DSUK

WarwickSnow Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge

2012-03-08T10:53:00.002Z

On Sunday 4 March 13 brave WarwickSnow members braved all the elements that Yorkshire could throw at them to complete the Three Peaks Charity Challenge. Tramping across boggy marshlands, battling uphill against strong winds, and crossing several rivers was the least of our worries on the day. Ironically, the driving hail and snow, which made the path icy and uncertain, really challenged our resolve.

The 25-mile walk that saw us scale the peaks of Pen-y-Ghent, Whernside and Ingleborough, which took us just shy of 12 hours to complete. This exhausting day was all in the aid of raising money for Disability Snowsports UK (DSUK), a brilliant charity very relevant to our sports club.

So far, our event has raised just short of £600 for DSUK, a great sum that will be put to good use. We would like to thank all those that have donated towards our challenge and we are very proud of our achievement on the day.

Please continue to donate for our challenge at:

www.justgiving.com/WarwickSnowYorkshireThreePeaks

Caterton 10k Road Race....

2012-03-07T09:52:00.000Z

We would like to say a HUGE thank you to the guys and girls at The Oxford Ski Company for supporting us. They are running in the Carterton 10k Road Race on Sunday 25th March. Check out their link http://www.oxfordskiblog.com/2012/02/28/were-raising-money-by-running-a-10k/
Good luck folks :)

DSUK Events...

2012-03-06T12:44:00.000Z

Check out some of our events which are happening this year!

15th April – Brighton Marathon
8th & 9th May – Red Devils Skydive
June - National Skiathon (11th, 12th, 20th June)
23rd/24th June – Great North Swim
19th Aug – Loch Morlich Swim
16th Sept – Great North Run
30th Sept – Loch Ness Marathon
18th-27th Oct – Kilimanjaro Trek

For more information on any of the events please call Lynne on 01479 861 272 or email fundraising@disabilitysnowsport.org.uk

Steve Challen...!

2012-02-22T10:05:00.000Z

Here I am on my first red run in France during my first week with my mono-ski. Prior to this I took 4 lessons with Disability Snowsports UK at the MK Snowzone.....I could not have got started without their support and great instruction. I absolutely loved mono from day one and the potential freedom that it offered me back out on the slopes following my long-term illness, Chronic Fatigue / ME. And as you will see, progress can be pretty swift on one of these devices! I would encourage anyone to look up their local DSUK club (www.disabilitysnowsport.org.uk/) and have a go at mono or bi-ski......young, old, fit or unfit, on gentle slopes there is very little effort required, and if you get out on steeper slopes like this it is a real blast .......even if I did fall over quite a few times, but hey that is why you take a buddy with you to pull you back up again! Enjoy :-)
ps... St Jean D'Aulps is a lovely friendly family orientated resort close in the northern most part of the French Alps, about 1.5hrs from Geneva airport.....look it up too www.valleedaulps.com/

Steve Challen......!

2012-02-21T10:01:00.000Z

Here I am on the slopes in France at the end of my first week with my mono-ski. Prior to this I took 4 lessons with Disability Snowsports UK at the Milton Keynes Snowzone.....I could not have got started without their support and great instruction. I absolutely loved mono from the first lesson and the potential freedom that it offered me back out on the slopes following my long-term and continuing illness, Chronic Fatigue / ME. And as you will see, progress can be pretty swift on one of these devices! I would encourage anyone to look up their local DSUK club (www.disabilitysnowsport.org.uk/) and have a go at mono or bi-ski........able-bodied or not so, on gentle slopes there is very little effort required with one of these, and if you get out on steeper slopes it is a real blast .......even if I did fall over quite a few times!! Enjoy :-)

Next weeknd........

2012-02-16T10:35:00.001Z

MV Festival

Friday 24th to Sunday 26th February

We are all getting a wee bit excited about all the fab stuff that will be going on in the valley next weekend. We hope that you lot will be joining us?!?!

Whether you’re a seasoned mountain veteran or a complete novice, even if you just want to come and... enjoy the live music and comedy, there is something for everyone, with the aim of celebrating the best of what the Scottish winter has to offer, introduce people to skiing or snowboarding and help raise money for our two charities.

For more information and tickets check out www.mvfestival.com

Zelda's New Wheels.........

2012-02-13T16:28:00.000Z

Take a look at one of our skiers showing off her new wheels. Zelda was on her way to school and was dressed up as Abbey Bominable the Yeti's daughter. She certainly had us all fooled!! :)

MK Mono Skier.....

2012-02-09T13:21:00.000Z

Fast becoming a bit of a celeb on the DSUK Blog it's Steve Challen one of our Mono Skiers at Milton Keynes. Check out the video link below of Steve on his fourth Mono Ski lesson. He's fallen in love with it so much he's even bought his own rig!

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/37500438/Steve%20Challen%2001.MOV

Check this guy go....

2012-02-08T13:07:00.000Z

Back in 2004, a flip on skis gone tragically wrong broke Josh Dueck's back and left him as a T11 -- full paraplegic. For the past 8 years one of his dreams has been to do a flip on snow again. On February 3, 2012, Josh became the first person to perform a backflip on snow in a Sit Ski!

50 Things Before 50.......

2012-01-27T12:00:00.003Z

The woman with MS who scaled Britain’s highest mountain in a motorised wheelchair has announced her latest challenge – to ski for the first time in her life.

Sally Hyder, 49 from Edinburgh, is an adrenaline junkie with MS and is ably helped by assistance dog Harmony. Her 50 things before 50 project is taking shape with 20 things ticked off or on-going and six months still to go.

The list is varied, not all are as strenuous as ski-ing and climbing Ben Nevis, though the UK’s second and third highest mountains are on the list. It includes, visiting more Scottish islands, riding a motorbike, scuba diving and if legalities allow fly over Edinburgh while strapped to a bi-plane aka wing walking.

An amazing challenge for anyone. Good luck with it all Sally and enjoy all the experiences!!

Sally will be skiing on Cairngorm with us on February 9th. Her ski will be covered by Radio Scotland and hopefully others :)

Follow Sally on Twitter @50thingsb450

The Cairngorms is the place to be...

2012-01-26T15:35:00.000Z

Ok so maybe the previous 2 years we've been a little spoilt with the snow conditions up here in Cairngorm, but there's still some lovely skiing conditions at the top of the hill perfect for beginner and intermediate skiers. There's 5 of us DSUK Adaptive Instructors up here in Cairngorm and we are all eager to teach as many lessons as possible this season and share our love of the mountains. (If you can ski up here in Scotland you can ski anywhere in the world....FACT!!) The snow has been gradually filling in the heather gaps on the hill and there's still a whole load of people up here keeping the faith for that elusive MASSIVE SNOW DUMP that we feel as hardcore scottish skiers we deserve. (Everyone do the snow dance)
Check out the photo below taken today from inside the funicular train to the top...Who wouldn't want to come hang out up here with us. Stunning.
Laura xxx
Adaptive Instructor

SNO!zone sponsored skier.......

2012-01-26T11:56:00.001Z

Name: Louisa Turtill

Age: 4

Disability: Visually Impaired

From: Cambridgeshire

DSUK Ski School: Milton Keynes

Louisa started skiing with us back in the summer of 2011, and from the very start showed incredible potential. On her first lesson she challenged her brother and his friend to a race from the top of the lesson hill and won (with a little help from her instructor Charlie!).

By her third lesson she was starting to turn, and can now confidently follow her brother down the slope. Her potential did not go unnoticed and SNO!zone have now offered Louisa sponsorship, making her the youngest skier, and only non-professional adaptive skier to be sponsored by the company.

Louisa is yet to reach the top of the main slope, but it is a challenge she has readily accepted!

With the launch of the DSUK and Crystal ‘Access for All’ race league this summer, it is hoped that Louisa will enter the league with her brother Alex acting as her guide.

Watch this space Kelly and Jade, we may have another superstar skier hot on your heels!

A few words from Louisa’s parents about her skiing:

“We wanted to see if Louisa would like skiing, her brother learnt to ski at the SNO!zone and we didn't want to spend every session just watching. We contacted DSUK and arranged our first lesson and haven't looked back.”

“Louisa gets on the slope and gives it her best. She listens carefully and tries really hard. She loves being able to do the same activity as her brother and it's great that he can be there with her too.”

“[Her instructor] Charlie is very calm and considerate while Louisa is very quiet and a bit shy. However, once she finishes the lesson and we're on the way home she doesn't stop talking about it. We had only intended to see how she got on and are surprised how well she is doing.”

La Plagne - 18th - 25th Feb......

2012-01-18T12:28:00.000Z

We have only 1 space left on this La Plagne trip. The space needs to be filled by a Male Stand Up Skier!!

**Call Morgane on 01479 861 272**

Mono Skiing at Milton Keynes.......

2012-01-11T09:00:00.000Z

Check out DSUK member Steve Challen during his Mono Ski Lesson with Charlie at Milton Keynes. He loved it so much he has just booked himself in for another 3!!! Good on ya Steve :)

Cairngorm Ski School.....

2012-01-10T14:00:00.000Z

DSUK Ski School on Cairngorm is now OPEN......!!

Here is our fabulous team for 2012 who are looking forward to seeing you all soon :)

From left to right - Josh, Laura, James, Cath and Pete

5 Peaks Challenge

2012-01-08T12:00:00.001Z

Still spaces available for this super event!!

Grab your friends and make a day of it :)

Would you like to ski/board all 5 scottish ski areas in one day? Well here’s your opportunity! DSUK are giving you the chance to take part in this unique event on Monday 5th March 2012. Entry to the event is £20 and includes your transport plus lift passes to all the ski ...areas. All we ask is that you raise £100 in sponsorship for DSUK.

There will be an after party in Aviemore for all involved in the challenge where there will be chances to win some prizes too!

This challenge is for competent skiers and boarders who tackle red runs with ease. For further information and how to register, please contact the fundraising team on 0161 749 2290 or email fundraising@disabilitysnowsport.org.uk

Only 1 space left for this.............

2012-01-08T11:00:00.000Z

Brighton Marathon on Sunday 15th April 2011. 9am till 6pm

Raising funds for Disability Snowsport UK by taking part in this event.

All you have to do is raise £450 sponsorship money in addition to a £40 registration fee.

A 26 mile route that will take in the best of the city centre and fabulous stretches of coastal road, including panoramic views that you’d expect where the glorious South Downs meet the English Channel. The last mile in particular will be along the seafront road alongside thousands of cheering spectators, with the finish being at the famous Brighton Pier.

