The Council of The International Federation of Sleddog Sports (IFSS) has approved new regulations for its 2007-2008 World Cup Series (WCp). With only minimal changes in its program from previous seasons, the IFSS World Cup Series offers race giving organizations and national sled dog federations the opportunity to apply for inclusion in a prestigious worldwide ranking system for mushers. World Cup has other advantages as well. Due to its popularity among other sports, World Cup format carries a certain prestige that could translate to increased sponsorship opportunities for mushers and World Cup events. One of the additional bonuses of the 2007-08 series is that regional medalists (the first three in each class) will pre-qualify for the 2009 IFSS World Nordic and Nome (Sled) Nordic Championships to be held in North America. Part of the fees paid into the IFSS World Cup program are dedicated to sports development and sports medicine, including a grant award (20% of the WCp fees) given to worthy research projects that will benefit the sport.IFSS invites race giving organizations and other sled dog organizations to apply for their race to be designated a 2007-08 World Cup event in Distance, Mid Distance, Sprint, Nordic (skijoring and pulka), and Dryland competitions. Early application/approval affords the race to be advertised well in advance as an accredited World Cup event, thus allowing more time to attract sponsors and mushers. Regulations are online at www.sleddogsport.com. Applications can be obtained from IFSS Secretary General Sally Bair (sbair@cpinternet.com or +218 525 4012).
