission Buttons are good for both days. Presale Buttons are offered at a discount and may be purchased from local merchants and Online via will-call. Gates open at 11:00 am both days. See www.norgeskiclub.com for details. Questions? – contact clubinfo@norgeskiclub.com.