This event is now in its second year, going from strength to strength. Occurring the weekend before the London Marathon, it is a great chance for all those people who missed out on a place in the ballot system this year to take part in a marathon.

Here is some of the feedback we received from our participants:

It’s been an honour and a very humble experience for me to help raise some funds for Disability Snowsport UK, it was that goal that most certainly got me round in 4h 19min 04sec’ – John, Sussex

To guarantee your place please contact us on the number below to obtain your registration form which you will need to complete and return along with £40 registration fee.

If you have any questions about the event or about the charity, please do not hesitate to contact the fundraising team on 0161 749 2290 or email sarahbennett@disabilitysnowsport.org.uk.

London Easter Bunny Hop 10K

2012-01-07T11:00:00.007Z

9th April 2012 10:30 till 4

Regents Park, London

There will be Easter eggs and other seasonal goodies on offer plus a medal waiting for your at the finish of this 10k race held in the splendid surroundings of London’s Regents Park. The race is a fundraising event for Disability Snowsport UK. The event also includes a children’s race and an adults fun run. You can enter now, here:http://bit.ly/sjtvB4

Disability Snowsport UK is a nationwide registered charity providing access to snowsports for those with disabilities. We provide therapeutic, life-enhancing and, most importantly, exciting activities for individuals and groups of all ages who require adaptive equipment and specialist instruction and support.

During our thirty years in operation, we have helped thousands of people with disabilities to access adaptive snowsport, bringing numerous physical and emotional benefits.

Disability Snowsport UK relies entirely on funds generated by individuals like you.

You can enter this event either online or via post. Simply follow the link below for futher details.

http://www.nice-work.org.uk/events.php?id=53

Hard day at the office!!

2012-01-06T13:10:00.000Z

First DSUK Cairngorm ski of the season..................!

HOLIDAYS...............

2011-12-24T10:00:00.001Z

Everyone from DSUK would like to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year... We will be back on the 4th January with more news and updates :)

5 Peaks Challenge......

2011-12-23T10:00:00.000Z

MV Festival.......

2011-12-21T11:59:00.002Z

24th to 26th February...

MV Festival (Mountain & Valley Festival) is the UK’s newest annual festival. It is also unique and the first of its kind in Scotland. The MV Festival takes place in the Scottish Highlands every February, combining snow sports, live music events and comedy acts over one full on fun packed weekend. There are just two very important points; raising money for the two annually selected charities and of course having fun.
So get set for some of the biggest music and comedy acts in the Highlands this coming winter and throw into the mix some great terrain to ski and snowboard on and it's sure to be a weekend in Aviemore you won’t want to miss.

http://www.mvfestival.com/

Aviemore's First Santa Run.............

2011-12-20T16:30:00.000Z

Come along and join us at Aviemore's FIRST ever DSUK Santa Run....!Race starts 1pm on Christmas Eve. £10 entry fee and FREE Santa suit :)

Activity Weeks........

2011-12-20T11:27:00.000Z

Our Activity Weeks have been super popular this year :) The only trip we have spaces on now is the La Plagne trip 18th to 25th February.... Call us on 01479 861 272 to book!!

Milton Keynes are Festively Fundraising again!

2011-12-09T09:00:00.000Z

On Sunday the 4^th December, SNO!zone, ASDA and Disability Snowsport UK in Milton Keynes united for a festive fundraiser to raise money for DSUK.

In the frosty morning hours, 20 tonnes of snow was delivered to the largest ASDA store in Europe to be shaped by Park Shaper extraordinaires Thom Boddington, Jack Falconer, Nick Lark and Jimmy Cartlidge into ASDA’s very first outdoor sledging zone!

Shoppers were initially a little tentative as the icy winds and freezing temperatures meant parents were not keen to hang around for their little ones to slide down the slippery slope.

As the day went on, however, word spread and soon there was a queue winding back into the MK Dons car park!

A really great £77.49 was raised by the Park Shapers and volunteers.

Thank you to all of the SNO!zone team and Adele Johnson for making this happen, and thanks also to our wonderful volunteers, Julie and Mark Baldwin, David Thomas, Paul Gadd, Andy Wright, Adrian Miller, and Mark Foster for his incredible enthusiasm!

Paralympic Ticket draw now CLOSED

2011-12-08T09:37:00.000Z

Thank you to everyone who entered, we'll be in touch shortly to announce whether or not you were successful! If you don't hear from us, please assume you were unsuccessful.

Enjoy the winter!!

Last chance to enter for Paralympic 2012 tickets...

2011-12-06T09:51:00.000Z

Here at DSUK we have been awarded 52 Paralympic tickets for the London 2012 Games!!!

If you're a current member of DSUK, whether as a skier, helper, volunteer or supporter then you are welcome to enter the prize draw.

All entries MUST be received by 4pm on Wednesday 7th December.

All you need to do is email admin@disabilitysnowsport.org.uk with your:

Full Name

Address in Full incl. Postcode

Telephone Number

Whether you'll require a seat or wheelchair space

Membership number

If you have an email address please also include this for notification purposes.

You can also send us these details via post to

Disability Snowsport UK

Glenmore Lodge Grounds

Aviemore

PH22 1QU

Please note that although we have your details on our database this is a separate draw and you must provide full details as we will not be looking up phone numbers etc.

We will not be accepting entries via telephone, and please be aware that if sending by post we must receive it by the Wednesday so bear that in mind when posting.

Please see latest news section of the DSUK website for the Ticketshare statement and link to their website for further information

The winners will be drawn and notified after 9th December.

Christmas is Coming... and we have the perfect gift idea!!

2011-12-05T10:43:00.001Z

Do you want to give something different this year?

Why not give your friends or family a voucher for an adaptive ski lesson!?

It's such a simple idea but really could brighten up someone's whole year.. Simply call Kelly on 0845 521 9338 and she'll take your details, then send out the voucher...

There's no waiting in line to pay, no busy shoppers getting in your way...

Redeemable at all of our Adaptive Ski Schools accross the country...

Do you want the chance to win 2012 Paralympic tickets?!

2011-12-02T10:54:00.000Z

Here at DSUK we have been awarded 52 Paralympic tickets for the London 2012 Games!!!

If you're a current member of DSUK, whether as a skier, helper, volunteer or supporter then you are welcome to enter the prize draw.

All entries MUST be received by 4pm on Wednesday 7th December.

All you need to do is email admin@disabilitysnowsport.org.uk with your:

Full Name

Address in Full incl. Postcode

Telephone Number

Whether you'll require a seat or wheelchair space

Membership number

If you have an email address please also include this for notification purposes.

You can also send us these details via post to

Disability Snowsport UK

Glenmore Lodge Grounds

Aviemore

PH22 1QU

Please note that although we have your details on our database this is a separate draw and you must provide full details as we will not be looking up phone numbers etc.

We will not be accepting entries via telephone, and please be aware that if sending by post we must receive it by the Wednesday so bear that in mind when posting.

Please see latest news section of the DSUK website for the Ticketshare statement and link to their website for further information

The winners will be drawn and notified after 9th December.

Activity Weeks...are the best!!

2011-11-28T08:32:00.000Z

The Crew-Williams' tell us a little bit about their experience on the DSUK Activity Weeks...

Looking back over the first decade of our daughter Zelda’s life (she has just celebrated her tenth birthday), there were three very clear signs that we had a skier on our hands from an early age. The first sign was when Zelda, who was born with Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus, was nearly six months old. We took her to Wales to celebrate the New Year. On our arrival it was snowing and all the trees were heavy with a beautiful layer of fresh, white snow. On seeing this winter wonderland, Zelda’s face melted into an enormous smile. She wanted to be in the snow immediately, feeling its softness, its coldness, its strangeness. Although only a baby, already she was communicating a passion for snow.

The second sign was when she was around two years old. We were watching a travel programme on television when the paralympian Ade Adepitan appeared on screen presenting a feature on adaptive skiing. As soon as Zelda saw Ade in his mono-ski she was mesmerised. I quickly started taping the programme as she shouted ‘again, again’ with absolute glee as he whizzed down the mountain. We were to watch that extract hundreds of times, eliciting the same response again and again! Strangely, and perhaps prophetically, the programme was broadcast just weeks before Zelda received her first wheelchair – it was as if she already knew that it was relevant to her.

The third sign was when Zelda was five years old. By this time I had come across Disability Snowsport UK on the internet and in response to my many questions they assured me that Zelda could certainly ski if she wanted to. So, in March 2005, we arrived in Andorra with DSUK to find snow galore. Zelda’s first skiing experience was with instructor Rachel Easton, who felt that Zelda had the potential to become an accomplished skier – even at such a young age.

That first week was magical, exciting, exhilarating and the best holiday we had ever had. I had skied as a child but Zelda was far better than me after the first couple of days. The group, comprising a varied mix of adults and children, was fantastically friendly and extremely good fun. The DSUK team and the group of helpers were amazing - incredibly patient, understanding, all fantastic skiers and determined to give everyone a fabulous time. Zelda’s father, Gareth, was a complete novice on snow and we all had tremendous fun laughing at his improbable technique!

After that experience, there was no doubt that a DSUK holiday was going to be an annual event. We have happily forgone summer holidays in order to go skiing. Zelda absolutely loves it and this year was a turning point for her in that she progressed from a sit-ski to a mono-ski. We spent a week in Switzerland with Rachel patiently teaching Zelda to forget all the techniques she had learnt for the sit-ski, learning instead how to balance and turn on the mono-ski. It looked fiendishly difficult balancing on one ski, but she was not daunted. There were plenty of splats, but the snow was soft, the humour was flowing (as were promises of hot chocolates afterwards) and by the end of the week Zelda was starting to master the turns. We are now counting down the days until the new brochure comes out so we can choose the resort where Zelda will continue to hone her technique – seriously - as she is convinced that she is going to ski in a future paralympic team!

There is no doubt that skiing with DSUK has changed Zelda’s life. She absolutely loves the freedom it gives her, the rush of adrenalin and the sense of achievement at descending a mountain at incredible speed. It is a sport she can excel at and it has given her dramatically increased confidence, independence and fitness. We have made many fantastic friends who we remain in contact with and the DSUK team has become an extended family. The camaraderie is really special – as a parent of a disabled child it is wonderful to share confidences with others as well as sharing responsibility – everyone seems to work well as a team and takes collective responsibility on the trips.

