Prominent Donor to secure National Snowsports Training Centre

John Langley Hancock Building

On the eve of the Beijing Olympics,  Snow Australia is pleased to announce the sport is to be the recipient of one of the most substantial donations in Australian snow sports’ history, which will secure construction of the new National Snowsports Training Centre (NSTC) building in Jindabyne.

John Hancock and his wife Gemma have been supporters of snow sports in Australia for several years through both personal donations and introduction of other donors to the Snow Australia Emerging Talent Programme. 

With just over one week to go until the Beijing Winter Olympic Games, this announcement comes as an exciting boost for current and future Olympians. 

John has generously agreed a seven-figure donation to catalyze a pivotal upgrade in Australian snow sports athlete development; the expansion and upgrade of the NSTC building, which will house High Performance training areas, Sports Medicine & Recovery, an athlete learning hub, coaches’ areas, along with expanded administration facilities for Snow Australia and NSWIS. In recognition of the donation, the building located in Jindabyne, will be known as the John Langley Hancock Building.

Commenting on the donation, Mr Hancock said: “I am delighted to now be in a position to help an even wider group of Australian athletes and sports professionals achieve success on the snow.

“Anyone using the new NSTC will be able to access world class facilities and develop the skills, fitness and athlete services that are required to be successful both on snow and in life. Skiing has given so much to our family and I'm thrilled to give back in this way.”

“I am honoured that my grandfather, Lang Hancock’s name is also on the building, whose passion and success in the mining industry has motivated my own efforts at following on from his great achievement.”

Snow Australia President, Dean Gosper noted, “John and Gemma’s generosity delivers broad based and enduring benefits for our sport.  Their vision and commitment have been inspiring.”   

According to Snow Australia CEO Michael Kennedy, John’s engagement began after a meeting in Deer Valley, USA, where the Hancock family was able to watch Australians in action at the Freestyle World Cup event. 

“John and his family had the opportunity to meet the athletes and watch them in action on the world stage. They were so inspired by what they had experienced that they pledged then and there to support the next generation of Australian snowsport athletes,” said Kennedy.

“With a legacy project like the development of the NSTC, this donation will benefit multiple generations of Australian snow sports athletes.”

“We are truly grateful for John’s generosity today, and the support of his wife Gemma and children in their genuine desire to make a difference,” he said. 

Construction of the John Langley Hancock Building is expected to commence in the new year with completion scheduled for later in 2022. It is hoped some sections of the building will be operational for the 2022 winter season.

The project has been funded in partnership with the NSW Government and Snow Australia.