Intro:

Santa Claus Championships from Switzerland

Script:

The slopes of the small alpine resort of Samnaun in Switzerland played host on Saturday (November 29) to the annual Santa World Championships more commonly known as the ClauWau.

The contest marks the opening of the winter season in Samnaun, a ski resort at the heart of the "three-nations corner", where Switzerland, Austria and Italy meet that has hosted the event since 2001.

Anyone over 18, in a team of four and dressed as St. Nicholas can enter for free.

Competitors sledge ride, sprint, and sing their way through a grueling programme of Christmas-inspired tasks as they fight to be crowned the world's best Father Christmas.

The contest consists of ten disciplines with chimney climbing even included - widely considered to be the most challenging.

So why do people feel compelled to take part?

SOUNDBITE: (English) Stephanie from Switzerland:

"Because it's fun. You have to do it once in your life. It's just amazing"

(Q: Are you going to win?)

"Nobody knows. We're the winner of the hearts."

It's certainly not for competitors to take themselves to seriously in

SOUNDBITE: (English) Patrick from Switzerland

(Q: What didn't work out well)

"Waking up in the morning!"

One thing's for sure though it's definitely one way to provide a bit of festive cheer.