Regional Update - NSW / ACT / QLD - November 13, 2019
Published Wed 13 Nov 2019
All the latest on and off snow news for Snow Australia’s NSW, ACT and QLD members.
GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
Amelia McGuiness Scholarship Recipients Announced
The 2019 Amelia McGuiness Australian Snowsports Development Foundation (AMASDF) Scholarship recipients were announced at a special ceremony to acknowledge the 10th Anniversary of the Foundation. Cath and Sam McGuiness, along with Snow Australia President Dean Gosper, were on hand to congratulate the scholarship recipients.
The AMASDF is recognised and commended throughout the snowsports community for its contribution and support of up-and-coming athletes. In the 10 years since the Foundation was established, in honour of Amelia McGuiness, a gifted and talented athlete and student, the committee has awarded $212,160 in Snowsports Scholarships. This has been achieved through the ongoing support of schools, the resorts, families, individuals and the business community.
The foundation is dedicated to supporting developing athletes that have shown commitment to their training and sport, as they move up through the pathway to become an elite athlete in snow sports in the future. Selections are made often with advice and support of Snow Australia Northern discipline committees and head coaches.
In its tenth year of operation, the AMASDF received over 65 applications requesting assistance from young athletes from NSW, ACT and QLD.
In determining the grant recipients for 2019, the committee reflected upon the individual’s performance levels, dedication to training and development, the potential for achievement over the next 12 months, and the quality of the application.
Overall, the AMASDF have allocated $6,000 to 12 Alpine athletes, $3,000 to 5 Cross Country athletes, $3,000 to 6 Moguls athletes, $2,400 to 4 Snowboard Cross athletes, $500 to Para athletes, and $2,400 to Park and Pipe athletes. In total, AMASDF awarded $17,300 to 32 athletes.
The AMASDF would like to thank all those who participated in the Amelia Events, donated to the foundation, and volunteered.
The 2019 Scholarship Holders are:
Abbey Wilson / Abi Harrigan / Adele Selig / Ally Hickman / Benjamin Wynn / Bentley Walker-Broose / Bradley Manns / Cassandra Nicholls / Charlotte Wilson / Duncan Cowan / Flynn Mooney / Isabella Davis / Jack Hirst / Jack Steiger-Thorpe / Jacqueline Davis / James Peake / Jasmine Shakeshaft / Joel Bradford / Joey Steggall / Juan George / Kyra Wheatley / Letitia Murphy / Lottie Lodge / Mac Livissianos / Millie Rundle / Noah Bradford / Ocean Roberts / Olivia Schubert / Zachary Howell / Zaffa Hairsine / Zana Evans
Grant Opportunity for NSW Based Sport Clubs
Applications close 25 November for the NSW Government Local Sport Grant Program for Incorporated, not-for-profit grassroots sport clubs.
The $4.6 million Local Sport Grant Program aims to increase regular and ongoing participation opportunities in sport and active recreation in NSW.
This year’s program has been established to target opportunities specifically for women and girls and overall participation opportunities.
Click Here for more information on the grant program, eligibility and guidelines.
FREESTYLE NEWS
Northern Hemisphere Training Options
With the Northern Hemisphere season fast approaching, there may be some families out there trying to find a suitable place for mogul and free ski training. As always, NSW/ACT Freestyle are keen to ensure that athletes are made aware of training providers who have provided the best possible services over many years.
This year it seems that both the AUSMSA and La Plagne programs are fully subscribed but places remain with TBR, Free Ski and Momentum Camps.
Park City Mogul Camp – Training Options Available
Team Buller Riders (TBR) is an endorsed Snow Australia pathway program and highly recommended for all progressing mogul ski athletes. Details of this camp are below.
TBR will be returning to Park City, UT, USA, and we still have some capacity for any athletes looking to train moguls during the northern hemisphere winter.
Park City is a great area for training, with multiple world class ski resorts, mogul courses at Park City Mountain and the Utah Olympic Park and an exciting town with plenty to do!
Another bonus is that Park City is part of the EPIC Pass, which links in well for season pass holders in Australia.
