National Volunteer Week | Mark Soyer

During his career, Mark Soyer was one of the elite Para Alpine skiers in the world, becoming a Paralympian at PyeongChang 2018 where he scored top 20 finishes in the Super G and Giant Slalom sitting classification.

But even before he hung up the racing rig, Mark had the urge to pass on his expertise to newcomers both young and old as they take to adaptive skiing.

“It was actually sometime before retiring from competitive skiing that I realised that I had knowledge and contacts that could help a future generation of adaptive skiers with both equipment and technical skiing knowledge,” Mark said. “Skiing is a recreation that shows no discrimination between adaptive skiers and able bodied skiers which is why I have always and always will be passionate about the sport and encourage others to participate and enjoy the freedom adaptive skiing provides.”

His passion for the sport needs to be carved into part of his busy life as Mark wears a number of different hats depending on the time of year. A jeweller by trade, Mark has a small handmade jewellery business in addition to running Adaptive Concepts Australia which imports adaptive sporting goods.

He also works for Melrose Wheelchairs in a sales and technical role but still finds space and time to give back to the sport he loves in a number of volunteer roles.

Mark guides and mentors skiers through Disability Wintersport Australia and assists the Para Alpine Team - and development athletes - with his unmatched knowledge on sit skis and shocks.

Each winter Mark also helps to run and organise camps at Mount Hotham providing new opportunities for individuals which continue to impact their lives and those of their families.

“We have been so lucky with every participant who has attended a camp with us,” said Mark. “Every single person has been able to develop their skiing and take it into whatever form they see fit.

“But watching the progression and hearing their stories of what impact skiing is still having on their lives is really a key driver as to why we keep the camp running.”

From his own personal experience, Mark is only too aware that for athletes to progress in parasnowsport, it takes more than just ability and drive; it requires a small army of people just as passionate as the athlete to bring it all together and he is keen to ensure the next generation receives the same opportunities he did.

“A lot of sports are as solo athletes, but it takes a team to get the individual across the line,” said Mark. “Without the support of family, friends, a flexible work environment and various coaches and team staff along the way, I would not have been able to complete for as long as I did, or reach the successes I achieved throughout my sporting career.

“All sport needs volunteers and para sport often a little more. If you have any interest in volunteering, you should get in touch in any sporting organisation that takes your interest.

“Even if you are not elite at the sport or don’t participate in it, there are many other skills you may have that can help.

“For me, it’s the smiles on the faces, keeps me coming back.”