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Tree Climbers in Tune With the Trees in Nashville
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE.
For More Information:
Sonia Abney Garth
Marketing Coordinator
International Society of Arboriculture
217-355-9411, EXT. 217
29th International Tree Climbing Championship
CHAMPAIGN, IL (August 12, 2005)-The world's top tree climbers demonstrated how in tune they were with the trees in Nashville on August 6 and 7 when the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) held its 29th International Tree Climbing Championship (ITCC) at Ellington Agriculture Center. Dan Kraus of Everett, WA, US and Christina Spence of Gisborne, New Zealand won the titles of Men's and Women's International Tree Climbing Champions.
The event showcased the talents of some of the best tree climbers in the world as they competed for the title of world champion. Through these competitions "arborists around the world can learn new techniques from one another and have the opportunity to see new and different equipment" says ISA Executive Director, Jim Skiera.
Fifty-two competitors from 14 countries including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Germany, and the United States, performed five different climbs on Saturday. These climbs demonstrated their ability to quickly, professionally, and safely maneuver in a tree while performing work related tasks.
The top scorers moved on to Sunday's Masters' Challenge championship round. Five men and two women performed Sunday for crowds of spectators as they vied for the title of International Champion.
Dan Kraus won the men's title beating out reigning champion Bernd Strasser of Germany. He came in second behind Strasser at the event in 2004. "I had to have a flawless climb, because the guy I had to beat (Strasser) is the five-time world champion and he doesn't make mistakes," said Kraus. Kraus has 20 years experience climbing trees, and this was his 7th year to compete at the international level.
The women's title went to Christina Spence. This was Spence's second year at the international competition. She made it to the Master's round at the 2004 competition coming in second.
ITCC champions receive championship buckles, cash, prizes, and the opportunity to return next year to defend their titles. Other competitors who made it to this year's Masters' Challenge are:
Bernd Strasser, Gomadingen, Germany; 2nd Place Men's
Jared Abrojena, Oakley, CA, US; 3rd Place Men's
Mark Chisholm, Freehold, NJ, US; 4th Place Men's
Frank Chipps, Sherwood Parks, Alberta, Canada; 5th Place Men's
Kiah Martin, South Yarra, Victoria, Australia; 2nd Place Women's
Competitors for the international championship are determined through regional ISA chapter competitions throughout the year. Those winners are invited to compete at the annual ITCC event. Next year's event will be in Minneapolis, MN on July 29 and 30. For more details on the International Tree Climbing Competition, and the climbers, visit http://itcc.isa-arbor.com/.
The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), headquartered in Champaign, Ill., is a nonprofit organization supporting tree care research and education around the world. As part of ISA's dedication to the care and preservation of shade and ornamental trees, it offers the only internationally-recognized certification program in the industry. For more information, contact a local ISA Certified Arborist or visit www.isa-arbor.com.
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