PRESS RELEASE For More Information call Roger Gomoll, media relations 507 373 9587 or Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau, Jean Eaton 507 373 3938 (d) SOARING CHAMPIONSHIPS DELAYED BY RAIN Championship dates: May 27-June 5, 1997 Rainy skies and a dismal forecast made the decision of calling off Day 2 of the ten day 15 Meter National Soaring Contest easy. Contest Director Charlie Spratt canceled the day's activities at 9:30 this morning. The pilots will assemble again on Thursday morning to assess the weather. "We have a great forecast in the days ahead." said Spratt. "Tomorrow through the weekend looks like it will be spectacular soaring weather." With sunny skies and warm temperatures forecast for this weekend, there is every indication that flying will commence soon. The rules of this contest call for a minimum of four flying days out of the ten. But rainy days have not dampened the camaraderie among the pilots. Paul Remde of Eden Prairie, one of the volunteers for the event and a glider pilot himself said it best: "It's a lot of fun just being around this caliber of pilots. They are open about discussing what makes them successful competitors. I've learned a lot by just being around them." Among the contestants at this year's contest are three members of the US team that will participate in the World Soaring Championships in St Aubain France next month. Bill Bartell of Scottsdale AZ and Gary Ittner of Los Angeles CA will compete as the two 15 Meter representatives on the team, and Jae Walker of Port Matilda PA will compete in the Standard Class. As soon as the Albert Lea Championships are done, these pilots will bring their sailplanes to Dover Air Force Base to have them transported to France on an Air Force C5A. The nations of the world send teams of up to six pilots to represent their countries in World Contest activities every two years. The winners of this year's Championships in Albert Lea will have the chance to participate in the next World Championship contest in 1999 in Germany. 5/28/1997