Cerebral Palsy Alliance skiing with Liberty Skis Pro Team

July 8th, 2011

Thredbo and Disabled Wintersport Australia have a long and proud history, and on Tuesday they furthered their goal to share the joy of skiing by hosting eighteen teenagers from the Cerebral Palsy Alliance. Liberty Skis organized their brand ambassador Murray Bartram, a freeskier with cerebral palsy, as well as their Australian team to come along and support the kids.


Liberty Skis Team Manager Simon Blondel and Mel Chivers from Disabled Wintersport Australia share the joy of skiing. Photo:: Ben Hansen

The skiing took place on Friday Flat, with the teenagers assisted by the Liberty Skis free ski team and Thredbo instructors. It was a clichéd case of smiles all around as mentors, volunteers, instructors and skiers alike enjoyed the fresh snow. Thredbo resort provided the perfect conditions for a first alpine experience, with the entire mountain blanketed in fresh snow. The falling flakes throughout the day added the finishing touch to a great all round experience.


Thredbo and Disabled Wintersport Australia have a long and proud history. Photo:: Ben Hansen

Disabled Wintersport Australia has been working with Thredbo since the organization was founded in 1978 by Australia’s first paralympian, Ron Finneran. The primary goal of the DWA is to provide opportunities for people with disabilities to enjoy winter sports and the magnificent environment that is Australia’s Snowy Mountains. As part of their program, they provide an extensive range of adaptive ski equipment that enables skiing, regardless of strength or ability.


The Liberty Skis Pro Team were on hand on the day to help out. Photo:: Ben Hansen

Today, DWA hosted the first day of a two-day camp with eighteen teenagers from the Cerebral Palsy Alliance. The aim of the camp is to experience the joy of the alpine environment and try skiing. The program is supported by ING and ANZ, whose donations pay for the initiative and whose staff become the mentors on the camp. They make a commitment for one year, which involves numerous shared experiences and supportive roles.


Photo:: Ben Hansen

Murray Bartram, a freeskier with cerebral palsy, was a true ambassador for disabled athletes on the day. Murray, or “Muzz” to his friends, is a great freeskier aiming to conquer the steeps of Alaska next year. His ability is evidence that disabled athletes are highly capable and able to tackle winter sports. On the day, Murray was enthusiastically encouraging the teenagers to get involved and enjoy the sensation of sliding on snow.

For more information on DWA visit:
http://www.disabledwintersport.com.au/

For more information on Cerebral Palsy Alliance visit:
http://www.cerebralpalsy.org.au/

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