Camp Training Options
- Fly over & live with TBR (4 week option December 28-January 23)
- Stay with your family/train with TBR
- Custom dates also possible
There are some big developments for the 2019-20 TBR Park City Camp. The Utah Olympic Park are currently in the middle of huge earthworks including moving an entire road to cut in a new full length mogul course which we will have access to during our camp! The pitch of this new mogul course is in between the steepness of Chamois and a regular FIS mogul course which is perfect for skill development.A new chairlift will also be in place for the zone.
For more information on the Park City camp
Visit the TBR Park City Website – www.tbrparkcity.com
Check out the TBR Park City 2018/2019 camp video – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1OphxwOZfk
Or contact TBR Program Manager Andrew Pattison via phone 0411 281 372 or email patto@teambuller.com
Free Ski - Fitness and Snowsports Training
Martin Rowley and his team represents one of Australia’s most experienced Australian Freestyle Coaching teams. Free Ski offer a range of flexible options including both Aspen based and Hakuba based training at different stages of the season.
Free Ski offer a range of options also including local Australian dry land training and water ramp coaching.
For more details visit their website at https://www.freeski1.com/copy-of-overseas-training-camps
Momentum’s Youth Training Camps
For those travelling to Whistler, you may also consider the fun of Momentum Camps. This program is designed for entry level mogul skiers, particularly those competing for school and wanting to progress.
Momentum will again be running their ’Team Oz’ winter training camps in December and January. Coaching in moguls, park and all mountain freestyle, including access to the Freestyle Whistler airbag. Epic Pass holders – remember that your tickets are covered and lift line priority with Momentum will guarantee quick access to the slopes!
Winter Dates and Rates available https://www.momentumskicamps.com/programs/winter-clinics/ or contact info@momentumcamps.com.
ALPINE NEWS
Message from TSRC on BJ Kaufmehl
To all members of the wider Australian Snowsports community,
TSRC would like to update you regarding the condition of our friend and colleague, BJ Kaufmehl.
BJ is known to many of you through snow related activities, perhaps as the proprietor of Ski Barn in Drummoyne Sydney, or through his skiing activities in Thredbo. BJ was our enthusiastic and colourful Thredbo Ski Race Club Captain for over 25 years, encouraging alpine athletes’ successes through hard work and self discipline. BJ mentored many coaches alongside their athletes, settling them in to Thredbo and developing their coaching skills.
BJ has been the Race Director for TSRC throughout that period, overseeing Continental Cup, National FIS and Children’s races, and a member of the Race Organising Committee that brought the FIS World Cup Men’s GS and Slalom races to Thredbo in 1989.
You may know BJ in his role of Team Manager accompanying future Australian Olympians in their Sport and Rec team European tours, or through his role as a National Alpine Selector for SSA.
You may know BJ as the Chief of Race on many Interschools races over the years, or you may know BJ as one of Thredbo’s true characters, wearer of a yellow ski helmet, always ready for a quick chat at the bottom of Crackenback or at Avalanche Cafe having a quick coffee.
In early October, whilst holidaying in Vietnam with 2 Thredbo friends, BJ sustained a devastating cervical spine injury in a motor bike accident, fracturing vertebrae and injuring his spinal cord. He was well looked after in Hanoi and subsequently evacuated back to Royal North Shore Hospital in Sydney. Initially BJ had no movement in his legs or hands, only in his upper arms. He has had some improvement and he can move the fingers of his left hand and move a foot slightly.
BJ faces a very lengthy and challenging rehabilitation period.
TSRC have set up a Go Fund Me account to assist BJ and his family with what will be a financially exhausting process for rehabilitation care and equipment.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-our-friend-bj-kaufmehl
BJ can be contacted via Facebook messenger “BJ Kaufmehl” or messages, cards, drawings or letters can be sent to PO Box 230, Northbridge, NSW, 1560.
BJ has done so much for the Australian Alpine community, please help us to return the favour at least in small part. We are certain that all of you wish him the best possible recovery and support.
NATIONAL NEWS
SSA Announces Name Change to Snow Australia
The Board of Ski and Snowboard Australia (SSA) resolved earlier in the year to change the name of the organisation. As of today SSA will be known as Snow Australia.