Apart from changing our lives, DSUK has also changed my skiing technique. Last year in Austria I suddenly lost my skiing confidence. I just didn’t seem able to do it any more after a particularly long, difficult and icy descent. I spoke to one of the instructors who suggested that one of the skiers, Michael, who has Down’s, might be able to help me. Nervously I watched as Michael, who is an amazing Elvis impersonator, threw my sticks to one side at the top of the mountain and beckoned me to bend forward and put my hands on my backside. I copied him, hesitantly, and found myself gliding down the mountain with this miraculous new technique that gave me instant balance and confidence, while copying his increasingly hilarious dance moves down the slopes. I only fell over at the bottom because I was laughing so much. I am really hoping that I am going to find Michael on a future trip. Not only is he a fantastic skiing instructor, but his Elvis impressions are strangely addictive.

Although skiing is often perceived as an elite sport, it is in fact the opposite. It is completely democratic; every skier becomes part of the mountain and is equal to the mountain. It is moving beyond words to see people who might have difficulty getting around or expressing themselves on solid ground becoming graceful, agile and confident as soon as they are on snow. Zelda can quite happily deal with school sports days, knowing that despite the fact that she is unlikely to win any prizes, she can ski with the very best. We can only hope that we can keep up with her in future, as there is every chance that she is going to be out-manoeuvring us all.

And...a little note from Zelda herself!

Attention:THIS HOLIDAY HAS BEEN THE BEST WEEK OF MY ENTIRE LIFE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

It was the first time I learned to mono-ski!!!!!!!! I kept on falling over and having lots of laughs!!!!!!!!!!!!!! But by the end of the week, I was skiing really well!!!!! The instructors and helpers knew exactly how to deal with lots and lots of disabilities, so that is why I would DEFINITELY recommend it!!!!!!! I met lots of friendly people. They were lovely!!!!!!

The hotel was a 4* hotel with lovely food and service!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

<><> <><> <><> <><>

Thank you to everyone who helped me go on this holiday.

Love from Zelda Crew-Williams xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

If you're interested in coming on a trip or just want to find out more, please email us on admin@disabilitysnowsport.org.uk but be quick...spaces are very limited now and filling up fast!

Ian Baxter on BBC Manchester... woop woop!

2011-11-25T09:00:00.000Z

Last week our Instructor Ian Baxter did an interview with BBC Manchester to talk about the funding we received from Children in Need.

Catch up with Ian’s interview on the iplayer at 2hours 40mins and 30 seconds!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/p00lh80w/Becky_Want_18_11_2011/

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - LONDON SANTA RUN 2011!!!

2011-11-24T14:14:00.000Z

The London Santa Run is a 5k fun run in Battersea Park on Saturday 3rd December...

We need volunteers to be able to deliver a safe and secure event for everyone.

We would be asking you to do one or more of the following:

Manning the DSUK stall
Giving out Santa Suits
Lugging baggage for runners
Putting up DSUK banners and signs
Marshalling the run
Handing out medals and water at the end of the run
Pack down and tidy up

The actual race starts at 10.00am with registration open from 9.00am.

Depending upon your role we need volunteers between 7.30am and 8.00am. The event itself will be finished 12.30pm.

For further information or to volunteer your services please contact Sarah Bennett on 0161 749 2290 or fundraising@disabilitysnowsport.org.uk

Please come along and get into the festive spirit with us!!

Fundraising the easy way...

2011-11-24T09:00:00.000Z

We know we've blogged about this before, but it's because we really believe that it's a fantastic idea, and a great way to raise extra money for DSUK, oh and if you're already online shopping, it doesn't cost you anything extra...it's easyfundraising.org.uk

Basically, a brief explanation is, you create a login for yourself and then make easyfundraising your homepage (this is so you remember to use it when you're online shopping!). If you use easyfundraising to buy products that you buy online then your nominated charity (DSUK we hope...) will recieve a small percentage.

Take a look at the small list below for examples of who's involved but this list is literally only a few of those who you can buy through.

It's really simple, it doesn't cost anything as you're already online shopping, and DSUK can get a few extra pounds. It really does add up, we know someone who's donated over £500 to us just by online shopping through easyfundraising!

Especially now that Christmas is just around the corner!! You can find all sorts of deals and raise money for your favourite charity throughout the festive period!!

Do you ever online shop with...

The AA

Accessorize

Argos

Aviva

Amazon.co.uk

Tesco

The Trainline

Ticketmaster

B&Q

Boots

Bench

T-Mobile

TalkTalk

Apple Store

Asda

to name but a few... it's worth having a look, just in case you can get what you want through easyfundraising

Cheese and wine raises £166....

2011-11-18T10:43:00.003Z

Holiday provider Pierre & Vacances held an après-ski fundraiser at the World Travel Market in aid of DSUK last week. The raffle raised £166 and our Adaptive Instructor Charlie Laine attended the event to accept the donation. DSUK CEO Fiona Young says “Pierre & Vacances have supported us for a number of years, and it’s fantastic that they continue to do so. Fundraising presence at any event like the World Travel Market is crucial for us to attract more supporters. We thank P&V for continuing their support of Disability Snowsport UK”.

For more information on their fundraising please read all about it on their blog:

http://blog.pv-holidays.com/2011/11/16/pierre-vacances-at-world-travel-market-2011/

Thanks to Cathy Rankin for inviting us to the event and also to The Saltmarsh Partnership, Surf PR, and the rest of the P&V team for the help and support on the night :)

For information on how you could support Disability Snowsport UK, please contact the fundraising team on 0161 749 2290 or email fundraising@disabilitysnowsport.org.uk

We need some fantastic volunteers to help us run these events so please keep reading to see if you could help...........

2011-11-16T11:41:00.000Z

ASDA Festive Fun-Day Fundraiser: 4^th December, 10am – 4pm. ASDA (MK1 1QB)

Description: A merry collaboration between DSUK, SNO!zone and ASDA will see the first ever supermarket sledging session held outside the doors of the largest ASDA store in Europe.

Sledgers will make a donation in exchange to sledge on real snow at the front of the store, whilst festive face-painting and equipment demonstrations will also be taking place.

Winter warmers and festive food (think hot chocolate, mince pies and roasted chestnuts..) will also be available throughout the day.

Volunteer Role: Helping SNO!zone staff run the sledging activity, assist with face-painting, advising shoppers about the event, spreading the word of adaptive skiing.

Commitment: As much or as little time as you have to spare. The more the merrier!

Sainsburys Collection: 10^th December, 10am-4pm. Sainsbury’s (MK2 2ES)

Description: Packing bags at the Sainsbury’s store in Bletchley.

Volunteer Role: Up to 8 volunteers needed!! Packing bags and raising the profile of adaptive snowsports!

Commitment: Ideally for the full day, but appreciate time is precious, so any commitment would be incredible.

Please let Charlie know at your earliest convenience if you are able to help us at these two events. 07810 263 768 or charlie@disabilitysnowsport.org.uk

We are hoping to raise lots of awareness and funds for adaptive snowsports, and spread the word that skiing really is accessible to all!

Sheffield Freeze - 26th November - it's set to be un-real!

2011-11-15T10:17:00.000Z

Saturday 26th November brings with it the Sheffield Freeze...

The best local Ski and Snowboard talent is combined with the largest outdoor artificial slope in the UK...mixed up with a BBQ, some tunes, insane prizes and a bit of beer...

There'll be Ski + Snowboard Competitions, Jam sessions, Boardercross, Taster sessions, Coors Beer Rally, BBQ and TTC Afterparty...

And the best bit...this year, all proceeds go to DSUK!

Click below to go direct to the Sheffield Freeze website...

100% pure adrenaline!

2011-11-11T09:00:00.002Z

Adventurous Amy Fletcher threw herself out of a perfectly good plane in aid of DSUK. To watch her video follow this link http://t.co/HMORb8xU. If that’s given you the Friday feeling and you want to take part in our next skydive event in May 2012, please contact Sarah on 0161 749 2290 or email sarahbennett@disabilitysnowsport.org.uk

DSUK skier Tim Scott

2011-11-10T09:00:00.003Z

Well done to Tim Scott - one of our skiers from Hemel Hempstead

Tim cycled 237 miles from London to Paris in just 3 days!!

Training has now begun for the next cycle - London to Brussels :)

On 19 July 2009 I was knocked off my motorbike which left me with a broken neck and other serious injuries, resulting in me being left paralysed from the chest down. They say it's only when tragedy strikes that you know who your true friends are. I have been touched, moved and humbled by all the wonderful support from friends at BRFC and throughout the rugby community. I have now been able to order my new Power Trike which will enable me to get back to one of my great loves, coaching our up-and-coming young rugby stars.

As a result of the generosity shown to me and how humbling the experience has been, I now feel it is my duty to help other unfortunate people in my position. Therefore on 29 September 2011 I will be taking up the challenge to cycle 237 miles from London to Paris - in 3 days! It will be a tough cycle ride and I am undertaking a training programme to build up my physical strength and stamina in order to accomplish it.

Funds raised by the challenge will support the work of Regain, the only charitable organisation dedicated solely to improving the independence of people who have become tetraplegics (I am a tetraplegic) as a result of a sporting accident. As I am sure you are all aware, rugby is a very physical game and occasionally spinal injuries do happen.

Regain provides support by purchasing equipment to help people lead more independent lives. The charity currently has requests for items like computers, electric wheelchairs and sports wheelchairs totalling more than £250,000. It is hoped the London to Paris Bike Ride will raise at least £50,000 towards the funds they need.

I would therefore be very grateful for any donation you feel able to make towards my sponsorship target of £2,000 I am striving to raise. If you are able to help please go to my Just Giving web page at http://www.justgiving.com/Timothy-Scott and make a secure online donation.

Thank you in anticipation of your support and encouragement. My webpage will be updated regularly with progress of my training and the challenge itself.

Winter Ski Sale.............

2011-11-09T16:57:00.000Z

Hi Folks,

We have heard that Lidl are starting a winter sale tomorrow. They have many Ski/Snowboard items at AMAZING prices... Helmets are £19.99!!

Check out the link below for more info :)

http://www.lidl.co.uk/cps/rde/xchg/lidl_uk/hs.xsl/index_25913.htm

Cake Monday...........

2011-11-09T12:12:00.002Z

On Monday we held a raffle alongside Cake Mondays to celebrate DSUK’s 1^st Anniversary in Milton Keynes.

We drew the raffle this morning and Paul Hancon from Milton Keynes was the winner!

Cakes and Cookies Galore kindly donated the incredible prize of a custom-made Christmas Cake which Paul will now be able to enjoy!

