#50DaystoGo: Tarvisio 2017 to be free to watch

“We are organising a great festival of sport here in Tarvisio between 22-31 January and we want everyone to come along and enjoy it.

With just 50 days to go until the 2017 World Para Alpine Skiing Championships get underway in Tarvisio, Italy, on 22 January, organisers have announced that entry will be free.

The biggest competition outside of the Paralympic Winter Games is expected to attract around 140 of the world’s best skiers from 30 countries competing in downhill, super combined, giant slalom, slalom and super-G.

The downhill will be the first to be contested on 25 January, followed by super-G on Thursday (26 January). The Saturday (28 January) will feature super combined followed by giant slalom and slalom on 30 and 31 January respectively.

France's Marie Bochet will go for her 12th consecutive world title in the women's standing, whilst Italy's Giacomo Bertagnolli will try to win his first world title on home snow in the men's visually impaired with guide Fabrizio Casal.

The full competition schedule is available at the Tarvisio 2017 website.

“Klementina Koren, spokesperson for Tarvisio 2017, said: “We are organising a great festival of sport here in Tarvisio between 22-31 January and we want everyone to come along and enjoy it. As well as the competitions we expect there to be a real buzz around the town as everyone gets into the spirit of the event. I would encourage people of all ages to come along and see what it’s all about.”

The Tarvisio 2017 Local Organising Committee (LOC) also announced that around 1,300 school children and teachers from Italy, Slovenia and Austria are expected to attend the competition to support the athletes.

The LOC said they think it is crucial to teach the next generation about Para sport, in order to ensure they live the values of inclusion, sport and performance.

Organisers are carrying out sessions in schools in the lead up to Tarvisio 2017 so that children will have more knowledge of Para alpine skiing and the athletes before they attend.

The 2017 World Para Alpine Skiing Championships will be officially opened at 15:30 local time on 22 January, at the town square in the centre of Tarvisio.

Athletes and teams will parade through the streets and the United World College Choir will perform.

All are welcome to attend the Opening Ceremony and victory ceremonies for each event as well as competitions.

Media accreditation is also open at Tarvisio 2017.com.