Dozens of members of the fan clubs for Germany's Victoria Rebensburg, Maria and Susanne Riesch were on hand at the first ever Public Viewing staged in Garmisch-Partenkirchen (GER) for the ladies' Olympic slalom on Friday. During the event, the crowd sent loud greetings to Vancouver as it celebrated Maria Riesch's second Olympic gold medal.
The public viewing also represented the first appearance of GAP 2011, Ga and Pa, who became immediate favorites for children and youngsters present. Ga and Pa are snowballs, on the basis of an idea by double Olympic champion Rosi Mittermaier.
"Ga and Pa will ‘roll' through the country and spread the news of the upcoming FIS Alpine World Ski Championships 2011", said Gerd Rubenbauer, Chief of Media for GAP 2011. "Of course they also represent the two villages of Garmisch and Partenkirchen." The colors red and blue are the colors of the ski clubs in the two districts. The red mascot is female, whilst the blue male version carries a beard and has a mischievous look. The mascots were designed by Amelie Neureuther and they will be available for sale - always as a couple - from May 2010.
Finally, the Public Viewing saw the launch of ticket sales for the 2011 Championships. For more information on the available tickets visit www.gap2011.com
