Australian National Balloon Championships

CANOWINDRA CHALLENGE
Australian Hot Air Balloon Championships 9-17 April 2011
MEDIA RELEASE
Canowindra proves again that it is the Balloon Capital of Australia after securing the bid
to host the 2011 Australian National Ballooning Championships.
The National Championships is the premier event in the ballooning event calendar in
Australia and it will be the first time it is to be held in Canowindra since 1988.
Graham and Jan Kerr, from Balloon Joy Flights and Toms Waterhole winery submitted the
bid in June this year are no strangers to organising balloon events, having hosted the
inaugural Canowindra Challenge in April this year.
The Championships will be held from April 9-17 inclusive, and is expected to attract over
two dozen balloons over the two weekends starting the Easter school holidays and
finishing four days before Easter 2011.
There will be plenty happening in Canowindra during this time, for competitors and
spectators alike, with the major regional festival Orange FOOD week from 8-17 April in
full swing. One of the highlights is the Orange FOOD Week 100 Mile Dinner held on
Monday 11 April, an outdoor banquet for hundreds of diners, with live music right in the
main street of Canowindra. Dinner bookings are in high demand, so if you would like
further information or to pre-register contact Graham and Jan Kerr on
balloonjan@bigpond.com.
The number of crew and officials needed to participate in this event will see over 180
people staying in Canowindra for the entire event, with extra balloons and crews for the
Canowindra Challenge, and unknown numbers of visitors who will come to sightsee.
Jan is excited by organising an event such as this, “The biggest challenge for Canowindra
with the hosting of this national event will be accommodating all the Championship
people, as well as those here for the Canowindra Challenge and the spectators.”
With the support of all Canowindra community groups, including the Business Chamber,
the Kerrs will ensure that the event will be another ballooning spectacular. There will be
many benefits for the community as an estimated two dozen balloon teams will be in
town for the week, increasing the publicity and profile of Canowindra significantly.
World renowned Competition Director Mathijs de Bruijn has agreed to direct the 2011
Australian Balloon Championship. Mathijs was the director of very successful 2009
Nationals in Benalla, Victoria and will be coming to Canowindra after his tour of duty in
Debrecen, Hungary early in October this year as the World Championship Competition
Director.
Graham explains, “Mathijs is the king pin of the ballooning world. He will build the team
of officials and set the tasks for each day. These tasks will test pilots’ skills and abilities to
find the champions, of whom the top two Australian entrants will continue on to the
World Championships in August 2012, to be held in Battle Creek Michigan USA.”
Mathijs is in great demand throughout the Hot Air Ballooning World and has recently
served as Director of major events in the four corners of the world, including Lithuania
(1st European Women’s), South Africa (Championship held in Bethlehem SA in May)
and Brazil. He is an active competition pilot himself, competing in the 2010 Dutch
Nationals and flew an Australian balloon at the Balloons Over Waikato event in New
Zealand in March.
Obviously there is a lot of work ahead and a lot of scope for people to be involved in
the organisation and helping out at all levels. A successful meeting of over two dozen
people met informally last week to gauge local support and explore the many tasks
needed to ensure a successful event. It was resolved to publicise these tasks and call for
expressions of interest from any and all locals who may be able to help in some way.
For more information or to get involved in the organisation of the 2011 Australian
National Ballooning Championships, please contact Jan Kerr on 02 6344 1819.
- ENDS -

CC2010

[ photo : geofflubich ]

Well, Canowindra Challenge has come and gone with a week filled with excitement and community involvement. As stated at the awards ceremony tonight in Memorial Park, Canowindra there is plenty to look forward to with talk already of running the event next year.

Many thanks to all of our wonderful sponsors and a huge thankyou to our volunteers who have made this event possible. A special mention also to all of you who traveled long distances to be part of the Canowindra Challenge 2010 event.

See more images from this event here

Updated Canowindra Challenge Programme

To view the latest updated details of what’s happening in Canowindra April 5th to 11th have a look here or to see the Official programme here.

All pilots wishing to attend are reminded that your registration forms are due in now.

Please note a change for the master briefing to 3.00pm Monday 5th April not Sunday as previously circulated.

Another change is that students with instructors and low hour pilots may attend as non-competing “Fiesta” attendees with free registration.

Invitations sent out

Invitations to all balloonists to participate in next years Canowindra Challenge Balloon competition have now been sent out