Skiers and snowboarders in Kendal to benefit from funding for snow sports

Participation in snow sports in England
The latest results from Sport England’s annual sports participation survey (Active People) showed that 107,000 people take part in snow sports once a week (October 08 – October 09).

The funding from Sport England covers the period from April 2009 – March 2013.

Sport England is committed to creating a world-leading community sport system, and has set specific and measurable targets to achieve by 2012/13:
• One million people doing more sport
• A 25% reduction in the number of 16- to 18-year-olds who drop out of at least five key sports
• Improved talent development systems in at least 25 sports
• A measurable increase in people’s satisfaction with their experience of sport
• A major contribution to the delivery of the five hour sports offer for children and young people.
For more information please contact the press office: Peter Dickinson on 020 7273 1800 or Andrew St Ledger on 020 7273 1593.

8th February 2010

Less than a week ahead of the 2010 Winter Olympics, Sport England and Snowsport England have revealed that Kendal Ski Club is among the ten ski facilities and clubs that will be at the heart of their drive to get more people on the slopes throughout England.

Kendal Ski Club is run on an entirely voluntary basis, providing instruction by qualified ski and snowboard instructors to people of all abilities and ages, from to children of five to adults of over 70. About 200 young people use the slope every week and many junior members regularly participate in racing and freestyle both at regional, national and international events. The club has an inclusive philosophy, allowing free use to Snowability, visually impaired skiers and various other disability groups.

Tony Clayton, Liaison Officer for Kendal Ski Club, said

“By becoming a Snowsport England priority facility we hope to establish closer links with other snow sport facilities enabling us to share best practices. We also hope priority status will raise the profile of snow sports and of Kendal Ski Club within the local community and beyond which will enable us to offer our services to a wider, more diverse audience.”

Snowsport England, the national governing body for snow sports, is receiving £985,000 of Government and National Lottery funding to get more people skiing and snowboarding in high quality environments. Some of the funding will also be used to helped talented athletes move closer to their dreams of competing in the Winter Olympics.

In particular, Snowsport England is:

• Working with the charity Snow-Camp, to give more disadvantaged youngsters the chance to try snow sports, by helping them expand into new inner city areas and introduce participants to established ski clubs
• Working with universities to tap in the keen student market
• Expanding its work to offer more opportunities to snowboarders
• Employing dedicated staff to develop snow sports across England
• Developing a clear route for talented school-aged skiers to progress including new competitions and leagues.

Snowsport England’s Chief Executive, Tim Fawke, said:

“The record level of investment going into grassroots snow sports in England is helping us create even more opportunities for people to take part in and enjoy our fantastic sport. We hope the 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympics will inspire more people to take up skiing and snowboarding.”

Richard Lewis, Sport England’s Chair, said:

“Snow sports in England have moved on a very long way from the days of Eddie ‘the Eagle’ Edwards. Kendal Ski Club is a fantastic club and there has never been a better time for local people to take to the slopes and experience the thrill of snow sports.”

The Minister for Sport, Gerry Sutcliffe, said:

“It is great news that this extra funding from the Government and the National Lottery will help improve facilities for winter sports – giving more people the chance to experience skiing and snowboarding without even leaving the country.

“Many people in England will have seen more snow than they expected this winter, but this is a happy reminder of how it can provide the setting for a sport that is physically demanding, really exciting and brings people together.”

Priority facilities and clubs
Snowsport England’s work is being focused on ten priority facilities and clubs – so that the impact and benefits can be maximised for participants. The ten priority facilities are:

• Alpine Snow Centre in Aldershot
• Snozone in Castleford
• Chill Factore in Manchester
• Gloucester Ski and Snowboard Centre
• Kendal Ski Club
• Midlands Ski Club in Birmingham
• Norfolk Ski Club in Norwich
• Ski Rossendale near Manchester/Burnley
• Sheffield Ski Village
• The Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead.