SSA announces school program - Little Shredders

SCHOOL KIDS LEARN SNOWSPORTS… WITHOUT THE SNOW

Brand new program comes to Australian schools

Ski and Snowboard Australia have partnered with the Australian Sports Commission to bring children all over Australia an opportunity which has never before been offered.

Little Shredders is a brand new ‘off-snow’ program aimed at teaching children the basics of snowsports without actually visiting the slopes.

Based on the hugely popular Burton Riglet product, Little Shredders provides the opportunity for children to learn the fundamental skills of skiing and snowboarding from the convenience of the school yard or gymnasium, through game based learning.

The program utilises modified equipment designed specifically for school children; and is an introductory program that teaches children the fundamental skills and knowledge required to prepare them for an on-snow experience.

“It’s a very exciting program and we can’t wait to provide every Australian child the opportunity to learn how to ski and snowboard before they actually hit the slopes.”

“The Little Shredders program will help develop a child’s overall balance, improve their communication skills and provide them an understanding of snow safety, all while having fun and working in teams”, said Nick Frayne, National Participation and Sport Development Manager, Ski & Snowboard Australia.

The program has children learning the correct snowsports stance, practicing weight distribution and understanding how to be a safe rider.

The main outcomes of the off-snow, Little Shredders program are teaching school children of all ages about:

• Balance
• Snow safety knowledge
• Bodily and spatial awareness
• Basic snowsports stance and skills
• Physical preparedness
• Teamwork
• Communication“Our school loved being a part of the Little Shredders program. The program is aimed at teaching beginner snowsports and snow safety skills in a fun and engaging format.

“Students were able to display great teamwork and sportsmanship and it is a worthwhile program that engages both students and teachers”, said Matthew Tomkins, Cairnlea Park Primary School.

Skiing and snowboarding are among Australia’s largest and most popular participation sports, attracting over 1.2 million people to the slopes each year. Traditionally, Australian children have only been able to learn the basics of skiing and snowboarding at an alpine resort.

Until now!

For any further questions on the brand new Little Shredders program or to interview Nick Frayne, National Participation and Sport Development Manager, Ski & Snowboard Australia, please contact Joe Hughes from N O W! Communications on joe@nowcommunications.com.au or 0455 494 409.