Snow Australia President Dean Gosper said: “The change to Snow Australia coincides with the recent unification of the sport and reflects its responsibilities and connections in simple and elegant language. It embodies the organisation’s truly unified, national vision and the sport’s intimate connection with its terrain.”
Snow Australia CEO Michael Kennedy commented: “Ultimately, the continued success of Snow Australia supporting athletes and developing champions will underpin recognition. The tag line “Athletes. Pathways. Performance” is embedded in the new brand as these are the pillars on which our sport is built.”
Displayed below, is the new logo that will accompany the change to Snow Australia, carrying forward the heritage of the universally recognised “Skiing Kangaroo.”
Visit the new website to view all the changes: www.snow.org.au
120 Delegates attend the Snow Australia National Participation Conference
More than 120 attendees, from across the snowsports community, came together last week in Canberra for the inaugural Snow Australia National Participation Conference.
Over the two days, four keynote speakers presented, eighteen workshops were held and multiple panel discussions were had.
Each keynote presentation gave insights into the sport and snow sports industry concluding with a panel discussion with the presenters with a wide range of questions being asked by the audience.
Snow Australia would like to thank Kate Palmer AM, Pierre Comis, Belinda Trembath, Adam Hosie, Mel Johnston and Grant Parker for their insights they shared over the two days.
The conference also aligned with the Snow Australia brand launch and inaugural Community Sport Awards.
Themed “Supporting Participation in Snowsports and Developing Championships,” the conference delivered key learnings, showcased best practice, and provided tools and insights into our sport.
The event provided attendees with invaluable networking opportunities and a platform for information sharing, discussion and feedback.
Highlight of the conference was the Olympian and Paralympian session, in which Jono Brauer, Manuela Berchtold, Mel Perrine and her guide Bobbi Kelly spoke of their athlete journeys and where they have been able to go because of the sport.
Snow Australia will look for future opportunities connect in and share information with the community.
Inaugural Snow Australia Community Sport Awards
The snow sport community came together tonight to honour young athletes, volunteers, clubs, schools and development coaches from around the country at the inaugural Snow Australia Community Sport Awards, held at QT Canberra.
Designed to recognise athletes, coaches, volunteers, clubs, schools, resorts, administrators and programs at the development and pathway level of snow sports, the Awards also importantly recognised the significant service of those who continue to give back to the sport.
Snow Australia CEO Michael Kennedy said that the quality of all award recipients on the night was a true testament to the growing snow sports community.
“Tonight we celebrated those across the Australian Snow sport community who give so much at a grassroots level to make our sport one of the most popular in Australia ,” Kennedy said.
“We not only had the opportunity to celebrate great emerging talent, but also recognise the significant contribution of clubs, coaches and officials.
“Last year our organisation made the significant step to unify and now under our new brand of Snow Australia, we want to truly connect to more people through our sport. Our snow sport community is made up of passionate individuals and clubs who are at the forefront of our work in the pathway and tonight was our opportunity to say thank you to them,” he said.
There were plenty of awards recognised throughout the evening, with recipients including Leslie Ludwig who took out the prestigious Service to Snowsport award, for her extensive contribution over more than 40 years.
The Thredbo Ski Racing Club was awarded Club of the Year, for their commitment to encouraging and supporting participation in Snowsports and their work done to align themselves with the recommendations from the Snow Australia Alpine review.
Hamish Cox was also among the night’s winners, taking home the Club Coach of the Year.
Jack Adams won the Young Achiever of the Year, recognised for his contribution back to the Alpine community along with balancing his university studies while competing overseas for six months of the year.
Snow Australia was proud to recognise six Emerging Talent Athlete awards in Mia Clift (Snowboard Cross), Zoe Michael (Alpine), Zana Evans (Cross Country), Joey Elliss (Park and Pipe Ski), Chelsee Kelley (Park and Pipe Snowboard) and George Murphy (Moguls).
Other noteworthy awards included the Pathway Initiative Award, presented to NSW Freestyle Talent Identification Program and Official of the Year which was awarded to Freestyle judge Paul Livissianos.