LAKE WANAKA, New Zealand  – The Bahamian Snowboard Team will make its debut on the world stage this week at the first stop of the LG FIS Snowboard World Cup Halfpipe at Cardrona Alpine Resort on September 6 and 7.

Known more for its Caribbean culture than snowboarding, the tropical nation’s snowboarding team has just one member, Korath Wright, born and bred in the Bahamas but with many years spent growing up in Whistler, Canada.

Two years ago, after taking third place in his first-ever FIS World Cup the Bahamas High Commission approached him, enquiring if he would ride for his home country. This contact has not only provided Wright with an opportunity in snowboarding, but has also established a new connection with his home country and family.

This weekend’s competition will mark the start of Wright’s quest to become not only the first Winter Olympian from the Bahamas but also to take home the country’s first snowboarding medal in 2010.

“Everyone in the Bahamas has been unbelievably supportive of me, and it feels great to know that they will all be with me when I compete for the Bahamas for the first time this week in New Zealand,” he said. “My snowboard is the flag of the Bahamas, and a bunch of my supporters were able to sign this when I was in Nassau in the spring, so I’m really excited to strap in and ride here.”

The LG FIS Snowboard World Cup at Cardrona Alpine Resort will start with the qualifications from 9.55am on Saturday September 6 with semi finals starting at 10.00am on Sunday September 7 and finals scheduled for 12.00pm. For further information, visit www.fis-ski.com or www.snowsports.co.nz. For more information on Korath Wright visit www.korathwright.com.

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