Interschools Regional Championships another fabulous success
Published Fri 21 Jul 2023
Three weeks of Interschools Regional Championships action has come to a close for schools across New South Wales, ACT, Queensland, South Australia and Tasmania with the competitions as popular as ever.
The Regional Interschools Championships offers school students the opportunity to compete in five disciplines in school teams or individual entry.
Perisher, Thredbo and Falls Creek have played host to 4,297 students from 381 schools, with officials standing over 6,946 event starts. .
The largest of the four events contested was the Subaru ACT & Regional NSW Championships which took place this week at Perisher. This event alone saw 1,207 students from 143 schools line up for 2,466 event entries.
In the same week, the South Australia and Regional NSW Championships have been held in Falls Creek, where 155 competitors competed from 31 schools.
“School students from all ability levels are encouraged to enter, with an emphasis on fun and participation in the initial Regional Championships,” said Steve Cooper, Snow Australia National Interschools & Sport Development Chair
“As the competitions move into the State and Australian Championships, the level of competition and the degree of difficulty increases.”
Cooper said the popularity of the event is a testament to all of those who work to make the competitions enjoyable for everyone taking part.
“It was encouraging to see that entries were up by 21% for the Regional Championships this year,” said Cooper. “That simply doesn’t happen without hundreds of parents, teachers and officials giving up their time and I’m extremely grateful to all our volunteers who continue to make these events a success year after year.”
Presbyterian Ladies College school coordinator Mel Johnston said Interschools provides a unique opportunity for everyone involved.
“Interschools Snowsports is one of the only sports that creates collegiality among all ages,” she said. “Students in year 12 are around encouraging and supporting those younger students from years 7 or even Kindergarten.
“It is fantastic in providing a grassroots entry-level program to snowsports pathways in Australia. It opens opportunities to those students who want to pursue further training and chase their dreams of one day representing Australia.
“It makes me so proud of Australian sport to see a child at the age of five participate in an Interschools snowsports event and to then go on and represent Australia at the Winter Olympics or World Cup.”
If the smiles on the participants’ faces isn’t enough to let everyone know, hear about some of their experiences at 2023 Interschools:
"My experience competing in Interschools was really amazing, everyone is so friendly and supportive. It's a really great environment. You make so many new friends while competing in races you have done before or haven't ever tried. It's really good to give all the races a go even if you are a bit nervous just go for it."
- Summer, Year 7
"In 2022 I did interschools for fun with some friends not thinking I would make it past the Sydney Regional Championships yet I went all the way to Nationals! It was such a great and fun experience. I made so many friends from different schools and the opportunities you get exposed to are amazing!"
- Olive, Year 9
"Interschools is always such a fun event, chatting at the top of the course, cheering everyone on and of course racing. There is always such a great vibe for Interschools events. You are hanging out with a bunch of kids who love snowboarding or skiing as much as you do!"
- Jasmine, Year 12
"Competing at interschools this year was a blast! I felt challenged to do my best by the other kids and parents around me and have made fabulous memories and experienced many moments that I will forever remember. Can't wait for next year!"
- Charlotte, Year 7