Programs
In association with its member bodies and allied organisations, Disabled WinterSport Australia
conducts regular introductory and development programs at resorts in Victoria and NSW. These programs are
designed to introduce individuals and groups with a disability to the mountain environment and the joys of skiing and/or snowboarding. Disabled WinterSport Program include:
- Transport to and from the resort (Victorian program only)
- Accommodation and meals
- Ski field access including lift passes
- Ski or snowboard lessons with qualified adaptive instructors
- Free skiing time with the assistance of qualified volunteer guides if required
Disabled WinterSport programs provide participants with a safe, supportive and friendly environment to achieve their goals on the snow.
For further information on NSW and Victorian programs, download the 2010 camp schedules here:
To register for one of these camps, download the following forms:
Alpine
Alpine or downhill skiing is the most adaptable sport for people of all abilities and strengths. It is
an activity that friends and family can all enjoy together. Over the years, development and improvement of
adaptive ski equipment together with qualified instruction have enhanced and broadened the range of disabilities
catered for. Armed with these skills the skier with a disability is able to enjoy
both independence and freedom on the slopes.
Nordic
Nordic (Cross Country) skiing originated in Scandinavia for people with visual impairments.
Since then, much advancement in the sport has seen the introduction of the Nordic sit ski. The sit ski
requires much arm strength to propel the ski along while standing skiers use poles and long narrow skis
in which boots are attached at the toe only, to glide along the snowy trails.
Nordic skiing remains one of the most vigorous cardiovascular winter sports and
whilst a great challenge it offers wonderful opportunities to enjoy our Snowy Mountains in their
pristine environment.
Adaptive Snowboarding
Adaptive snowboarding involves boarding in a standing position on a snowboard. The boarder wears regular snowboarding boots and uses a regular snowboard. Additional equipment can be used to assist the rider with stability and steering. This is becoming one of the fastest growing adaptive winter sports in the world and DWA now have active Adaptive Ride program giving DWA members the opportunity to pursue Snowboarding.
Ice Sports
Curling for people with disabilities will launch its initial development
programs in Bendigo, Victoria. Now a recognised Winter Paralympic Sport, it is currently played in
sixteen countries. The game is similar, but only just, to lawn bowls and requires highly-tuned skills
and strategic thinking. Given strong development, Australia plans to
field a team at the 2010 Winter Paralympic Games in Vancouver, Canada.
Ice Hockey for people with disabilities (Sledge Ice Hockey) is
currently conducted at Mount Thebarton in Adelaide Ice Arena in social competition on Tuesdays from
6.45pm to 8pm (daylight saving). Expansion of this program to other major centres
is subject to interest and ice availability.
Short Track Speed Skating is also in its infant stages. Again,
subject to interest and ice time, we expect positive growth in this sport
Summer
Disabled WinterSport Australia, in conjunction with the Jindabyne Sport and Recreation Centre, is promoting summer
activities for people with disabilities. Activities include water based sports on Lake Jindabyne
such as trout fishing, canoeing, sailing and water skiing. The summer program also includes camping and trips to the resort of Thredbo Alpine Village offering chairlift rides to experience the beautiful mountain hinterland with its wild-flowers and alpine lakes. In the village itself activities include the mountain bob sled rides (ideally suited to people with disabilities), or just wandering around and enjoying the unique shopping and restaurants located within the Village centre.
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