2021 Snow Australia Para FUTURES 

*** The National Classification component of Para FUTURES has been postponed.  The program will continue to run as an on-snow Skill Development and Talent Identification initiative of Snow Australia.  The original dates of Saturday 24th and Sunday 24th of July will remain unchanged, with the additional option for participants to train on Monday and Tuesday as well.

Overview:  

The Snow Australia Para Futures is a Talent Identification (TID) initiative by Snow Australia with support from Paralympics Australia (PA) and Disabled Wintersport Australia (DWA). The program seeks to provide opportunities for potential elite athletes to transfer their talent to para-alpine or para snowboard, whilst verifying the potential of para snowsport athletes currently in the pathway. 

Snow Australia Futures has a vision to identify the next big talent in Para snowsports, while also enhancing the opportunities and resources for athletes in the Snow Australia athlete pathway. 

Key Details:   

Dates 25th - 27th July 2021 

Location: Jindabyne and Perisher resort 

Cost: $0 (eligible participating athletes) 

Programs aims:  

• Introduce developing athletes to elite sporting opportunities and elite sports people 
• Increase knowledge of the athlete pathway, selection criteria and the various opportunities, resources and programs available to Australian snow sports athletes 
• Establish a consistent and unified approach to athlete development 
• Engage National Team athletes and programs in pathway development initiatives 
• Provide athletes with superior technical coaching and performance opportunities 
• Encourage involvement in Snow Australia domestic ski/snowboard events 
• Bridge the gap between Interschools competition participation and involvement in seasonal Snow Australia Pathway Programs  

Snow Australia Para Futures Schedule:  

New Schedule to be emailed to all particpants in the week prior to the program

How to sign up:  

Please go to www.snow.org.au/pathways/futures and follow the links to be directed to the application form. Applicants are encouraged to submit video footage to support their registration.  

Applicants will be required to download, complete and submit a Wintersport Classification Expression of Interest form along with supporting medical documentation as part of their registration (applicable to participants with a physical impairment). This should be sent via email to:  

Jlipzker@snow.org.au  

Snow Australia Para FUTURES – Program Details 

Eligibility: 

Snow Australia welcomes athlete’s registration and encourage participation to all alpine and snowboard athletes with a physical or visual impairment aged 12 and above.   

This may include a variety of impairments including but not limited to visual impairments, paraplegic or wheel-chair users, amputees of any limb whether they are standing or using seated equipment, Cerebral Palsy and hemiplegia. This range of impairments is built around classifiable impairments under Paralympic winter sport.   

Criteria for participation includes, but is not limited to;  

• Having a National Provisional Classification or evidence to suggest participant will be eligible for Paralympic sport  

• Depth of field in classification or likely classification  

• Previous sport history in relevant sports such as skateboarding, water-skiing or surfing  

• Previous high performance sport experience (for talent transfer candidates)  

• Demonstration of required skills (through video or otherwise)  

• Age 12 and above  

• Total number of days skiing/boarding (recreational or otherwise)  

High level technical ability is not a prerequisite, however, safety for the individual and group is always the priority with these activities so some basic proficiency and independence must be present in all participants.  Participants must be able to ski down a blue run independently or with the assistance of a guide for visually impaired athletes. They must be able to load and unload any lift system independently. 

Non - Eligible Athletes 

Athletes with cognitive, intellectual disabilities and those with hearing loss will not eligible.  This is because these impairments are not classifiable under Paralympic snow sport. These athletes are advised to contact Disabled Winterport Australia and Special Olympics Australia and engage in their snow sport programs. 

Coaching Opportunities: 

The Snow Australia Para Futures will feature coaching opportunities from the National high-performance coaches, Ryan Pearl, Zali Offord (Para Alpine) and Par Sundqvist (Para Snowboard) along with Tom Hodges (Para development coach), as well as support from current National Para Alpine and Snowboard team members.  

Classification**: 

National Classification will be provided as part of the program for athletes with a physical impairment. This will include on and off hill assessment. Athletes with a vision impairment will be required to arrange provisional or national classification in advance through the Paralympics Australia as outlined at: 
www.paralympic.org.au/vision-classification  

** The Classification component of the program has been postponed due to the Sydney Lockdown.  Dates are currently TBC.