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ITCC 30th Anniversary
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE.
For More Information:
Sonia Garth
Marketing Coordinator
International Society of Arboriculture
217-355-9411, EXT. 217
International Competition Celebrates 30th Anniversary in Minneapolis
CHAMPAIGN, IL (June 30, 2006) - The International Tree Climbing Championship (ITCC) will be held in downtown Minneapolis at Loring Park on July 29 and 30. This unique event held in conjunction with the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) conference will feature the world's best tree climbers. The ITCC begins with preliminary events on Saturday, concluding with the championship round on Sunday.
Around 50 competitors representing 10 different countries will be showcasing incredible skill and agility while maneuvering in the trees. Climbers will perform five different events over a two-day period. Each event tests a competitor's ability to quickly, professionally, and safely maneuver in a tree while performing work-related tree-care tasks.
Tree climbing competitions are designed to simulate working conditions of those arborists who work in the field. Utilizing the highest level of professional skills and safety, the events provide a competitive learning environment for those working in the industry. "The ITCC provides a great opportunity for arborists to learn new techniques from one another and get a chance to see new and different equipment," says ISA Executive Director Jim Skiera.
The international competition began in 1976 and is held every year during the annual conference of its parent organization the ISA. The ISA has chapters worldwide who hold regional competitions. The winners of these events are invited to compete at the international event. Skiera says, "This competition brings together the best of the best from around the world."
The ITCC features both a men's and women's division of competition. The men's competition has been in action since 1976. The women's division wasn't introduced until 2001; however it is steadily increasing in participation. 2005 was a record year for the women with a total of 15 competing for the title of women's champion.
The competitors with the highest scores during the preliminary events move on to compete in the Masters' Challenge competition. The Masters' Challenge winners from each division are named the international champions. This title allows them to return the following year to defend the championship. Dan Kraus, from Seattle, WA, and Chrissy Spence from New Zealand are the 2005 men's and women's champions returning to the competition in Minneapolis.
To celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the ITCC, all past champions are being invited to attend this year's events. Many of the previous winners are still actively competing, while others are involved in the ITCC through judging and serving on committees.
The ISA will also be hosting Field Days at Loring Park on Saturday and Sunday during the competition. Activities include an outdoor trade show with equipment demonstrations, the arrival of the Tour des Trees bike ride for research, a fun tree climb area, a Citizen's Tree Academy, and a kid's scavenger hunt. All events are free and open to the public.
For more information on the ITCC, visit the web site via www.isa-arbor.com. Details regarding the annual conference, the ISA, and a schedule of events can also be found on the ISA web site.
The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), headquartered in Champaign, Ill., is a nonprofit organization supporting tree care research and education around the world. It is comprised of over 25,000 members and certified professionals representing 46 countries worldwide. As well as helping to improve the profession of arboriculture, ISA strives to increase public awareness regarding the importance of trees to our urban environment. For more information on ISA visit www.isa-arbor.com.
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