Charity Trophy: 310,000 Euros for Tyrolean mountain farmers

The Downhill race was followed hot on its heels by another highlight on Saturday, though not from a sporting, but from a charitable perspective: the Kitz Charity Trophy. For the 26th time, donations for mountain farmers in need from North, East and South Tyrol were collected at the charity race. An impressive 310,000 Euros were raised.

26 years ago, the starting signal was given for a great charity success story: the Kitz Charity Trophy. The race took place again this year on the finishing slope of the Streif on Saturday after the Downhill. Since its inception, the idea behind the event has been based on a tried and tested principle: personalities from the worlds of sport, business and the entertainment industry ‘plunge’ daringly down the finishing slope of the Streif. Thanks to loyal sponsors and the participants themselves, around 3.1 million Euros have been collected since the maiden event in 1998. This weekend, 310,000 Euros were raised.

This year, Valentin Bontus, Aleksander Aamondt Kilde, Andy Schleck, Gerhard and Helene Berger, Harti Weirather, Travis Ganong, Franz Klammer, Felix Neureuther, Maria Höfl-Riesch, Aksel Lund Svindal, Fritz Strobl, Didier Cuche, Jean Alesi, Sebastian Vettel, Marco Büchel, Joachim Puchner, Andreas Gabalier, FIS boss Johan Eliasch and Andrea Sixt were amongst those in racing and fundraising fever. Ex-Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone acted as Race Director kicking off the race in motorsport style with the green flag. ‘As race director, I'm lenient when it comes to rolling the dice, but otherwise I don’t tolerate any cheating,’ Bernie Ecclestone told ORF.

A total of 23 teams took part. The principle of the rambunctious event on the slope is a little skill and a lot of luck, as the prominent trios first tackle the giant slalom before having to roll a dice at the finish. The three run times are multiplied by the number rolled - which equates to a jackpot with a 1 and a tumble with a 6. Despite all the sporting ambition of the celebrities, the focus was of course on their commitment to the good cause. It is also up to the participants to decide which modus operandi they employ. Although most of them choose to complete the course on classic skis, those who see their strengths elsewhere enjoy every freedom. This year, snowboards and toboggans were used in addition to skis.

F1 driver Yuki Tsunoda, who raced with a snowboard, told ORF: ‘To be honest, when my bosses told me to take part, I thought it was a joke. Five minutes ago, I realised they were being serious. I was a bit nervous, but I enjoyed it.’

Team A1 with Hannes Reichelt, Thomas Arnoldner and Martin Resel stood on the winner's podium this year. Second place with a time lag of just +0.31 seconds went to Team Generali with Gregor Pilgram, Reinhard Pohn and Armin Assinger. The podium was completed by Team Apres Ski Weltmeister with internet stars Aditotoro, Fregepaul and Sophie Hugens.

WWP (Weirather-Wenzel & Partner) agency has been the initiator and organiser of this charity event since its inception.

Photo © WWP Group