Para-FUTURES camp deemed a success despite logistical challenges
Published Thu 29 Jul 2021
Despite some significant logistical challenges, Perisher and Jindabyne hosted a fantastic Para Snowsport FUTURES event this week, with all participants making the most of the elusive opportunity to train on snow.
Snow Australia Talent Identification and Skill Development Coach Tom Hodges was positively impressed by the quality and enthusiasm of the participants, even though COVID-19 restrictions imposed across the country prevented more athletes from being able to attend.
“Unfortunately many of our potential participants were affected by the restrictions,” Hodges said. “Our two National Classifiers could not join us either, which meant that the National Classification component of Para FUTURES had to be postponed and the camp was run solely as an on-snow skill development and talent id initiative.”
Those in attendance faced further challenges, with wild weather conditions experienced over the four days of the camp.
“All FUTURES athletes showed remarkable perseverance in spite of the poor snow conditions and bad visibility,” Hodges said. “Everybody was very flexible and I could already see general improvement and a progression of technical skills over the short period of time we spent together.”
The first two days of the camp were focused on skill development, with Monday and Tuesday spent training alongside the National Para-alpine team athletes and coaches.
“At the beginning we focused mostly on general training tactics and the turn phase. After that, it was fantastic to have the entire Para-alpine team with us for some free skiing over the last couple of days. There were really good vibes throughout the camp,” Hodges said.
Snow Australia hopes to hold further development opportunities for para-athletes later in the season, when possible and subject to government public health directives and COVID-safe plans.
Thanks to all the participants, the instructors and the guides that were involved in the Para-FUTURES camp, and to Perisher and Disabled Wintersports Australia (DWA) for their support of the program.