Oakley to sponsor Ski Dubai Freestyle Nights in October and November

Running over four dates - 5th and 19th of October and 16th and 30th November, Oakley will be sponsoring specific Freestyle Nights at Ski Dubai; evenings that have been set aside to pit the skills of the region's finest amateur winter sports enthusiasts against each other in a bid to win top prizes.

Mike Mahoney, General Manager of Ski Dubai, said:

"Sunglasses are a vital piece of equipment for the skier, as they have to protect the wearer's eyes not only from bright sunlight, but also from the reflective glare from the snow."

"Oakley sunglasses have become synonymous with top-level winter sports and we are delighted they are sponsoring Freestyle Nights at Ski Dubai, as the company represents what we stand for; adventure, passion and performance," he added.

Among the styles being hosted during the contest are 'Big Air', which allows competitors to take off and perform airborne tricks and manoeuvres once they have launched themselves from a ramp, the 'Big Air Bag' that ensures a soft landing, and 'Slope Style', where entrants get to show off their slick freestyle skills as they make their way skiing or boarding down the runs and the 'Rail Jam' a series of rail formations on the slope. Points will be awarded by judges, which will lead to Oakley-sponsored prizes for those who make the biggest impression, with a major top prize given to the overall champion at the end of the contest.

The contest is open to any snowboarder or skier who purchases a Freestyle Night slope ticket at the ticket counter. The pass allows the competitors an extra hour on the slopes. Oakley will be providing a free hot chocolate to all the Freestyle Night competitors on these nights. The series is expected to be a huge hit with Dubai's legion of winter sports lovers whose second home is Ski Dubai, as it follows on from previous successful Oakley-sponsored competitions at the venue.

Ski Dubai will also be giving away 20 free tickets to contestants on first come first serve basis for the much awaited Adrenaline Sports Live show which will take place in Abu Dhabi from 8th-10th of October. Adrenaline Sports Live is the region's first festival celebrating adventure and adrenaline sports and is one of the most exciting events ever to hit the Middle East. Ski Dubai will be building a temporary ski slope at the Adrenaline Sports Live festival where visitors will have the opportunity to try skiing and snowboarding and watch professionals take to the slope for the very first time in Abu Dhabi.

"Many of the Ski Dubai snow sports enthusiasts have learnt their skills entirely at our venue," revealed Mr. Mahoney "In fact, one of our regular visitors went on a skiing holiday to the USA and his daughter asked him; 'Daddy, why are these people skiing outside!' These Oakley Freestyle Nights will give competitors the opportunity to show what they can do and allow them to win big prizes as a result," he added.