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Press Releases
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT Sonia Abney:
(217) 355-9411 Ext 27
The World's Ultimate International Tree Climbing Championship
CHAMPAIGN, IL (July 9, 2003) - On August 2 and 3, incredible skill and agility will be demonstrated by the world's best tree climbers at the International Society of Arboriculture's (ISA) 27th International Tree Climbing Championship (ITCC) at Parc Jean-Drapeau in Montréal, Québec.
The event will showcase the talents of some of the best climbers in the world as they compete for the title of world champion. Competitors from the United States, Canada, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand will perform six different climbs 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.
"The events are meant to simulate the working conditions of climbers, and arborists around the world can learn new techniques from one another and get a chance to see new and different equipment," said ISA Associate Executive Director Jim Skiera. "Arboriculture is a rapidly growing industry. This event brings the best of the best together, not only to compete, but to also share knowledge and experience gathered from around the world. It is a great information resource."
The ITCC continues to rapidly expand, featuring a separate climbing competition for women. Prior to 2001, the ITCC hosted only a men's division competition, which was formed in 1976.
Katie Yoos, the New Jersey Chapter's representative, will take on the ITCC challenge against competitors almost twice her age. At 17 years old, Katie is still in high school and will be returning to the championship for the second time. This rookie first found her love for climbing trees two years ago. Her talent and skills are still developing, but she has proven herself to be a fast learner that adapts quickly.
"I feel honored that they (New Jersey Chapter) chose me as their representative. I greatly appreciate the opportunity to return to the championships," Katie states.
"The competition is a great learning experience," she explains, "the women there are very accepting. They help me and give me good advice," she says. Her experience was not only fun and exciting but it also provided a valuable opportunity to grow as a person. "I felt very comfortable, being the youngest wasn't an advantage or disadvantage. I think we are all equal," adds Katie.
In agreement, Mark Chisholm, a two-time world champion attempting to regain his title this year, said that the environment at the championship is unlike any sporting event he's ever seen. "It's a unique environment in that it is competitive, but still has a large sense of camaraderie," Chisholm said. "Everyone has something to teach someone else," he adds.
Other activities will include a field day and trade show, which will cater to people of all ages. The field day will offer gardening workshops, a kid's climb, children's jamboree, and an outdoor trade show featuring more than 30 manufacturers.
Event times are as follows on Saturday and Sunday:
- 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Saturday
ITCC preliminary events
- 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. Sunday
Field Day Outdoor Trade Show & Equipment Demonstrations
- 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Sunday
Children's Jamboree and Kids' Climb
- 1:00 p.m. Sunday
Women's Masters' Challenge
- 3:00 p.m. Sunday
Men's Masters' Challenge
The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) is a nonprofit organization supporting
tree care research around the world. Headquartered in Champaign, Ill., ISA is dedicated to the care and
preservation of shade and ornamental trees. For more information, contact a local ISA Certified Arborist
or visit
www.treesaregood.com.
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