Skiathon - 'Ski to the Moon'

Posted May 18th, 2009 by Norfolk Snowsports

Club News

One giant carve for snowkind!

Ashlea takes a buggy ride

Saturday 9th May saw the club’s first sponsored ‘Ski to the Moon’ charity event for Disability Snowsport Uk.

Aliens of all ages thoroughly enjoyed the out of this world skiathon, whilst raising funds and awareness for the UK based charity which provides “exciting and life enhancing activities for individuals or groups who require adaptive equipment and/or special instruction and support.”

First to blast off at 9 am were the intrepid junior astronauts who were hoping to land on Mount Huygen. The journey continued through the morning and into the afternoon. Each successful skier was awarded a certificate for reaching Mount Huygen’s summit of 30 runs each.

A further three teams were determined to venture where no man has gone before – or, Mount Olympus; a crippling 134 runs. (Heads-up: one for you Martin!)

Martin the Martian (also known to his friends as Martin Dunne...) began his ascent at 10 am, Trowse time, and was spotted orbiting planet Picnic Tables at 2:35, concerned that Mission Control would be unable to execute a safe re-entry due to a crampage of muscleosis. However, our determined pioneer re-entered the atmosphere having completed his 134 runs. This was literally a staggering achievement for Norfolk Ski Club’s dedicated instructor who has given time, knowledge and support to disabled skiing over the years. This has “given him a lot of enjoyment” and today he wanted to “give something back.”

Team Baxter (Robyn, Tilly, Maisie and Poppy – along with pal Rosie), on the other hand, had their own concerns: that heat-shielding makeup would melt due to atmospheric pressure. Kitted out by top designers at Houston, these space cadets were undoubtedly the most beautiful satellites on the slope.

With a more relaxed approach to reach the summit, the team paused briefly for lunch and refuelling breaks. The afternoon saw the team snaking their way across the universe, feeling the wind “rushing through hair in space”.

In the final shuttle was the Junior Leader team. Ollie Dewulf-Peters (15), Matt Darell (16) and Andrew Lincoln (15) skied until their “feet killed!” They normally do their ‘bit’ on Saturday, looking after the junior skiers but today they achieved a whole new challenge.

In addition to the skiers’ sponsorship, rides in the adaptive sit ski were available for a mere pound a go – smiles were proof of purchase! Donations by local businesses assured a wonderful array of goodies for the popular raffle.

All cash raised will go directly to Disability Snowsport UK, to help skiers like our very own Fiona Hanson, who today skied for the second time on the slope and now has high ambitions to travel to America to perfect her technique. Fiona describes her thrill of turning for the first time as “fantastic” and a “buzz of freedom and adrenalin”. Her instructors were labelled as simply “brilliant”.

Dick Eves, longstanding club instructor, was on hand at Mission Control to offer support and hands-on energy throughout the day. Dick has worked with adaptive skiers for a number of years and is BASI qualified to teach for all disabilities. “With training and patience” he says, “disabled skiers can enjoy skiing and it still brings a lump to my throat watching them achieve what most able bodied people find difficult.”

Simon Tomlinson and David Atkins will also enjoy a well earned sit down this evening, after completing not far short of a whopping 100 adaptive ski runs. “A good, fun day” was had by Simon, despite his exhaustion.

Mark Lightweight – whoops, Lightyear – Pepperell, also dropped in to control the descent of the tubers.

BIG THANK YOUS!

‘Aunty’ Sally Tomlinson was ground control to Major Tom on the walkie-talkies and helped to organise the event, setting up the course and assisting the junior skiers.

Kevin Rhead laminated all the signs and made the club look (space)ship shape and shiny.

Office darlings Diane and Rachael supported behind the scenes and Anne and Wendy served tirelessly all day – with space silver hair, no less!

Lindy Rose braved Martian level heat whilst keeping a cool head for numbers as she tracked – for hours- individual skiers’ runs.

Deborah Anstee was responsible for negotiating with DS UK and beginning this national event at our very own club. Norfolk Ski Club is really keen to promote and develop adaptive skiing and hope it grows here at the club.

Chairwoman Deborah Ives said of the day: “This is exactly what the club is about.”

Lois Lane and Jessica Fletcher (aka Julie & Liz)

Lots more photos of the day can be found in the skiathon gallery

mission controlBuzzdave skipper sit ski