Para Alpine Development Programme holds summer training camp

The “Para Alpine Development Programme” held its summer race training camp in Oslo.

The athletes spent four days of intensive training in the Oslo Snowdome, being coached by both Blake Williams and Ryan Swift.

England had three members in the cohort, Amy Clegg (stand up female), Hester Pool (Visually Impaired female) and Benjie Poole (VI guide)

The Development Squad were joined for a day by the Team GB Para Alpine World Cup Athletes who had been training on a glacier in the north of Norway. Some of the team also met Lucas Braathen, currently the World No1 Slalom champion – an inspiration.

Blake Williams, Head of the Para Alpine Development Programme said “the facilities in Oslo are perfect for the development team, with ideal guaranteed conditions for off season training. We have been able to do some solid fundamental work on a reliable icy lane. We now have eight athletes in the team for this season which I believe is the strongest development team globally. The athletes made great progress again last week and I look forward to supporting all as we head into the winter season.”

Hester Poole, Visually Impaired skier said “It’s been a fantastic training, it’s great to get away and train slalom in a productive and safe environment. I really enjoyed spending time with the team and meeting the World Cup Athletes who were amazing. I am also very grateful for all who have supported us to make this possible.”

This programme has been initiated through a partnership between GB Snowsport and Snowsport Scotland to expand grass roots participation and develop the next para-alpine champions. Funding from Get Kids Going made this training camp possible.