The search for the next generation of Paralympic skiers & snowboarders

Ten new potential para-athletes joined SSA and members of the Australian Paralympic team for the annual Para Futures program at Perisher over the weekend.

SSA Para team members Joany Badenhorst, Simon Patmore, Sam Tait, Tori Pendergast and Patrick Jensen along with new team member Sean Pollard assisted in coaching and mentoring the up and coming adaptive skiers and snowboarders, alongside National Team Coaches Christian Geiger, Chris McKnight and Lukas Prem. 

The Futures program not only provided an opportunity for the athletes to expand their knowledge and work on their technical skills, it also provided an opportunity for parents of the participants to become engaged in on snow activity with the team as well as be a part of the information sessions. 

Andrew Carroll, a parent of one Futures participant, said skiing gave his son Jordan a sense of freedom, when he can’t even drive because of his visual impairment.

“Through Futures they get to know there’s others out there that are doing the same thing” said Carroll.  

“It means that they can join in and it shows them that if they want to pursue this as a sport then SSA gives the pathway and the coaching to become a para-snowsports athlete.”

After a stroke at the age of 11, a tumour ruptured in Jordan’s brain which crushed his optic nerve resulting in him becoming blind in one eye and mostly blind in his second eye.

Jordan started skiing four years ago and gets much enjoyment from being on snow.  His parents hoping to support his skiing as much as they can.

Day one of Futures began with some warm ups and time on snow in what was a wet and cloudy day.

In the afternoon, the up and coming skiers headed to Jindabyne to complete their National Classification, followed by an evening information session at the Jindabyne Sport & Recreation.

Day two saw great conditions on snow as the coaches and new athletes ran timed runs on a GS course over at Blue Cow before sneaking in some freeriding and an early finish for the day.

Many thanks goes out to team coaches and athletes and the unwavering dedication of guides and volunteers from DisabWA who contributed to making the camp a success and enjoyable for all the participants.

Alexandra Rouse
Ski & Snowboard Australia

See all the Para Futures photos on SSA's Facebook page

Images from top L-R: Sam Tait | Joany, Simon & group | Sean Pollard | Joany Badenhorst | Lu Prem.