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.168916546475171.36477.109417079091785&type=3

The legacy of the Caveman Marathon continues…

2011-11-08T12:08:00.001Z

DSUK supporters Pete Turner and Neil Stevenson are taking part in the Brighton Marathon in aid of DSUK. To encourage as many donations as possible, the guys are growing their hair from now until race day. To encourage you even further, at every milestone donation, they are undertaking a challenge to please all their sponsors. Check out what they did when they made it to £500.. it’s a hair raising experience!

For find out more about Pete and Neil’s fundraising and to donate, please visit www.CavemanMarathon.co.uk

If you would like to take part in the Brighton Marathon on Sunday 15^th April 2012 and fundraise in a more conventional way, please contact the fundraising team on 0161 749 2290 or email fundraising@disabilitysnowsport.org.uk

Take part in the DSUK fun run and appear on Blue Peter!

2011-11-07T12:05:00.000Z

DSUK has launched their charity fun run on Sunday 4^th December at Wythenshawe Park. The Manchester Christmas Pudding Dash offers a main 5 mile race for the adults, plus a 1 mile scurry for all the kids. Blue Peter are attending the 1 mile race too, so to find out how to enter read on.

Manchester Christmas Pudding Dash

Sunday 4^th December 2011

Wythenshawe Park Manchester, 10.30am

Join us in Wythenshawe Park for this festive fun run in aid of Disability Snowsport UK. There will be Christmas puds and other festive goods on offer. Greeting you at the finish line will be a mince pie and a glass of mulled wine.

Entry is £15 for the Adult race and £3 for the childrens race. Blue Peter will also be coming down to take part in the childrens race! So don’t delay, enter today. You can enter online here or for further information contact the fundraising team on 0161 749 2290 or email fundraising@disabilitysnowsport.org.uk

Roaring Success As WarwickSnow Presents Avalanche!

2011-11-02T16:58:00.000Z

WarwickSnow presents Avalanche was a roaring success! Selling out in advance and bustling queues created a fantastic buzz in anticipation for the doors to open. 1400 students were entertained at the Copper Rooms by the Audio Criminals, Urban Knights, and lastly Jack Beats.

As part of the night, we sold raffle tickets, handed out t-shirts, and rattled our money tins to raise money for our chosen charity: Disability Snowsports UK. Various jackets, hoodies, and free places on lessons and freestyle trips were up for grabs before finally, the grand prize of a free place on WarwickSnow’s “Snow Nonsense” Christmas tour to Val Thorens was drawn.

All in all the night raised £211.16 for DSUK, a fantastic sum that will set in motion a prosperous chartable year to come.

Hillend plan £500,000 new look......

2011-10-29T10:00:00.002+01:00

The Midlothian Snow-sports Centre at Hillend, on the outskirts of Edinburgh, has submitted a planning application for an extra 210-metre slope, 80 metres of new nursery slope, extension and improvement work to existing nursery slopes – with safer ski matting – new snowtubing runs and installation of two travelator uplift systems.

Click the link to read more.....

http://www.heraldscotland.com/news/home-news/troubled-ski-centre-plans-a-500-000-new-look-1.1128469?localLinksEnabled=false

Zaini Hats.......

2011-10-28T09:00:00.000+01:00

Check out Zaini Hats who have very kindly set up a discount online for DSUK Members - Thanks guys :)
Click on the logo below to check out their products!

What's that coming over the hill........

2011-10-27T10:00:00.004+01:00

It's Nessie, oh no it's not??!.....A HUGE thank you to Lauren who ran the Loch Ness Marathon on October 3rd to raise money for DSUK. Great effort :) Thank you!

Brighton Marathon goes pre-historic!

2011-10-26T10:00:00.001+01:00

Friends Neil and Pete are taking part in the Brighton Marathon to raise money for DSUK. As well as setting themselves the phenomenal target of £2000, they are taking part in the event as cavemen. They are so dedicated to the cause that they have now started to grow their beards and hair and won’t be cutting it off till the event is over! Please support the guys on this fantastic challenge – and as an added incentive, once they get to £500, they will be taking part in a chest wax! (Ouch!!! Good luck with that!)

Please please check out their fantastic website below

http://www.cavemanmarathon.co.uk/

Cakes & Cookies Galore

2011-10-25T13:24:00.000+01:00

DSUK would like to say a HUGE thank you to Sian Zietsman of Cakes and Cookies Galore for donating some of her amazing cupcakes to this weeks and next weeks Cake Monday at Sno!Zone in Milton Keynes. You can see more of their creations at

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Cakes-Cookies-Galore/109417079091785?sk=info

Well done all you guys at MK Cake Mondays - we are over the £400 mark now in just 2 months - A caketastic effort :)

Human Fruit Machine!!

2011-10-21T12:20:00.000+01:00

Heading along to the Ski Show at Earls Court?? Be sure to stop by and say hello to the guys on the DSUK stand and make sure you have a go on the human fruit machine...You could be lucky and win yourself a prize!! :)

Keep your eyes peeled....

2011-10-14T16:44:00.000+01:00

We will be announcing the dates of 2 more 'festive' Fun Runs soon!!
They will be in Manchester and Bridlington :)

Activity Weeks........

2011-10-11T09:25:00.000+01:00

Our Activity Weeks are filling up super fast this year. Check out this years brochure and give us a call on 01479 861272 to book your spaces!

Shaun NEEDS your help......!

2011-10-08T11:30:00.001+01:00

Our instructor Shaun, from the indoor slope at Braehead is looking for some fundraising ideas - so far we have had a sponsored leg and back wax...Come on guys I am sure you lot can come up with heaps of ideas - Don't worry Shaun I am sure they will be nice to you ;)

2011-10-07T09:00:00.004+01:00

Josh Dueck was an aspiring skier and coach until a ski accident in 2004 changed his life for good. After coming to the realization that he would never walk again, Josh made a conscious decision to make the best of a terrible situation. Within 1 year he was back on snow doing what he loved, and shortly after, his determination took him to the top of the podium in the sport of Sit-skiing. Despite his success in the world of competitive skiing, he wasn't satisfied as a skier. Josh's dream is to tackle the backcountry, and the steepest and wildest mountains in the world. In ‘The Freedom Chair’, it's a dream fulfilled.

The Freedom Chair - Official Trailer

1st snow fall in the Cairngorms...woop woop!!!

2011-10-06T10:33:00.001+01:00

Yipppeeeee!!

We have our first dusting of snow on the tops of the Cairngorms. It is very chilly outside but the view from inside our cosy office is well worth it. How lucky we are!! :)

Why not join the Olympic Park Run??

2011-10-05T09:00:00.005+01:00

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to run a five-mile course through the Olympic Park starting at 14:00 on Saturday 31 March 2012

Open to entrants of all abilities, whether you're an experienced runner or a novice, the route will pass iconic, world-class venues like the Velodrome and Aquatics Centre and culminates in the first public access to the Olympic Stadium - the centrepiece of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Entry fee is £15 - Check out the official website for details

Why not take this opportunity to raise funds for DSUK

Contact our Events Team on 0161 749 2290 or email fundraising@disabilitysnowsport.org.uk for more information

Cake Mondays at Milton Keynes......YUM!!

2011-10-04T10:40:00.008+01:00

Cake and Ski On is an event which has been running every Monday at SNO!zone in Milton Keynes for the past month, to raise funds for Disability Snowsport UK. Staff donate their delicious homemade goodies which are then sold for a donation and ALL proceeds go to DSUK.Yesterday the guys and girls raised £92.95 on cakes...A big welldone and thank you to them :)

To date the total amout raised is £269.30....an incredible amount raised by hungry cake fans!!

You can follow this caketastic event, see the money raised to date and also meet the fabulous bakers behind it all at www.eatcakeandskion.com

Helper Training Days.....

2011-09-30T09:00:00.005+01:00

Do you want to help skiers with disabilities??

If YES, join us on our helper training days.

Helper training days will be held on Sunday 20th November 2011 at:

The Snow Centre, Hemel Hempstead

Chill Factore, Manchester

Braehead SNO!zone, Glasgow

For further information on Helper Training Days contact Sophie Wood on sophiewood@disabilitysnowsport.org.uk 0161 794 2290

Go Tim!!

2011-09-29T10:11:00.001+01:00

Here you go guys, check out this video of Tim Farr out in NZ this summer!!

AMAZING!

Spreading the word...

2011-09-23T15:54:00.000+01:00

Yesterday our Lead Instructor at Milton Keynes SNO!zone, attended a charities day at Milton Keynes Snap to raise awareness of DSUK you can check out photos and the radio interview via the links below...

There are a few photos on http://www.mksnap.org/ and the interview can be found at

http://www.mkfm.com/photos/94-admin/24331-charities-day.html

If you know of any days such as this that you think DSUK should get involved with, why not forward the details to admin@disabilitysnowsport.org.uk and we can see if there's someone in the area available to attend.

Also, if you're wanting some literature because you're attending a disability awareness day and feel that you would like to promote DSUK, email us on admin@disabilitysnowsport.org.uk or call 01479 861 272 and we'll send you out some info and leaflets!!

Pedal Power...

2011-09-22T12:40:00.000+01:00

A group of skiers decided to organise their own cycling event in memory of Ali Rainback, a BASI instructor who died from a brain tumour in 2008. They decided to donate the proceeds of the event to DSUK. Speaking to the organiser Jeanette Delaney, we found out more about the event:

‘The bike ride takes place every year on the first weekend of September - chosen because it's not too hot and hopefully not too cold, and participants will have had enough time to practise over the summer. This is the 3rd cycle challenge that we have organised in memory of Ali Rainback. Ali was an inspiration, a great ski instructor and friend to many, he passed away in June 2008 aged 37 after an 8-month fight against an aggressive brain tumour. He was a director of New Generation Ski School in Courchevel and a BASI trainer.’

Friends of Ali Rainback and keen cyclists in the 3-valleys areas and beyond decided to take part in this event. This year we had just over 40 riders; less than the 62 we had last year but it was raining this year! So I was still pretty impressed with the turnout! Anyone is invited to take part, as long as they can ride a bike! Every year there is someone who attempts it on a mountain bike, which is very impressive. Those who are not able to ride but still want to be involved meet us for a BBQ at the end where we all discuss the ride and have a few laughs together over a beer and a burger.

The route in total was approximately 90kms, from Annecy to Courchevel. Ali was very lucky to be able to call these two wonderful places his home, as he lived in Courchevel in the winters and Annecy in the summers. Most people go via the Col de Tamié which involves a gentle (ish!) 400m climb, others go via the flat cycle path around the bottom of the valley. The big challenge is the climb at the end from Moutiers to Courchevel Le Praz - around an 800m climb, which, coming at the very end of the ride is a bit of a killer! The total amount climbed was 1200m!

