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DECATUR, ALABAMA NAMED SEMI-FINAL ROUND HOST FOR 2006 STIHL® TIMBERSPORTS® SERIES
Professional Lumberjack Series Comes to Town July 1-2
Release Date: IMMEDIATELY
Date: February 23, 2006
Press Contacts:
Anita Gambill (757) 486-9151 or
Terry Kelley (757) 340-7425
All other inquiries:
STIHL Incorporated
(757) 486-9100
(Decatur, Ala.) The city of Decatur, Ala. will erupt in preliminary Fourth of July celebrations at Point Mallard Park, to welcome the semi-final round and second stop in this years STIHL® TIMBERSPORTS® Series. This “must-see” sporting event, which will air on ESPN2 later in the year, will captivate audiences both young and old who come to witness the chips fly July 1-2. The top 16 lumberjacks will be joined by 10 of the worlds best speed climbers and female boom runners. All athletes will be competing for final bids to the championships in Stillwater, Minn., July 22-23.
In its 21st year, STIHL® TIMBERSPORTS® spectators will continue to be engaged by professional athletes, who demonstrate a combination of speed, power and precision. Fans will witness six different disciplines, including the Single Buck, Stock and Hot Saw, Underhand, and Standing and Springboard Chops, along with speed climbing and boom running events. Only the best have qualified to compete, and top athletes from all over the world, including the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Europe, will participate at this venue.
“Spectators will witness professional athletes competing in lumberjack sports at its best,” said Roger Phelps, promotional communications manager for STIHL Inc. “If you have ever watched the Series on ESPN and said Bet I could do that, once you see the competition up close, you will know its not that easy.”
The competitive format will provide head-to-head competition in an “olympic” style pool format. The original lineup of 32 competitors will have been reduced by half, during round one of competition in Dubuque, Iowa. The “sweet 16” of the worlds best choppers and sawyers will be joined in Decatur by the top ten speed climbers and female boom runners. All athletes will endure semi-final rounds of bracketed qualifying events in Decatur in order to be eligible for the Stillwater, Minn. championships.
"As we enter in to our 21st year of the STIHL® TIMBERSPORTS® Series, we are proud to bring the Series to the south, to the city of Decatur, Alabama,” said Roger Phelps, promotional communications manager for STIHL Inc. “Its very exhilarating to expand the Series and watch interest grow in Europe and worldwide with over 13 countries now participating. This year, well once again host the top boom runners and pole climbers. In addition, our 2005 Collegiate champion, Will Roberts, will enter the pro ranks, and our collegiate program continues to grow with expanded programs on ESPNU. These really are exciting times for the Series and the sport."
Contestants of the chopping and sawing series will compete for points and qualifying positions in the overall battle for the 2006 STIHL® TIMBERSPORTS® championship title, a new Dodge RAM pick-up truck, a prize purse valued at more than $250,000.
Dodge, the official truck of the STIHL® TIMBERSPORTS® Series, will showcase some of the latest Dodge vehicles, Carhartt, official work wear sponsor for the Series, will operate its show trailer with displays and prizes, and Cabelas, official outfitter of the Series, will add to the excitement with the “Cabela-tron” and additional giveaways. ESPN2 will air the STIHL® TIMBERSPORTS® Professional Series and ESPNU will air the STIHL® TIMBERSPORTS® Collegiate Series this November and December and rebroadcast them throughout the year.
For more information and latest updates, log on to: www.stihltimbersports.com.
About STIHL Inc.
STIHL Inc. manufactures the world’s largest selling brand of chain saws and produces a full line of powerful, lightweight, and versatile handheld outdoor power equipment for homeowners and professional users. STIHL products are sold through servicing power equipment retailers from coast to coast— not mass merchants. For more information or for the name of the closest STIHL retailer call toll free 1-800-GO STIHL (1-800-467-8445) or visit the STIHL Web site at www.stihlusa.com.
For information on job opportunities with STIHL Inc., please go to www.stihlcareers.com. STIHL is an EEO and drug-free work environment.
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