British medal winners on the slopes at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics were a rare sight, indeed. But in an effort to boost British medal chances in the next Winter Olympics, Sport England and Snowsport England have revealed ten ski facilities and clubs that will be at the heart of a drive to get more people on the slopes throughout England.
Snowsport England, the national governing body for snow sports, is receiving £985,000 of Government and National Lottery funding to get more people skiing and snowboarding in high-quality environments. Some of the funding will also be used to helped talented athletes move closer to their dreams of competing in the Winter Olympics.
Among other activities, Snowsport England is working with universities to tap into the keen student market and expanding its work to offer more opportunities to snowboarders.
Richard Lewis, Sport England’s Chair, said: ‘Snow sports in England have moved on a very long way from the days of Eddie ‘the Eagle’ Edwards. We now have some fantastic indoor and outdoor skiing facilities across the country so there has never been a better time to take to the slopes and experience the thrill of snow sports.’
The Minister for Sport, Gerry Sutcliffe, added: ‘It’s great news that this extra funding from the Government and the National Lottery will help improve facilities for winter sports – giving more people the chance to experience skiing and snowboarding without even leaving the country.
‘Many people in England will have seen more snow than they expected this winter, but this is a happy reminder of how it can provide the setting for a sport that is physically demanding, really exciting and brings people together.’
If, after watching the Olympics, you would like to try a winter sport for yourself, click here
Have been thinking of giving snowboarding a try for while now ……after all the snow we had this year I think it is time I got on with learning! Another great article.