This year we set a new record, we left Annecy at 10am and the first to arrive in Courchevel was at 2pm, so a pretty impressive time!

Every entrant paid 20 euros which covered transport to Annecy, 2 support vehicles and a BBQ at the end, with all profits going to Disability Snowsport UK.

Myself and Matthew Cooke from New Generation organised the event with lots of help from volunteers (people making flapjacks, driving riders to the start, support vehicles, BBQ chefs)!

The best bit about the event was the comradery, the banter - all of it. Everybody getting together to remember a remarkable man. The fact that there haven't been any serious injuries!

We’re already keen to do it again, and it's already pencilled in for next year!

What does it mean to support DSUK?

Living in the Alps we are all very keen skiers; most of the riders are snow sports instructors. We are amazed and inspired by all the disabled skiers we see on the slopes and want to give something back to them all to help them achieve more

Helmets...

2011-09-21T08:36:00.000+01:00

We've got todays blog entry from the Crystal Ski blog, we hope you find it interesting! ...

Ski helmets; safety essential or fashion faux pas?

We believe the answer to whether you should wear a ski helmet or not is obvious. That said, a trip to the slopes will show just how many people are still skiing and snowboarding without one.

Michael Sparks, guest blogging on ski-buzz for the first time, takes a look into the debate and the reasons for and against as well as a brief look into the very latest ski helmet technology.

An on-going debate in the ski and snowboarding world is the use of helmets and just how much benefit can they really offer. In a true free spirited session last season, this debate really hit home. A close friend escaped what could have been a nasty affair. Had he not been wearing a helmet he could have been seriously hurt.

I suppose we only have to look back a couple of years at the tragic death of Natasha Richardson and the media scrutiny that followed, highlighting the need for safety on the Piste. Soon after there was a 50% sales boost for Ski Helmets.

Jake Shealy presented data from an ongoing report that found from 1995/96 to 2009/10, helmet usage increased from 5 to 76%. They also found that head injuries decreased by 20% over the same time frame. An earlier report suggested that 77% of children aged 9 or less wore a helmet.

But there’s a reverse…… of course……

Doesn’t wearing a helmet make you take more risks?
Doesn’t wearing a helmet interfere with your vision?
Doesn’t wearing a helmet impair your hearing?
What about the technical attachments. Wouldn’t a camera or earphones just distract you?
There’s no conclusive evidence that its effectiveness works with more serious crashes.

All of these are valid points. This is where MIPS comes into play. MIPS technology has just been introduced into POC’s Receptor Backcountry Range. Multi-directional impact protection system given its full name, aimed at free skiers that ski in the most exposed conditions.

IPS Technology works by imitating the system we’ve already got in place in the human brain, by providing a middle layer between the liner and the shell that allows them both to rotate independently of each other. The helmet absorbs a lot of the rotational energy from an oblique impact, so you’re kept safer. This means you’re protected if you fall at an angle, which is the more common way to fall.

It’s very encouraging to see children on the slopes using ski helmets, and in some places it’s even mandatory. At the end of the day the real issue lies within risk calculation. Although there are a lack of statistics to say otherwise, you are unlikely to have a fatal head injury related accident, but if risk can be reduced then why not.

Whatever helmet you buy, make sure it’s a good fit and meets the safety standards in snow sports. Believe it or not according to the ski-injuries website, some helmets have not been subjected to any standardised testing. Wherever you are, make sure YOUR helmet meets the requirements. Whether it be Central European EN1077 , or American standards ASTM 2040 or Snell RS-98

This blog post was written by Michael Sparks. Michael works at Simply Piste which offers a wide variety of ski wear, and are due to stock the new range of MIPS helmets, as well as a whole new range of the latest ski clothing to hit the market this season.

Cake Monday at MK SNO!zone look AMAZING!!!

2011-09-20T13:16:00.000+01:00

So, every Monday the staff at SNO!zone Milton Keynes host "Cake Mondays" to raise money for DSUK. We're waiting until the end of the month to tally up how much has been raised so far but the tin is getting pretty heavy already!!

Check these babies out, we think you'll agree they look SCRUMMY!!!

Why not start bake sales at your work to raise money for DSUK. You could even make it a themed lunch once a week/month like "Curry Fridays", take orders at the start of the week then bring in the orders...

If you need any help with fundraising ideas why not drop us an email on fundraising@disabilitysnowsport.org.uk

THE SANTA RUN IS BACK!!! DECEMBER 2011!! GET INVOLVED...

2011-09-19T14:44:00.002+01:00

Santa Run 2011

Enter online http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/events/viewevent.asp?sp=&v=2&EN=64713&ms=

Disability Snowsport UK’s most successful fundraising event is back for 2011!
The event takes place on Saturday 3rd December 2011, in Battersea Park. Your entry fee includes your Santa suit, so there’s no excuse for not dressing up!

Please sign up to run, whether alone or as a team with friends, family or work-mates, and encourage everyone you know to get involved. Send an email round at work letting people know about this fun event, or ask Disability Snowsport UK for posters to put up in your staff room or at your gym, tell people via your facebook page or pass this newsletter around to people that you know!

Everyone will be welcome on the day: as well as runners we need volunteers to help out and of course crowds to cheer the runners on. If you’re interested, please sign up to take part, encourage everyone to join you, and start raising sponsorship money!

You can sign up to run online at Runners World, or get in touch for a hard copy entry form. For more info email the fundraising team at: fundraising@disabilitysnowsport.org.uk or call 0161 749 2290.

This year, we need your support more than ever. We would like to ask our runners to really pull out all the stops, and raise at least £25 in sponsorship. If every person who takes part in the event raises this, our charity will receive £62,000 in funding, allowing us to make a significant difference in the lives of people with disabilities. £25 is such a small amount for each individual to raise, and yet could make such a tremendous difference to our chairty and those who use our services.

Please help us to raise funds for adaptive snowsports for people with disabilities by taking part and raising as much sponsorship as you can. This year, the highest fundraiser will win a crate of wine kindly provided by Barefoot wine. All other fundraisers raising over £250 each will win a fantastic goody bag.

You can set up you own online fundraising page for free at www.justgiving.com/disabilitysnowsportuk. This allows people to sponsor you quickly and easily online – funds come direct to Disability Snowsport, so you don’t need to worry about collecting money from friends and family after the event! It is very quick and simple to set up a page, and you can then email the link to everyone you know.

We would like to smash our records this year for the amount of money raised for our charity – we would really appreciate your help, as would the people we work with!
Hope to see you on the day…!

GOOD LUCK RUNNERS!!

2011-09-16T14:16:00.000+01:00

Good luck to everyone taking part in the Great North Run in aid of Disability Snowsport UK! The Great North Run is the world’s largest half marathon taking place in Newcastle on Sunday 18th September 2011.We are so lucky to have an amazing team of runners taking part in the event this year, and so on behalf of everyone at DSUK, we wish you the very best of luck!

Activity Brochure is out NOW!!!

2011-09-07T14:52:00.000+01:00

So, our Activity Week Brochures are out now!! Follow this link:

http://www.disabilitysnowsport.org.uk/uploads/fck/file/Activity%20Brochure/activities%20brochure%2011.pdf

Where you'll find the 2012 brochure. Remember, you need to be a member to come on one of our trips, you can also download the new membership form on the website too!

Our new "rolling" membership means that you can join any day of the year and your membership runs for a full year until that date the following year (whereas before it ran 1st Sept to 31st August)

Bring on the winter...

2011-09-02T16:45:00.001+01:00

Here in the DSUK Head Office, we just can't wait until the snow starts to fall on the Cairngorms... We love the snow because it means that all of our members up here in the highlands get to ski, also it brings with it the start of a season full of overseas activity weeks!!

We've made the error of teasing ourselves by watching these awesome videos we keep sharing...really it's just torture as there're still a few months to go until we dust of the skis, but we thought we'd share it anyway!

We hope you enjoy...

VFC Dualski Video 3 _ Heliski by SPOKESNMOTION

Icelandic Challenge...

2011-09-01T14:59:00.000+01:00

We know we've blogged about it before, but for those who need a reminder, or those who've not yet read about it, check out http://www.icelandic-challenge.com/

This awesome challenge is happening in Spring 2012 so keep your eyes and ears open for further updates! You can show support to these guys by "liking" them on Facebook and following them on Twitter.

Here at DSUK we'd also like to say a HUGE congratulations to Sean and Leana Rose on the birth of their daughter Lola Ava Rose. Congratulations guys!!

Peak 2 Peak is CANCELLED

2011-08-31T14:29:00.001+01:00

CANCELLATION OF PEAK 2 PEAK CYCLE CHALLENGE ON SATURDAY 17^TH SEPTEMBER 2011

It is with deep regret that we are informing you that due to low participant numbers on the Peak 2 Peak cycle challenge, Disability Snowsport UK has made the difficult decision to cancel the event. We do not take this decision lightly and apologise for any inconvenience this may cause you.

As this is a charity event, we need to run events that ensure that they generate enough fundraising income to cover the costs of the event. Unfortunately, we are not covering these costs, and we have made the difficult decision to cancel the event.

We are offering all participants the chance to transfer their registration fee to another event (details included below), or to request a refund. Please note we cannot transfer your registration fee to another person for another event.

For all participants who have raised sponsorship, we request that you ask your donors if they would still like to give their donation to Disability Snowsport UK. We will, at your request, refund any online sponsorship pages.

We must receive all requests for a refund on your registration and/or sponsorship within 1 month (Friday 30^th September 2011). Unfortunately we are unable to refund any other travel/accommodation costs.

We apologise for the inconvenience caused. Thank you for your understanding and patience with this matter.

Other events you may transfer your registration to:

Loch Ness Marathon – Sunday 2^nd October
£400 sponsorship

London Santa Run – 6k Fun Run – Saturday 3^rd December 2011
No sponsorship

5 Peaks Challenge – Ski/board all 5 ski areas in one day – March 2011 Date tbc
£100 sponsorship

Brighton Marathon – Sunday 15^th April 2012
£450 sponsorship

National Skiathon – Tuesday 15^th May 2012
£tbc (over £100) sponsorship

Please note that your current registration fee only covers the registration fee for any of these events. You will still be required to raise the sponsorship amount as listed.

DSUK AGM...

2011-08-30T12:06:00.002+01:00

Don't forget the DSUK AGM on the 10th of September, it's your chance to have your say.

