2011 ITCC Heads to Australia

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE.

International Tree Climbing Championships To be Held in Australia

CHAMPAIGN, IL (June 20, 2011) - The International Tree Climbing Championships will be held for the first time in the southern hemisphere 23 and 24 July in Parramatta, Australia. More than 60 competitors representing 19 countries will be competing for the title of world champion.

This is not the tree climbing you remember from your childhood. The tree climbing competition simulates working conditions of arborists in the field. On an average work day, climbing arborists work aloft in the trees using ropes and harnesses to safely perform skillful tasks to care for and maintain trees.

Male and female competitors perform five different events during the preliminary round of the competition that demonstrate the difficulty of the tasks and the need for safety. Each event tests a competitor's ability to professionally, and safely maneuver in a tree to care for it with minimal impact to the health of the tree.

Showcasing the highest level of professional skills, the event also provides a competitive learning environment for those working in the industry. “Arborists learn new techniques from one another and see the use of new and innovative equipment," says Jim Skiera, Executive Director of the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) which manages the competition.

This unique event presented by US company, The Davey Tree Expert Co, with local support from Active Tree of Sydney is held in conjunction with the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) annual conference that will follow the competition.

“Competitive tree climbing also introduces the public to the skills professional arborists use to care for their trees,” says Skiera. Because the public is encouraged to attend, the preliminary competition events will be held Saturday, 23 July at Parramatta Park along with an Arbor Fair. The Arbor Fair features public education exhibits and demonstrations, as well as a fun tree climb. All events are free to attend.

The male and female competitors with the highest scores during the preliminary events move on to compete in the Masters’ Challenge competition sponsored by Husqvarna which will be held on Sunday, 24 July at Prince Alfred Park. The Masters’ Challenge winners from each division are named the world champions. Champions receive cash and prizes, and an invitation to return the following year to defend the championship.

ISA has held the annual international competition since 1976. For more information on the ITCC, visit the website via www.isa-arbor.com. Details regarding the annual conference, ISA, and a schedule of events can also be found on the ISA website.

For more information on the ITCC, visit http://itcc.isa-arbor.com.

The International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), headquartered in Champaign, Ill., is a nonprofit member-based organization supporting tree care research and education around the world. ISA also manages the consumer education web site, www.treesaregood.org and administers the only internationally-recognized certification program in the industry. For more information on ISA, Certified Arborists, and the International Tree Climbing Championship, visit www.isa-arbor.com.