World Nature Games

Balloon Life was invited to cover the First World Nature Games, recently contested in Brazil. The games celebrate the partnership of mankind with the environment, showing the world all the beauty and potential of this ravishing region.

The ideals of the games are simply stated, "In the power of rivers, the pattern of trails, the freedom of winds, nature's creative energy discloses its multiple treasures and possibilities. Before them, humans respond either by taking advantage of such forces or by challenging them. From this encounter natural sports are born. More than any other kind of sport, a real lesson in equilibrium, determination and respect for the environment. Natural sports are practiced in the open, using the dynamics of natural elements, under the basic condition of preserving nature. Be them Water, Earth or Air sports, the challenge is the same: to teach mankind the need to preserve the world around us."

Ballooning was one of the thirteen disciplines contested. 30 balloon teams were invited from around the world. Al Nels, former US and World champion, represented the United States.

The games are an Olympic style event to be held every four years. The region has one of natures wonders in Iguaçu Falls and the largest hydroelectric generating facility in the world. In addition to celebrating water, land and air, the games are designed to highlight this region of world and attract tourism. Wendy Ceccherelli traveled to Paraná, Brazil to cover the balloon competition for Balloon Life. Her report begins on page 20.

Best Events

Nomination are flowing in for Balloon Life's first Best Events award. If you believe that an event you attended is the best see page 32 for details on nominating the event. Don't let your favorite event be left out. Deadline is January 5, 1998.

What's wrong with this picture?

Jere Covington took the picture near by this summer during the annual Camp Flight (see Balloon Life, January 1997) held at Sequoyah State Park in eastern Oklahoma. The mini-mart at the entrance is where pilots get propane. We will let the picture speak for itself.

Happy Holidays

As 1997 draws to a close the staff at Balloon Life would like to take this opportunity to thank each of you for your support and wish you a happy holiday season and a prosperous new year.