See our website for full information and agendas.

Who doesn't want to ride like this...

2011-08-26T10:22:00.000+01:00

Yet another inspirational clip to keep you going over the long weekend!

RedBull Hike&Ride by SPOKESNMOTION

Disabled compete alongside able bodied

2011-08-26T10:19:00.001+01:00

They are battling out in separate events in the New Zealand Winter Games. It is the only top level event where they all take part. We have an article from The International Ski Federation (FIS).

Adaptive snow sports will feature an extended programme at 100% Pure New Zealand Winter Games, the only elite snow sports event to combine both adaptive and able-bodied competition on the same courses.

The new addition to the adaptive programme for 2011 is the Para Snowboard Cross World Cup that will feature the inspirational women's world champion Amy Purdy from the USA who had both her legs amputated when she was a teenager.

The event will also include the 2009 world champion, Tyler Mosher (CAN) and New Zealand's national champion, Scott Coates.

Cross-country sees a strong adaptive field which includes double Paralympic men's gold medallist Yoshihiro Nitta from Japan and his teammate, Shoko Ota who took out Paralympic silver in the women's sprint race.

They are joined by USA national Champion, Sarah Edwards who has quickly risen to becoming one of the best female adaptive skiers in the world, despite only taking the sport up three years ago.

New Zealand Paralympian, Adam Hall, who won gold in spectacular style at Vancouver, dominates the adaptive alpine skiing. He is up against a strong team from the UK that includes World Cup silver medallist, Ian Bishop, who lost both his legs while in Afghanistan.

Adaptive snow sports were successfully integrated into the able bodied competition schedule at the inaugural Winter Games NZ in 2009, marking a world first for the two sets of athletes to compete together over the same course.

"We continue to believe no distinction should be made between any athletes that perform at the highest possible level, against the best in the world," said Winter Games NZ CEO, Arthur Klap. "It worked really well in 2009 with athletes enjoying the concept. And so once again, adaptive and able bodied athletes will compete at the same time, on the same course."

Athletes with a range of physical disabilities or visual impairment will compete. There are three classes of skiers - standing, sitting (using a specially mono ski) and visually impaired (who race with a guide).

In the cross-country disciplines adaptive athletes either ski on two Nordic skis or in a special ski chair with long poles - these athletes are particularly fit and strong. All are professional athletes who train and compete all year round.

100% Pure New Zealand Winter Games takes place from August 12^th - 28^th .

With thanks to FIS for this article.

Get stoked for the winter!!

2011-08-25T12:31:00.000+01:00

Another sweet video to get you stoked for the winter.

Why not book yourself on one of our trips....

For more information email admin@disabilitysnowsport.org.uk

SOOOOOO Exciting!!!

2011-08-23T10:54:00.000+01:00

Well well well...as we write this, we're taking a break from stuffing a million Activity Week brochures, booking forms and BRAND NEW MEMBERSHIP PACKS into little plastic envelopes and getting them out to you ASAP!!!

If you're not a member of DSUK already, or your membership lapsed over the 2010/2011 season, send us an email to admin@disabilitysnowsport.org.uk quick sharp and we'll get one out to you in this mass mail out!!

International Paralympic Day

2011-08-22T10:00:00.000+01:00

Be inspired... London hosts the International Paralympic Day on the 8th of September.

Ticket applications for the London 2012 Paralympic Games opening the next day on 9 September......

For more information follow the link below

London 2012 Website

What a dude...

2011-08-19T10:32:00.000+01:00

Will Rahill, is a PSIA trainer (Professional Ski Instructor of America), who just happens to be friends with Fiona Young - our CEO... (Will trained Fiona...and is a little bit of a hero to

her...and now us!!)

If you want to see a mono ski move with style and fluidity yet oozing cool, you best check this video out... This is Will playing around in his backyard which just happens to be the resort of Big Bear, California...

Will, we think you're pretty cool and would love to rock a mono ski like you...

If you've been inspired by what you see here now, why not text us a donation so that we can enable others to have the opportunity to ski, you never know what potential someone has until it's discovered...

Please text DSUK01 £** to 70070. To send the text is free, and your donation will show on your mobile phone bill

** - insert your amount here, can be up to £10

Cakes and Coppers...

2011-08-18T14:20:00.000+01:00

Yesterday our fundraiser Sarah went to Leicestershire Constabulary to collect a £600 donation that they raised as result of a cake sale every Wednesday for the last six months.

Detective Sergeant Richard Wright has been a supporter of DSUK for many years and is an adaptive qualified instructor, volunteering out at the Tamworth local group every month. It was his brainchild to set up an easy way of fundraising for the charity by selling cakes. Along with the helping hands of PC Sarah Hogan’s mum baking all the cakes, the cake sale has been a huge success!

Richard comments “For the past 6 months we have been holding ‘Cake Wednesdays’ every week, selling a variety of cakes to officers and staff based at Euston Street, Leicester. During that time we have raised a total of £600 due to the generosity of those officers and staff.”

Thank you to all at Leicestershire Constabulary for their sweet teeth!

If you have been inspired by this story and would like to set up your own ‘Cake Wednesday’ please get in touch on 0161 749 2290 or email fundraising@disabilitysnowsport.org.uk.

Check this out... AWESOME!!

2011-08-17T11:31:00.003+01:00

Following their recent success at the Mobility Roadshow in Peterborough where they won best in show, The Mountain Trike Company would love to introduce the new all terrain, self propelled mountain Trike wheelchair to you!!

This is one of the few all terrain wheelchairs which actually works on the snow!

"The Mountain Trike Company is the brainchild of Tim Morgan. Born out of his love of Mountain Biking, Tim was determined to design an all new wheelchair that would enable wheelchair riders to enjoy the countryside and get to the places he does on his bike; whilst also being practical and mastering challenging urban terrain like kerbs and cobbles.

After four years of intense development, the Mountain Trike all terrain wheelchair was born, breaking the mould for the all terrain wheel chair sector and giving riders the freedom to roam where they want, when they want. Its design uses a masterful blend of unique innovative control and drive systems and high specification mountain bike technology, which provides the riders with far greater freedom and independence to travel off the beaten track. No wheelchair on the market provides comparable high levels of maneuverability and uneven surface performance, coupled with safety, practicality and comfort. Please see attached our press pack for your information."

The Trike is now attracting a great deal of interest from all corners of the world including Matt Skelhon, GB Shooting Paralympian and Headly Court rehabilitation centre where a great deal of the fine tuning of the Trike has taken place.

For more information visit www.mountaintrike.co.uk

Aiden Leck and his AMAZING skills in both skiing and video editing...

2011-08-16T09:30:00.002+01:00

Check out this video of Aiden Leck from the Beaumont College...

Awesome work Aiden, looking forward to your next Blockbuster movie!!

Milton Keynes Welcomes a New Skiing Legend to Town

2011-08-15T12:02:00.000+01:00

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.

NAIDEX SCOTLAND RETURNS WITH EXCITING NEW FEATURES FOR 2011

2011-08-12T11:09:00.001+01:00

Exciting new features are being added to this year’s Naidex Scotland (14^th – 15^th September SECC Glasgow),

Scotland

’s premier disability and healthcare exhibition which is completely free to attend and only comes around once every two years. It is a fantastic opportunity for those in

Scotland

and the North of England to see all that is available to promote independent living under one roof and there is now even more to see and do. Having been rebranded this year (previously known as Independent Living Scotland), this highly anticipated bi-annual event is set to build on the success of previous years with thousands of products on display and a wealth of expert help and advice available.

“It is estimated that in

Scotland

there is a disabled person or person with a long-term illness living in just over one in three households. As Scotland’s only disability, rehabilitation and homecare show, Naidex

Scotland

caters for a widespread need by providing access to all the latest independent living solutions and services available on the disability market. It is great to be returning to

Scotland

this year and we are certainly planning on repeating the success of 2009’s show!” commented Liz Virgo, Event Director.

Naidex Scotland will showcase the best in independent living and mobility aids from over 150 exhibitors and promises to be an inspirational and informative experience for members of the public, trade buyers, retailers and healthcare professionals alike. The show provides a unique opportunity for people in

Scotland

and the North of England to test and compare all the latest products and equipment that can make a real difference to everyday living. Naidex

Scotland

is also proud to be supporting Enable Scotland as its charity of the year. It is a fantastically dynamic charity run by its members, who campaign for a better life for children and adults with learning disabilities helping them to live life to the full and actively participate in their community.

Visitors to Naidex Scotland can expect to see all the usual show features that make visiting so worthwhile such as the Inspiration Theatre, an interactive forum where visitors can listen to inspirational case studies and the Communication & Learning Village, home to the latest communication aids and assistive technology. New features that have now been added to the show include the Car Zone, where many of the

’s leading vehicle converters, will be exhibiting the latest wheelchair assisted vehicle developments. Also making its Naidex

Scotland

debut is KideQuip, the must see zone dedicated to children with special needs, where visitors and healthcare professionals will be able to meet and discuss individual needs and products with exhibitors.

Naidex

Scotland

also presents a wealth of career benefits for all healthcare professionals. Not only will they have the opportunity to become acquainted with the latest products on offer; they can also enhance their professional development and add to their portfolio by attending the free CPD seminars supported by The College of Occupational Therapists and the Healthcare Professional Council. This year’s seminar programme is again being put together by Kate Sheehan, a leading independent occupational therapist accredited for the previous highly popular and successful CPD seminar programmes at Naidex. The College of Occupational Therapists is also instrumental in the Meet the OT feature, which offers members of the public a chance to speak face-to-face with a qualified occupational therapist.

For retailers and manufacturers, Naidex

Scotland

presents a unique and essential networking opportunity for sourcing new suppliers, as well as the ideal venue to meet with new and existing customers. Already confirmed as an exhibitor at Naidex

Scotland

this year is W Munro (Rehab) Ltd, one of the largest suppliers of medical equipment to the Scottish market. Sales Director Gordon Munro, who has always exhibited at the show, commented: “We are very much looking forward to returning to Naidex Scotland this year, as it is always a great way to showcase new products and engage with customers and healthcare professionals.”

Other confirmed exhibitors include NAEP (National Association of Equipment Providers) which runs Equip-U, an equipment provision service which is widely used by OTs throughout

Scotland

. Naidex

Scotland

is a way for exhibitors to get onto its list of preferred suppliers and for healthcare professionals to become involved with NAEP, making their presence at the show beneficial to all parties.

