Parachuting Canopy Piloting (Swooping), Glider Aerobatics and Paramotoring feature under the umbrella ‘air sports’ in this year’s World Games being held from 20-30 July in Wroclaw, Poland. The air sports will take place over four days at Szymanow Airfield
Under the patronage of the International Olympic Committee, The World Games are an international multi-sport event for sports and disciplines not contested in the Olympic Games. FAI President Frits Brink said: “It is crucial for the Federation to be at The World Games, as it means fantastic exposure for our air sports and a great opportunity for our athletes to demonstrate their skills and the beauty of their sports.”
Glider Aerobatics tests a glider pilot’s ability to perform spectacular aerobatic manoeuvres within the boundaries of competition. Pilots aim to impress the judges with their precision and skill as they execute a pre-planned routine in a 1,000m aerial ‘box’, managing the glider’s speed, energy and position all while knowing exactly which way is up.
Parachuting Canopy Piloting is relatively new and one of the most spectacular air sport disciplines, testing a parachutist’s ability to control their canopy accurately at high speed. Competitors spiral down towards the performance zone, a long stretch of water known as a swooping pond and, as they pass through the course across the swooping pond, they are scored on speed, accuracy and distance. Freestyle round scores also include technical difficulty, presentation and landing.
Paramotoring (also known as powered paragliding) is a very accessible form of flight. Flying a paraglider and using a back-mounted engine, pilots launch into the air with a quick ground run. Pilots will compete in a series of five tasks that measure precision flying skills – from accuracy landing to paramotor football.
Over 3,500 athletes from 100 nations will compete at the Games in 37 sports with 60 disciplines represented. More information on the air sports at http://twg2017.airsports.aero
