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St. Jakob in Defereggen, Austria – Approximately 100 young skiers from across the Defereggental valley participated in a school ski race at the Feistritzlift on February 23, 2026. The event, organized by the Defereggental school cluster, included students from all schools and kindergartens in the region, providing a day of friendly competition and winter sports fun.

The race took place on a 700-meter-long giant slalom course at the Feistritzlift, a T-bar lift originally constructed in 1986. The Feistritzlift, located at an altitude ranging from 1370 to 1504 meters, is a key component of the St. Jakob im Defereggental – Brunnalm ski resort, offering a carrying capacity of 930 people per hour. The event aimed to foster a love of skiing and sportsmanship among the valley’s youth, bringing together children from the communities of St. Jakob, St. Veit, and Hopfgarten.

Race Results and Champions Crowned

Following the race, an awards ceremony was held at the St. Jakob community hall, recognizing the achievements of the young athletes. Nina Stotter and Jakob Kleinlercher, both from St. Jakob, were the fastest kindergarten skiers. Sophie Prast and Aaron Oberbichler, also representing St. Jakob, secured the titles of primary school champions. Marie Zathamer from Hopfgarten and Fabian Mellitzer from St. Veit took the top spots in the middle school category. In a separate class for educators, Carina Veider, a school administrator, proved to be the fastest on the slopes.

The event’s success has sparked hopes that it will become a regular fixture on the Defereggental winter calendar. Markus Tönig, the head of the Defereggental school cluster, expressed his desire for the ski race to continue annually, fostering a sense of community and promoting winter sports participation.

Feistritzlift: A Local Skiing Staple

The Feistritzlift, a Schlepplift with a T-bar/anchor lift system manufactured by Wito, has been serving skiers in the Defereggental since 1986. According to Skiresort.info, the lift travels at a speed of 2 meters per second, completing a run in approximately 6 minutes and 40 seconds. The ski resort, St. Jakob im Defereggental – Brunnalm, features seven lift systems in total, including the Feistritzlift and the St. Leonhardlift, as detailed in Wikipedia.

The Defereggental ski area, established in the 1960s, offers around 24 kilometers of pistes. The area is owned by the Schultz Gruppe and is known for its scenic beauty and family-friendly atmosphere. The region’s commitment to providing accessible skiing experiences for all ages was evident in the enthusiastic participation of the young skiers at the recent school race.

Looking ahead, organizers are already considering ways to expand the event next year, potentially including more age categories and additional activities. The success of this year’s race underscores the importance of fostering a love of winter sports and community spirit within the Defereggental valley.

What are your thoughts on the importance of school ski races in promoting winter sports? Share your comments below and help us spread the word about this exciting event!

Sestu, Sardinia – A five-year-old boy died last night after choking at his home in Sestu, a municipality in the Metropolitan City of Cagliari, Sardinia. The tragic incident occurred around 8:30 PM local time, according to initial reports.

Emergency medical personnel from the 118 service were called to the scene by the boy’s parents. Paramedics spent over 40 minutes attempting to dislodge the obstruction and resuscitate the child after clearing his airway, but their efforts were ultimately unsuccessful. The boy was pronounced dead at the scene.

Details surrounding the specific cause of the choking are still under investigation. Authorities have not released information regarding what the child was eating at the time of the incident. The circumstances are being examined to determine the sequence of events leading to the tragedy.

Emergency Response and Initial Reports

The 118 ambulance service responded to the call from the parents at approximately 8:30 PM. Paramedics immediately began advanced life support measures, including attempts to clear the airway and provide resuscitation. Despite these intensive efforts, they were unable to save the boy’s life. The incident highlights the critical importance of knowing basic first aid and choking rescue techniques. According to Rome2rio, Sestu is located approximately ten kilometers from Cagliari, making a rapid emergency response crucial.

Sestu: A Growing Community Near Cagliari

Sestu is a large municipality with a population exceeding twenty thousand, situated in the southernmost part of the fertile Campidano plain, as detailed by SardegnaTurismo. The area is characterized by a blend of agriculture – including the cultivation of vegetables, cereals, and grapevines – and ongoing urban and demographic expansion. The town’s origins trace back to Roman times, with its name derived from its position along a road connecting Caralis (Cagliari) and Turris Libisonis (Porto Torres); it was identified as the sixth milestone, marked with the inscription “ad sextum lapidem.”

The tragedy underscores the devastating impact of accidental choking, particularly on young children. While investigations continue, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and preventative measures to ensure child safety. The Quotidianonews reports that the incident occurred in the Metropolitan City of Cagliari, a region experiencing ongoing growth and development.

Authorities have not released the boy’s name, respecting the family’s privacy during this incredibly difficult time. Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses and more information becomes available.

What comes next is a period of mourning for the family and community. Investigations will continue to determine the precise circumstances surrounding this tragic event. We will continue to follow this story and provide updates as they become available.

Share your thoughts and condolences in the comments below.