For more information on Naidex

Scotland

and to register for free entry please visit www.naidex.co.uk/scotland

About Naidex

Scotland

Entry is completely free if you pre-register in advance at www.naidex.co.uk/scotland. So put 14-15 September 2011 in your diaries now to ensure you don’t miss out on this fantastic event.

The Marple Fest is coming to Stockport...........

2011-08-11T10:12:00.002+01:00

Beer Fest, Festival Ball, Music...., Family FUN, Arts, Culture, Heritage, Cookery demos, Fashion Show, pie competition and loads more...............

Does this sound like your thing....

Following the tremendous success and enjoyment of last year's inaugural Festival, from the 17th September to the 1st of October the Marple Festival returns!

Jack Titley; 2011 Crystal Ski Fest Sestriere

Of particular interest to us, on the 21st of September, Cheadle and Marple Sixth form college are hosting 'Marple Schools Got Talent', tickets are £5 and they are raising money for the British Disabled Ski Team, this is the selected charity for this event as Jack Titley, a member of the youth development squad attends this college.

If you live in or around the area you should check out the festival, it looks awesome..... www.marplefestival.org.uk

Nick Jumps as well!!

2011-08-10T10:39:00.001+01:00

On the 25th july we told you that Charlie is jumping out a plane, Nick Hatherly, our adaptive instructor at Hemel is 'on board' as well.......

Show your support by donating at his just giving site http://www.justgiving.com/Nicholas-Hatherly0?ref=nf. All money raised goes directly to DSUK so that we can continue providing access to snowsport for all.

Well done Dave and Gilly!!!

2011-08-09T12:32:00.000+01:00

On August 6th at 1400 Dave and Gilly completed the 190 mile coast to coast walk.

They are knackered and will never do it again, so far they have raised £968 for DSUK, contribution can still be made at http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/team/daveandgilly

If you are inspired by Dave and Gilly's epic challenge and want to take part in an event yourself you can contact our fundraising team on fundraising@disabilitysnowport.org.uk

Go on...we dare you!

2011-08-08T16:27:00.000+01:00

Check out the info below, and you can get involved with possibly one of the most exhilarating experiences of your life!!

New to DSUK, skier Chris Jones gives us his 1st impressions of mono-skiing!!

2011-08-05T12:12:00.001+01:00

Having discovered mono skiing whilst watching the X games earlier this year I knew I just HAD to have a go. I surf a lot in kayaks, but after a worsening of my condition I suffered a major collapse (whilst in one of my kayaks) and was pulled off the beach by the Coastguard, RNLI lifeguards and Paramedics with a core body temperature of just 34.6 degrees, lucky not to have drowned. These two things happened about 6 months apart and led me to start properly looking into adaptive skiing, figuring I can’t drown if my brain shuts me down whilst sat in a mono ski!!!

I found my nearest(!) indoor slope at Tamworth and got in touch with Holly Oughton, the DSUK instructor there. Given the distance to travel, a round trip of 430 miles, I asked Holly to give me 3 (1 hour) sessions in one day, which she agreed to. My Wife and I booked into a local B&B the night before to make sure that we could get there for 9am, my Wife was going to spend the day snowboarding whilst I had a go at mono skiing.

When Holly came to meet me in the morning we first went through the paperwork and then she went and fetched a ski. She got me to sit in the ski whilst she held on to it then said "can you balance?" and let go. I didn't fall over so she went "Oh, okay, can you do it with your arms over your head?" and let go again, but I still didn't fall over, so she then said "Might as well go from the top then!" So off we went!!! I guess we must have spent 2 hours or so on that first session, but with breaks to adjust the outriggers (the breaks really get in the way!) and for me to take medication. I think I smiled for the whole time! We had a 2 hour break for lunch as the SnowDome put on a tobogganing session, during which my Wife got me to pay for some new snow trousers that she ‘needed’, then got back to it at about 2:30 after some more meds.

It’s at this point that I have to tell you just how amazing Holly is! She was so keen and was having so much fun that it just really boosted my confidence and made me want to try and go as far as I could in the time that I had. By the end of our 3 hours I was shot (I’m not sure which hurt more; my arms from the outriggers or my facial muscles from grinning!) , but I’d only fallen over 3 times and had made a few turns on my own too, in fact the only real disappointment of the day was when my Wife told me she only got 2 photos because I “was going too fast all the time”!!! Still, one thing I am CERTAIN of is that I will be back, 430 miles though it may be, and I will be doing everything I can to get in a monoski as often as possible. The whole experience was amazing, but the things that really made it were DSUK and Holly; you guys have given me a new passion, something I really NEED to do again and do as often as I can.

I guess the only question now is how long have I got left to qualify for the 2014 Winter Olympics..?

Nearly there Dave...

2011-08-04T10:43:00.001+01:00

Yesterday afternoon, we heard from the one and only Dave Whitehead...

Dave is one of our Lead Instructors at Manchester's ChillFactore and Castleford Xscape. Dave, as you can see in the photo here, is rather tired, and quite rightly!!! Dave and Gilly have been walking for days on end to raise money for Disability Snowsport UK so that we can continue to provide adaptive snowsports for people with disabilities.

Dave and Gilly are 140 miles into their total of 190 and Dave's had a blister since day one...lost a toenail on day two...and for the majority of the walk has been taping his feet up with the well known breathable material of gaffa tape!!?

So, we established that...it rains in the Lake District, Yorkshire (Dave's a Yorkshire man through and through!) is the best place on earth... and apparently walking that far is really hard work (lucky we didn't tell them that before they left!!) On the plus side... They have a good tan on their legs, they've met some lovely people along the way, they've had some great food, even better beer...and they'll not be camping again for quite some time!

If you want to sponsor Dave and Gilly, you can do so by visiting their Virgin Money Giving site

www.virginmoneygiving.com/team/daveandgilly

Are you trying to fundraise for DSUK?

2011-08-03T11:19:00.000+01:00

Are you trying to raise money for DSUK? Are you struggling to bring in those last few pounds to make your target? Below are some top tips from JustGiving...

1. Personalise your message

The best fundraising pages tell a really good story. Let people know why you're going to the trouble of raising money, and they're much more likely to take the time to donate. Explain why your charity deserves support and what their donations will buy, eg £10 will buy a school desk or £20 will help restore someone's sight.

2. Add photos and video

Personal photos make your page much more engaging. Even better — add your own YouTube video. It gives you lots of scope to be funny, imaginative and compelling and gives your supporters a good reason to send your page on to their friends.

3. Tell everyone about your page

Before you email your entire address book, ask your closest friends and family to donate first. An empty page can be a bit intimidating, so having a couple of donations on the page should encourage other sponsors. People tend to match the amounts already listed on the page, so if they’re generous ones, all the better!
Email your other contacts in groups — colleagues, running club, friends overseas, etc - personalising your message each time. Include our helpdesk email address (help@justgiving.com), so anyone who has difficulty donating can contact us directly.
Use your own email system to set up groups, send emails to large numbers of people and keep your communications personal. Potential supporters are more likely to open an email that comes from you than an email address they don’t recognise.

4. Publicise your page

Print some Moo cards with your page URL on the back and give them out to everyone you meet! You can also share your page on Facebook with our Facebook app, and on your blogs and websites with our widget or badges. Ask your company if they’ll link to your page from their website or intranet. Put up posters in your gym, college, church or school too.

5. Put a link in your email signature

Add your page's web address, or one of our 'sponsor me' badges, to your email signature. That way, every email you send raises awareness of your fundraising and attracts more donations.

6. Keep your page up to date

Post regular updates on your progress and upload new photos. It gives people a reason to come back to your page and encourages them to donate again or to send your page on to their friends.

7. Send a follow-up email

Be persistent. It takes more than one round of emails to reach your target. You know what it's like - people mean to donate, but sometimes they don't quite get round to it on the first request. Remember to thank the people who've already supported you, and to ask them to send your page to their contacts.

8. Personalise your thank-you

You can edit the thank-you email that we automatically send to people who donate by logging in to your account and going to 'Edit your thank-you message'. Make sure you encourage people to send your page on to friends who might be interested in sponsoring you.

9. Contact your local media

A few lines in the local paper or an appeal on your local radio station can really help. By going straight to your JustGiving page, readers and listeners can sponsor you really easily. We've got a sample press release here for you to customise.

10. Keep fundraising after your event

Around 20% of donations through JustGiving come in after people finish their event. So keep fundraising once you've crossed the finish line - it's a good chance to email an update and a final appeal!

BDST members train for their EPIC Icelandic Challenge!!

2011-08-02T09:56:00.000+01:00

The Icelandic Challenge is the crossing of the Vatnajokull glacier - The largest in Europe, by snow kite...

The world's first unassisted crossing of Iceland's Vatnajokull glacier by disabled snow kiters.

Hazards

Seven volcanoes
Numerous crevasse fields
Extreme cold to -40 degrees centigrade
Wind speeds up to 50km/h

Route

Travelling West from Iceland's most easterly town Hofn across glacial ice to Jokulheim.

A direct route is approximately 100km, however navigating crevasse fields and volcanoes will increase the distance to be kited to 300km.

Taking into account changes in wind direction and speed, the crossing is likely to take 5-7 days allowing for up to 8 hours kiting a day.

There is nowhere to shelter en route so the team will be dragging survival equipment with them

The glacier includes seven volcanoes under its ice-cap; most are active. Pitted with crevasse fields, it has under it an ice cavern system several kilometres long...

With temperatures plummeting to -40 degrees centigrade and wind speeds of up to 50 km/h, an unassisted crossing by snow kite is a daunting task. Now consider that three of the team are disabled, the Icelandic Challenge becomes quite exceptional. But then, the Icelandic Challenge participants are exceptional people- three outstanding disabled athletes supported by three able bodied buddies. The first of its kind, we shall be filming the preparation and training for the Icelandic Challenge over the coming months. Our aim is to inspire and motivate others, demonstrating that in life all things are possible with DETERMINATION, DRIVE and DEDICATION.

Team members of this awe inspiring challenge are Sean Rose, Tim Farr and Ben Hooper - winter sports athletes who have everything to learn about snow kiting, and Rob Snuggs, James Bateman and Dominic McBride Wilson - their buddies : experienced kiters who have a lot to learn about the preparation required to survive in the snow.

If you've got a spare couple of minutes, we highly recommend checking out the website...

http://www.icelandic-challenge.com

You can show your support to these guys by following them on Facebook and Twitter...

Well done you guys, this looks like it's gonna be one heck of a journey...good luck and enjoy it!

