This Saturday, the fourth station and thus the final of the Children's Four Hills Tournament took place in Hinzenbach in Upper Austria. 106 enthusiastic children from 4 nations found their way to Hinzenbach to jump in the best autumn weather for the Tournament victory. Especially the winners of the tour had reason to celebrate: Florentina Moder (Girls 1), Meghann Wadsak (Girls 2), Zeno Rumpfinger (K7), Jakob Stieninger (K8), David Gruber (K9), Tymoteusz Cienciala (K10) and Jonas Gruber (K11) gained the overall victory in their class. Particularly noteworthy is the performance of the polish Tymoteusz Cienciala, who won the overall standings for the fourth time in a row.
With stops in Berchtesgaden, Reit im Winkl, Bischofshofen and Hinzenbach, there are four stations, just like the "real" four hills tournament. Eligible for participation were children between the ages of 7 and 11, jumping on hills until 48 meters hillsize.
Likewise, the organizers had every reason to enjoy. Europe's biggest children ski jump event is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. 20 years in which for many current world-class ski jumpers the way led over the Children's Four Hills Tournament. For example, Severin Freund, Markus Eisenbichler, Andreas Wellinger, Stefan Kraft, Gregor Schlierenzauer and Michael Hayboeck are among the most famous former participants.
And Michael Hayböck and Markus Eisenbichler surprised the kids during the award ceremony on the occasion of the 20th anniversary. After handing over the prizes to the winners and a few autographs and selfies later, Michael Hayböck : "The children's Four Hills Tournament was something very special for me back then. We felt a bit like the real Four Hills Tournament starters, and there are relatively few international competitions at this age. I think it's great that the final takes place on the same weekend as our summer Grand Prix. This is certainly something special for the children and motivates them even more, if there is one or the other World Cup athlete among the spectators. A great event and very important for the young ski jumpers.“
The Mayor of the city of Hinzenbach, Wolfgang Kreinecker, also hab an eye on the young eagles: "Young talents have a very high priority for Hinzenbach. That is why we are proud to be be a partner and organizer for 20 years now. The future successes of our young ladies and gentlemen as well as the enthusiasm of the youth for the ski jumping sport return what you invest twice and threefold."
The Peter Riedel GmbH has been the main sponsor of the event series for 7 years. Peter Riedel's dedication to young talent is important for him. "This year's event series was really great and perfectly organized. At this point I would like to say a big thank you to the venues and the many helpers. The juniors are the basis for the future and if you look at the well-known former participants of the Children's Four Hills Tournament, you see that it is worthwhile to invest in the young generation. Likewise I would like to mention the many parents who make this possible for their children. Without the support of them such an event would never be possible. Our goal for the next few years must now be to inspire even more nations for the Children's Four Hills Tournament“, Peter Riedel said.
