Nissan Outdoor games - accident prompts a change of format
Six thousand people descended upon Interlarken, Switzerland, for the huge celebration of outdoor pursuits that is the Nissan Outdoor games.
Conceived as a competitive film-making project, a tragically fatal accident of a French BASE jumper on 1st July prompted the unanimous decision by the teams and organisers to continue the film-making in a non-competitive format, the prize money being shared out amongst the teams.
The sports of kayaking, climbing, mountain biking, paragliding and BASE-jumping were represented, with stars on hand to demonstrate their skills, help initiate newcomers to their sports and celebrate life and the beauty of the outdoor environment. The terrible accident is a reminder that with everything comes risk, but, in the words of Dave Barlia, Californian BASE jumper from team IBEX put it, “We accept the risks inherent in our sports because we are completely involved in their evolution. It’s a life choice”.
July 20th, 2008 at 8:25 pm
Dear Sirs,
how came this accident to happen ?
May it be that even in high altitude, where National Parks Ranger noticed rock slides caused by new atmospheric pollution, pressure changes, that with bright sunlight on surplus, the nylon rope in rigging, or base jumping are under much higher tension, than expected ?
And, are human, even trained persons aware, that a sudden change in pressure can multiply your body heat in a second and causing concentration and balance problems ?