We spoke to representatives of the British Disabled Ski Team at the Ski Snow, this year and decided to find out more about them and what we can do to support the team:
Who are the members of the British Disabled Ski Team for the 2009/2010 winter season?
A Team: Sean Rose, Russell Docker, Tim Farr, Talan Skeels-Piggins, Jo Willoughby, Jane Sowerby
B Team: Anna Turney
Development: Sam Hallem, Kelly Gallagher (Guide Claire Rob) Martin Hewitt, Steven Shine, Mick Brennan
Apart from the Olympic Games in Vancouver, what other events will the team take part in this winter?
The team will have competitors in Europa cup and NorAm level races as well as World Cups and the World Cup finals. The development squad and youth teams will mostly be concentrated around the nationals in Europe.
What disciplines/events do the racers participate in?
We compete in all the events: Slalom, GS, Super G, Downhill, and Super Combined (a downhill or super G race combined with one run of a slalom).
Does the team have any television or media coverage during the winter season?
The team doesn’t get too much TV coverage there should be more for the Paralympics and the world cups are on pralympicsports.tv. Then we get regular updates on the BBC website and occasional national and local newspaper coverage.
Who funds the team and how can people help to support the British Disabled Ski Team?
The team gets some funding from UK sport and TASS but it isn’t much and all the athletes are generally self funded. Currently the team has no headline sponsor. If you would like to support the team you can give a one off donation or buy the team calendar at www.justgiving.com/britishdisabledskiteam2010
What are the team’s goals for the Olympic Games, in Vancouver?
The team are looking at sending its largest and most competitive team ever out to Vancouver. Four years ago, Sean Rose came 6th in the downhill only 0.07sec off the podium and this year we are looking at coming back with some medals and more top 10’s.
How does Great Britain rate in terms of world ranking in the disciplines, it participates in?
We have athletes in the top 10’s in nearly all events for both men and women and others that have the potential to be up there. The team is currently rated 14th in the world which considering the size of team and we are not an alpine skiing nation is pretty good.
Does the team have a favourite ski area and if so, why?
The team spend most their time training in Hintertux and Stubai in Austria and Winter Park and Kimberley in North America which are all great places to train and to free ski, if we have time but I think every individual has their own preferences and certain area that means something to them.