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2006 ITCC Results
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE.
For More Information:
Sonia Garth
Marketing Coordinator
International Society of Arboriculture
217-355-9411, EXT. 217
Germany and New Zealand Claim World Champion Tree Climbers
CHAMPAIGN, IL (July 31, 2006)-Tree Climbers from around the world bore high temperatures as they competed this weekend for the title of World Champion Tree Climber. Fourteen countries were represented by 54 professional tree climbers at the International Tree Climbing Championship (ITCC) held Saturday and Sunday (July 29 and 30) at Loring Park in Minneapolis, MN (US).
Elena O'Neill of Dunedin, New Zealand won this year's women's champion title. Elena's win gives New Zealand its second claim to the Women's World Championship. Germany reclaims the Men's World Championship from the US with the sixth win by Bernd Strasser. The event was held by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) and hosted by its Minnesota Chapter, the Minnesota Society of Arboriculture.
Chapters around the world hold local competitions and then send their champions to compete at the international event. The ITCC is held annually in conjunction with the ISA's annual conference. This is the 30th international competition.
The tree climbing competitions are designed to simulate working conditions of those arborists who work in the field. The event utilizes the highest level of professional skills and safety while providing a competitive learning environment. "The ITCC provides a great opportunity for arborists from around the world to learn about new techniques and equipment from one another," says Jim Skiera, ISA Executive Director.
On Saturday, Male and female climbers competed in five separate preliminary events- Secured Footlock, Belayed Speed Climb, Throwline, Work Climb, and Aerial Rescue. In each event the top three scorers are awarded medals and cash prizes. The top overall scorers then move on the Masters' Challenge round held on Sunday.
Four men and three women moved on to the Masters' Challenge round competing in separate divisions. The winners were announced at the Opening Ceremony of the ISA's 82nd Annual Conference on Sunday evening.
Winners at this year's competition are:
2006 Men's Champion- Bernd Strasser, Germany (previous five time champion)
2nd place- Ronny Epple, Germany (2006 European Champion)
3rd place- Mark Chisholm, United States (previous two time champion)
4th place- Dan Kraus, United States (2005 Men's Champion)
2006 Women's Champion- Elena O'Neill, New Zealand
2nd place- Kathy Holzer, United States (2004 Women's Champion)
3rd place- Chrissy Spence, New Zealand (2005 Women's Champion)
This year's champions won cash prizes, chainsaws, champion belt buckles, and other prizes. They also win the privilege of returning in 2007 to defend their title at the International Championship to be held in Honolulu, Hawaii on July 28 and 29.
The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), headquartered in Champaign, IL (US), is a non-profit organization supporting tree research and education around the world. ISA is comprised of over 25,000 members and certified professionals representing 46 countries worldwide. As well as helping 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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