EAT CAKE and raise money for DSUK...what could be better on a Monday morning?!!

2011-08-01T10:18:00.000+01:00

Disability Snowsport UK and SNO!zone Milton Keynes are proud to present their latest venture into the world of fundraising… CAKE MONDAYS!

On Monday the 5^th September the SNO!lounge will be host to the first ever Cake Monday at SNO!zone Milton Keynes. To be held on a weekly basis, the idea is that SNO!zone staff will create a variety of baked goodnesses that will then be sold in aid of DSUK.

There will be no fixed price – cake lovers across Xscape will simply pay what they think the cake is worth.

So Milton Keynes, get ready to get your bake on!

Schools and Youth funding for DSUK's Adaptive Ski School @ Braehead...!!

2011-07-29T10:14:00.000+01:00

Disability Snowsport UK has been able to secure funding to help subsidise 100 lessons in Braehead...

The funding is for clients up to the age of 25. There are 100 lessons up for grabs at a discounted rate of £10 off the regular price!

If you are a regular skier at Braehead with DSUK there will be a limit of 3 lessons at this rate, however... once they're gone, they're gone regardless of whether or not you've taken 3...

This will come into action at some point in August, so watch this space...

Channel 4 press release...

2011-07-28T11:03:00.000+01:00

The following press release has been forwarded to us from "Betty", this is an update on our previous "Are you looking for love" entry...

"Channel 4 to follow the love lives of Undateables

The Channel 4 Factual Entertainment department has commissioned Betty to make a series about people looking for love – but with a difference.

The Undateables (working title) will follow a range of people whose ability to form relationships is affected by an impairment or challenging condition - such as being deaf or having Tourette’s, Asperger’s or Narcolepsy. The programme will chart their quest to find love in an image-obsessed world where people are too quick to make snap judgements or assumptions based on first impressions, and even consider such people to be ‘undateable’.

The series will feature a personal introductions agency whose unique method of pro-actively searching for perfect matches will give everyone the best chance of finding a suitable partner. The agency will be fully inclusive and have both disabled and non-disabled people on their books, who for their very own reasons have found it difficult to find love and decided it’s time to do something about it.

The agency will also consult a number of experts in the field, to ensure all aspects of the search for love are handled in an insightful and sensitive manner.

The Undateables will be an uplifting and moving series and explore how society’s attitude towards anyone who digresses from what is considered to be the norm can have a profound impact on those people’s lives.

The 4 x 60 series has been commissioned by Liam Humphreys and will be executive produced by Vicky Hamburger and series produced by Lucy Leveugle. It will air next year.

Channel 4 Deputy Head of Factual Entertainment, Liam Humphreys, said: “The Undateables will be an entertaining and life-affirming series which hopes to prove there is someone out there for everyone. We want to challenge people's perceptions about what is considered to be “normal”, but ultimately this isn't going to be a programme about disability. It's about a universal desire - to find love.”

Channel 4’s Disability Director, Alison Walsh, said: “Channel 4 pioneered the normalisation of disability through natural inclusion of disabled people across reality and factual entertainment shows. Betty played a major role in this with programmes such as Truly Madly Deeply, Find Me a Family and Beauty and the Beast. So I know they’ll bring their honesty, wit, warmth and a light touch to this portrayal of people who face more than the usual difficulties in pursuing that very normal part of everyone’s life – the search for love.”

Betty Chief Executive, Liz Warner, said: “Betty has a proud track record of working with a diverse range of contributors on often highly sensitive subject matters. This series will be full of warmth and humour and will follow the stories of people who will hopefully discover that, in the end, love conquers all. It is Vicky’s first commission since joining Betty two months ago, and we’re delighted to have her on board.”

For more information contact Saskia Wirth on swirth@channel4.co.uk or 0207 306 6431. "

Disablility Awareness training for Braehead SNO!zone staff!

2011-07-27T10:23:00.001+01:00

Last week, Keira Young, our Lead Instructor in the Central Belt carried out disability awareness days to all of the SNO!zone staff!

Throughout the sessions, the SNO!zone staff spent time in the classroom learning about Disability Snowsport UK, learning about different disabilities and how they can affect individuals.

They then had a session out on the snow to experience being taken down the slope in a sit-ski and also very importantly, how to help our instructors get our sit-ski's onto the button lifts, and how to get off at the top...

We're just waiting for some photo's of the training days, so watch this space....

Are you looking for Love...?

2011-07-26T13:39:00.000+01:00

"Betty", a highly respected, leading TV company - www.betty.co.uk are making a highly romantic up-beat and insightful documentary series for Channel 4. The idea is to follow disabled people and those with a variety conditions on their quest to find love...

There will be a dating agency in the series working closely with some specialised experts to match people on common interests, likes and dislikes. The agency will be fully inclusive, with both disabled and non-disabled people on its books.

"Betty" are working with a number of organisations including leading disability networks and charities, to ensure that this new series is handled sensitively

If you would like to meet your match and are interested in taking part, get in touch with Saskia on 0207 290 0660 or 0771 511 1997 you can also email via saskia.wilson@betty.co.uk

Oh the fun you can have in Milton Keynes!!

2011-07-25T12:36:00.000+01:00

DSUK's Lead Instructor at Milton Keynes, Charlie Laine, has been busy putting together her fundraising efforts for her upcoming Skydive!!! - EEK!!

You can check out Charlie's fundraising page by visiting

www.justgiving.com/victoriaandcharlie

JustTextGiving for the individual fundraiser...

2011-07-21T12:13:00.001+01:00

It may not be news to some, but we thought it was an important breakthrough that should be regularly kept in the forefront of our minds when fundraising is such a vital and integral part of what we do as a charity. Whilst we massively appreciate the hard work that goes in to the individual who raises money for us, we can acknowledge that times are hard and people are short on money and often short on spare time. This is why we see Just Text Giving as such a fantastic idea, especially now that anybody with a JustGiving page can set it up for free...

Basically, Just Text Giving is an initiative set up by Vodafone that, for the first time ever, allows charities and individuals to raise money using text messages through a service that is free to set up and run, and every penny donated goes to the nominated charity.

You can now donate directly to DSUK by texting DSUK01 £10 to 70070 or when you set up a JustGiving page for your own fundraising you can set up JustTextGiving to receive donations via text.

Where charities are facing a tougher environment to fundraise, hopefully this will motivate a new era of givers. With a society so consumed with electronics and mobile phones (89% of adults carry a mobile phone); the ease at which you can donate should hopefully entice more people to give.

For more information, visit http://www.justgiving.com/justtextgiving

If you want to raise money for DSUK and would like any ideas or a fundraising pack, please contact fundraising@disabilitysnowsport.org.uk

John Lewis support the Team!

2011-07-20T09:42:00.001+01:00

Check out the article below from the Trafford Chronicle...

We realise that this is quite tricky to read, so if you would like for it to be emailed in a clearer format, please contact admin@disabilitysnowsport.org.uk

Get ready for winter at a fraction of the cost...and support DSUK at the same time!

2011-07-19T14:52:00.000+01:00

DSUK have now officially launched an online "shop"...

You need to be on Facebook to access this as it is just a temporary site until we find the best way to "launch" it to the world. If you don't have a Facebook account, why not email shop@disabilitysnowsport.org.uk and see if we have what you're looking for. We can see if we have anything suitable and then send you some photos and a price.

http://www.facebook.com/groups/228346257205420?ap=1 is the link to the group and you need to log in to your facebook account to see this.

Our "shop" is made up of items that have been donated and all money made will be directed straight back in to the charity. There is a charge for postage and this will depend on the item. We have lots of ex-sample Salomon ski trousers for sale, "moon boot" style snow boots, snow boots, ski boots, snowboard boots.... Items are sold on a 1st come 1st serve basis, and from time to time the shop may be out of stock as we rely on donated items.

The items vary in quality and will be priced accordingly.

Please contact shop@disabilitysnowsport.org.uk with any questions.

Chase the Racer...

2011-07-18T10:36:00.000+01:00

So, Saturday the 16th July saw our "Chase the Racer" event at the Milton Keynes Sno!Zone...

Here's a quick run-down of how the event went from our Lead Instructor for DSUK at Milton Keynes, Charlie Laine...

"Jessica Anderson set an official course time of 12.86 seconds, then put everyone to shame by setting a time of 13.87 by doing the course on just 1 ski!

Claire Crowhurst was the fastest adult close on Jess’ heels with a fastest run of 13.63 seconds.

Daniel Rovnick was the fastest adaptive skier with a run of 17.69 on his awesome ski bike.

The fastest run in a bi-ski was achieved by DSUK instructor Sam Colby and SNO!zone MK’s Head of Slope Iain Borner with a time of 21.50 seconds. Jessica Anderson and DSUK instructor Charlie Laine were close on their heels with a time of 23.83 – not bad for Jess’ first time in a bi ski!

A huge thank you to everyone that took part, and a special thank you goes to Glen Greener from Gravity Snowsports who not only ran and sponsored the event, but also donated £100 to DSUK"

Disability Awareness Day - Warrington

2011-07-15T13:35:00.002+01:00

Have you seen this man?

Did you meet our wonderful Lead Instructor Dave Whitehead at the recent Disability Awareness Day in Warrington??

If you had a chat with Dave about Disability Snowsport and how to get involved, please contact us on admin@disabilitysnowsport.org.uk and we can send you some further information. Whether you’re looking to become a skier/helper/instructor or all of theses, we can give you all of the relevant information that you need, and you can have a chat with us to sound out any questions you may have. Go on, send us an email, or pick up the phone and call 01479 861 272 (Office Hours 10am – 2pm Monday – Friday)

http://www.disabilityawarenessday.org.uk/index.shtml

If you thought that this charming chap was helpful and informative, why not help Dave out and sponsor him on his fundraising efforts. Dave’s doing the 192 mile Coast to Coast walk at the end of July to raise money for DSUK if you would like to make a donation please click on the following link...
Dave and Gilly's Fundraising Page

Activity Week Brochures!

2011-07-14T14:35:00.000+01:00

We're getting closer to the time of year where the DSUK Admin office starts stuffing Activity Brochures into the post so that you can all see the fantastic trips we have to offer...

All current members will automatically receive a copy, if you're not a member, please send us an email with your name and address to ensure that we get one out to you while they're still hot!

They're due for completion at the start of September so please let us know asap.

You can email us on admin@disabilitysnowsport.org.uk

You can check out last years brochure on the website to get a wee taster of what's in store... Also, if you have any questions about getting involved skiing/helping please also direct this to Jude in the admin office on the email address above.