20th July 2010
Manchester’s Chill Factore indoor snow centre is launching a search to find the region’s skiing and snowboarding stars of the future.
The Snow Stars Talent Contest is inviting eight to 14 year olds to enjoy a free taster session in either snowboarding or skiing, with the most promising taking part in a further two day beginners’ course with tuition.
The best three skiers and snowboarders will then scoop an amazing prize of more than £1,000 worth of free coaching and development from qualified instructors and some equipment to help them on their way.
The campaign has been designed by Chill Factore to support the development of British snowsports talent and to encourage participation, particularly amongst children and young adults.
Both involvement and funding in snowsports has declined in the UK in recent years, with a recent survey by Sport England showing a year on year decrease for the last five years of 16 to 34 year olds taking part in snowsport at least once a week.
The same report also highlights a fall in the number of people receiving tuition and coaching for snowsports as well as taking part in competitions.
Stephen Evans, Chief Executive of Chill Factore says: “Over the last 12 months we have seen more than 1500 schools visit Chill Factore and experience the range of snowsports on offer.
“We are working closely with Snowsport England to give more people the chance to experience skiing and snowboarding and to also help talented athletes to progress.”
The North West is the third most popular region for snowsports after the South East and London, but the number of people taking part is still less than it was four years ago.
Earlier this year it was announced that Chill Factore is one of just 10 ski facilities across England chosen to work with Snowsport England to get more people skiing and snowboarding.
The first stage of the hunt for the North West’s next skiing/snowboarding sensation will take place between 10am and 6pm on Tuesday, July 27 with the free ski lesson and on Tuesday, August 17 for the snowboard lesson. Run by qualified instructors, places at the sessions are for eight to 14 year olds that have not skied or snowboarded before. The potential Snow Stars will need to impress with their enthusiasm, balance and ease of exercise to make it through the first round.
The skiers and snowboarders showing the most potential will then be invited back for the second stage of the Snow Stars competition involving further free tuition on a two day beginners’ course.
Talent spotters will again be on hand to pick out the most promising young talent, with the three best skiers and snowboarders crowned Snow Stars and given specialist training over the coming months to help them develop their skills.
Stephen Evans adds: “Snow Stars is a first for us and we expect both the ski and snowboard events to be extremely popular. Chill Factore is a snowsports Centre of Excellence and we are committed to finding and cultivating the champion skiers and snowboarders of the future. Through this initiative we hope to identify and develop the region’s most promising young talent.”
www.chillfactore.com
|
