Milton Keynes Welcomes a New Skiing Legend to Town

Disability Snowsport UK are honoured to present to you the profile of our most senior skier to date!

Name: Richard ‘Pa’ Wilson

Age: 91 years

Born: South Shields, North East England

Occupation: Grandfather of Glen Greener (Director of Coaching at Gravity Snowsports), and sit-ski extraordinaire!

Richard Wilson grew up in the North East of England between the 1st and 2nd World War where skiing was a sport for the few that could afford it, and as a result there was little to no opportunity for him to try it.

His grandson, Glen, has been a ski professional for many years and keen to promote the sport and support opportunities for everyone to try, and participate in, snowsports. Richard has been keen to try skiing, but had never had the chance, nor had he ever seen Glen ski. In April 2011 he came down to Milton Keynes to visit Glen and was treated to a range of behind the scenes tours at SNO!zone, and finally got the chance to see Glen ski. What he was not counting on was that he would do so from the comfort of a sit-ski!

This was the first time that Glen and Richard had ever skied together, and four months later the pair were reunited on the slopes to do an official photo-shoot to accompany a press release by SNO!zone. Disability Snowsport UK and SNO!zone are proud to have been able to provide them both with the opportunity to ski alongside each other in a safe and professional environment.

Richard speaks of his experience,

“The speed and sensation was great, very smooth; it reminded me of riding pillion on a motor bike.”

“Charlie Laine showed great consideration and gave me confidence to try this. She explained carefully and clearly what I needed to do and helped to make it a very enjoyable and satisfying experience.”

 “I really enjoyed the experience and would thoroughly recommend it!”

DSUK would like to take this opportunity to thank Glen and Gravity Snowsports for their continued support and enthusiasm.