by: BJ Worth

• 24 June 2001

24 June 2001

After several days of tedious on-site preparation and training jumps, the parachuting events of the World Air Games commenced in Granada with the conduct of the Opening Ceremonies at the Armilla Air Base. More than 1000 of the FAI's IPC athletes, representing 43 nations, marched into the main square - marking the start of the largest sporting event in the history of the IPC.

On the first day of competition, more than 750 jumps took place in seven different events, before regional high winds forced all events to be halted in the afternoon.

In several events, the competition is proving to be very tight, as the top teams posted nearly identical scores on the first day of competiton. In formation skydiving, Norway, France and USA are tied for first place in Open 4-way; Russia and USA are tied for first place in 8-way; and Sweden, Norway, and USA are tied for first place in Female 4-way.

Overall, safety has been maintained on a very high level, with only one slight injury reported - this occurred when a female 4-way team from South Africa landed in a housing area, due to a sudden increase in wind velocity.

Pre-championship picture: Parachutists landing after training jumps.
(photo by Srecko Medven)

4-Way Women's formation skydiving team in a training session.
(photo by Thierry Montigneaux)

The US 8-Way Formation Skydiving Team reviewing their programe,
and then boarding the aircraft.
(photo by Thierry Montigneaux)

Some technical difficulties have been experienced with the accuracy scoring equipment. For some yet-to-be-determined reason, there seems to be electronic interference with the automatic measuring device. After two days, the first round of Mens Accuracy is still not completed, as some competitors have had to make multiple rejumps.

The latest scores for all teams, plus other extensive coverage of the WAG II IPC events, can be found at the following site:

http://www.omniskore.com/comp/2001/wag/2001_wag.htm