Octagon Rail Jam Set to Bring the Mountains to the Masses

On the 20th of August 2011, Dunedin's city centre will play host to a downtown ‘rail jam’ of unprecedented proportions. Held in association with the 100% New Zealand Winter Games, the Octagon Rail Jam is a freestyle ski and board competition that will be held on a snow-covered mountain built in the Octagon.

An 11 metre tall temporary tower will be constructed in Lower Stuart Street to slope into the Lower Octagon amphitheatre. This freestanding mountain will be packed with 30 cubic metres of snow from Wanaka to serve as a downtown playground for elite athletes from around NZ and the world.

The Octagon Rail Jam has two separate competitions; The R&R Sport Jam Session and The Air New Zealand Grabaseat Invitational, with a combined prize-pool to the value of $20,000 up for grabs.

The R&R Sport Jam Session will be held from 5.00-8.30pm. This ‘Jam’ format competition is open entry for up to 60 skiers and boarders over the age of 16. Riders in the Jam Session will compete for a $5000 prize pool and the chance to earn one of 6 ‘wild card’ entries to the Air New Zealand Grabaseat Invitational.

The Air New Zealand Grabaseat Invitational will be held from 8.30pm and feature 24 invited professional riders along with the 6 ‘wild card’ Jam Session winners. Elite athletes will compete for $15,000 in prizes from sponsors Grabaseat, Speight’s, R&R Sport, Skull Candy and Cardrona. A limited number of invitations are available by application. Interested athletes should send their CV and a video link to info@octagonrailjam.co.nz by 23 July.

“We’re taking the exciting world of freestyle ski and board out of the mountains and bringing it to the masses” said Event Director David Booth. “It’s a chance for locals to see some of the best skiers and boarders in the game, and with live music from Sunshine Sound System, ice sculptures, fire performers and a family-friendly atmosphere, the Octagon Rail Jam is one event not to be missed this winter.”

For information about the Octagon Rail Jam people can visit www.octagonrailjam.co.nz or email info@octagonrailjam.co.nz or phone +64 27 8042.