Friday, March 3, 2006

SVSEF's Annual Janss Pro Am Classic


On the third weekend of March, for the 9th consecutive year, The Sun Valley Ski Education Foundation will hold its celebration of snow sports in the Wood River Valley, The Janss Pro-Am Classic.

As SVSEF's biggest fundraiser of the year, the Janss goes a long way toward supporting the nearly 500 student/athletes that participate in its programs. But the event is much more than a fundraiser; it truly is a celebration of skiing and riding in the Valley.

Once again, the event will center on a theme. This being an Olympic year, we are going global with "Race Around the World." Each pro-am team -- made up of one pro and four amateurs -- will represent a country in our own little version of the Olympics. Given the international flare of many of our participants, we are expecting some fun rivalries and imaginative costumes. This race is a lot more about fun than speed, so you are more likely to see someone in Lederhosen than a speed suit.

In the past years, the event has featured a film on the history of skiing in Sun Valley, previous short programs; "Skiing in the 50's", "Jack Simpson-The Original Sun Valley Ski Cowboy", and "The Glory Days of Sun Valley" have been big hits at Janss Classic events. This year's film will pay tribute the event's namesake, Bill Janss. The goal is to give both our supporters and participants a connection to what is the core of this valley.

One of the most exciting parts of the Janss is that it's participatory; our supporters get to experience first hand what they are supporting. The competition includes skiers and snowboarders of varied abilities, ranging from recreational enthusiasts to professionals. All racers receive a handicap based on their ability, which makes the event fun for everyone. But it's far from just a race. The weekend long event includes an opening celebration cocktail party, a race clinic and individual instruction from the event's Pros, a "Taste of the Nations" Après-Ski Party, and then, to top it all off, The International Masquerade Ball and Awards Celebration.

There are many ways to share in the Janss Pro Am and support SVSEF: Event and/or Team Sponsorship, Individual Race Participation, or Volunteering. It's not too late to get involved.

The SVSEF is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing snow sports programs for the youth of Wood River Valley regardless of economic means. This event not only helps make that possible, but promotes the best of what snow sports are about to the community.

All proceeds from the Janss Pro-Am directly benefit SVSEF. For more information on the event or our programs, please contact Kate Berman, SVSEF Event Director, at 208-726-4129 x102 or kate@svsef.org or check our website www.svsef.org .




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