HGFA Skysailor Magazine

SKY SAILOR 37 November | December 2018 T he State of Origin started in the 1990s and was run for eight years at NSW’s Mt Borah by Godfrey Wenness – operator of Manilla Paragliding School, and executive member of the Manilla Sky Sailors Club. In 2003, James Thompson, with the support of the Newcastle Paragliding Club, volunteered to take over running the competition while Godfrey continued to provide valuable advice, guidance and support through the years. For 15 years, until Easter 2018, James has organised the NSW State of Origin cross-country competition which routinely attracts between 120 and 160 pilots annually from around Australia, New Zealand and internationally. James successfully maintained and improved the State of Origin’s international standing as the largest and most successful novice competition of its kind. The State of Origin team-based approach requires a mix of novice, intermediate and advanced pilots with a weighted (handicap) scoring system that significantly rewards the achievement of novice pilots. Advanced pilots are required to plan, launch, thermal, fly and finish with their less experienced team members. The State of Origin is renowned for engaging pilots in active participation in competition while promoting the principles of fair play and good sportsmanship. This competition furthers the goal of retaining pilots in the sport, the financial viability of the competition circuit, and has encouraged instructors to offer advanced clinics. James Thompson is a life member of the Newcastle Paragliding Club and the NSWHPA. HGFA President, Paul Green, attended the NSWHPA’s AGM to acknowledge James’ contribution to the sport and formally accepted NSWHPA/ NPC’s letter to nominate him for HGFA life membership. Clockwise from top left: James is presented with his award by Melody Braithwaite and Ralf Gittfried at the NSWHPA AGM The NSWHPA award of Appreciation & Life Membership James acceptance speech On behalf of the HGFA, Paul Green receives the HGFA life membership nomination On 27 September 2018, at the NSW HG & PG Association’s AGM, President Ralf Gittfried presented James Thompson with an Appreciation & Life Membership Award on behalf of the NSWHPA and the Newcastle Paragliding Club. It recognises James’ ‘significant contribution supporting paragliding by managing the Manilla State of Origin 2003 to 2018.’ by Melody Braithwaite James Thompson awarded