Bidding continues until Sunday

This unique charity campaign began on the evening of the Hahnenkamm Downhill Race and was initiated by the participating athletes themselves.  The proceeds from the „Downhillers for Haiti“ campaign will be forwarded via the Red Cross to victims of the earthquake catastrophe on the Caribbean Island.

After final training for this years‘ Hahnenkamm Downhill, athletes sat together and spoke about a spontaneous relief operation for the benefit of the earthquake victims in Haiti. „We want to help the victims of this earthquake in Haiti,“ stated Norwegian  Aksel Lund Svindal, who introduced the athletes‘ idea during the evening Team Captains’ Meeting.  The Hahnenkamm Races presented themselves as the ideal setting and the organizers were quick to offer their full support. 

Since the start of the auction on websites www.ebay.at, www.ebay.ch and www.ebay.de an enormous number of internet users have taken part. On Thursday at 10.00 a.m., auction proceeds had already reached in excess of 36.000 Euros – an incredible sum considering the spontaneity of it all. Michael Huber, President of the Kitzbühel Ski Club (K.S.C.) commented: „I feel honoured and am proud of the K.S.C. and that the athletes chose the Hahnenkamm Races for this charity campaign“.

The highest bids so far have been made for Swiss Didier Cuche’s start number, Hahnenkamm’s twofold champion in Super-G and Downhill. The value of his start number 20 has already reached an impressive  € 11.550 (status: Saturday, 08.00 a.m.). They may have a lesser value than the winning start number, but start numbers for Aksel Lund Svindal, Bode Miller and Michael Walchhofer are also incredibly popular. More than 500 people have already registered interest in Bode Miller’s number. 

„I hope this is a great success and that athletes (use this opportunity) to contribute annually towards a good cause. The Kitzbühel Ski Club guarantees their support“, stated Michael Huber, Organizing Committee Chairman.

Those wishing to bid for one of the 60 signed original start numbers from this year’s Hahnenkamm Downhill and contribute towards a good cause, still have the opportunity to do so until Sunday, 31st January 11.00 p.m.