Local alpine skiers with a disability were put through their paces by Paralympian and Coach of the BC Disabled Ski Team, Phil Chew. They learnt new skills, worked on the race course and learnt more about what it takes to be a high performance athlete

Among the athletes that took part in this weekend’s clinic was local skier Andrew Wilson. Andrew is on the Provincial Team and working his way towards competing at the National Disabled Ski Championships being held in Banff in April. He acted as a demonstrator and mentor to the potential racers. Another well known local who took part was Josh Dueck, a former free style coach at Silver Star, as well as competitor at the National Level in freestyle events over the last five years. Josh broke his back only last March and with the help of Silver Star Adaptive Snow Sports he has learnt to sit ski and has already taken part in a NORAM race this season! Josh now has the dream to reach the podium at the 2010 Paralympics in Whistler.

SASS was also proud to welcome, Nagano Paralympian Sarah Morris-Probert from the UK who has recently immigrated to Kelowna. Sarah shared her talents and talked about her athletic career during the weekend. Sarah competed at Nagano in 98, only 2 years after taking part in here first competitive ski race. Amongst her achievements was a gold medal from the World Games in Solleftea, Sweden in 97.

The Disabled Skiers Association of BC and the Silver Star Adaptive Snow Sports are working with 2010 LegaciesNow and PacificSport so as to ensure that BC’s amateur athletes have the support required to reach their goals in 2010 or beyond.

For additional information contact:

Sian Blyth
High Performance Coordinator
Disabled Skiers Association of BC
Tel: (604) 737 3042
Cell: (604) 202 7364
Email: sblyth.dsabc@telus.net