Disabled Snowsports NZ Newsletter - June 2007
Index
Editor's NoteAdaptive Snowsports Programmes 2007
The Sky's The Limit
2007 DSNZ Membership
Notices
Branches
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Editor's Note
Snow in May doesn't stay. or so they say. Well it's the first day of June and trying to snow. We have an exciting season ahead. Its buzzing here in the Snowsports NZ office with skiers and boarders arriving back in town for the season and heading up to say hi or work on their training schedules. NZ Disabled Ski Team member, Adam Hall is looking very fit and strong after his fantastic season in the US.
We are gearing up for on-snow buddy volunteer training over the next month, membership cards are going out daily and we are preparing for the Disabled Snowsports Festival and National Championships (22-27 July). Hope to see you there.
See you soon Claire & Libby
Adaptive Snowsports Programmes 2007
Adaptive Programme Coordinators
No matter which mountain adaptive programme you ski with this season, you will be welcomed by a smiling face.
Whakapapa: Patrick Green
www.mtruapehu.com
ph 07 892 3410 ext848
adaptive@mtruapehu.com
Mt Hutt: Joe Hurrell
www.nzski.com or www.disabledsnowportscanterbury.org.nz
Answer phone 03 365 8348
Mt Dobson: Jane Stevens
www.dobson.co.nz
ph 03 685 8116
mtdobson@xtra.co.nz
Cardrona: Leslie Johnston
www.cardrona.com
ph 021 238 6470
adaptive@cardrona.com
The Remarkables: Ross James
www.nzski.com
ph 03 442 4613
school@theremarkables.co.nz
Snow Farm: Nordic Instructors
www.snowfarmnz.com
ph 03 443 0300
info@snowfarmnz.com
Adaptive Programmes are run at the above ski fields with equipment, instructors and field staff focused on the needs of people with all degrees of disabilities. For those who wish to ski independently, DSNZ members will receive a discount at all NZ commercial ski fields.
A smiling face and welcome
Those of you skiing at Cardrona this year will be greeted by Leslie, with her slight US drawl and big smile. As an on-snow buddy volunteer for several years, Leslie's passion for adaptive snowsports led her to train as an instructor, and join the team at Cardrona as the Adaptive Coordinator for 2007, along with Jamie and Ben and Carl as adaptive instructors.
The Sky's The Limit
During this years DSNZ Festival week at Cardrona, Wanaka sit-skier and pilot, Barry Cardno, will use the Snowfarm airstrip, next to the access road to both resorts, to take fellow competitors up for a look at Cardrona from the air.Barry is exploring the viability of setting up a 'Flying for the Disabled' charity in New Zealand. Using a high-wing Tecnam light sport aircraft the flights will be 15-20 minutes long at $40 per person.
In 1995 Barry broke his back in a topdressing plane crash. Nowadays, with the use of a bolt-on hand control, he is able to operate the foot actuated rudder pedals.
Since regaining his wings last year, Barry has already taken disabled children and young adults from Wanaka and Dunedin flying. Their unbridled delight he said was proof it is a worthy endeavour.
2007 DSNZ Membership
The 2007 Membership cards are being issued so get your application in now. Active membership and Friends of DSNZ membership is available. We look forward to seeing your smiling photos again, or for new members we look forward to welcoming you.Our members benefit from great retail discounts, and concessions at all of New Zealand's commercial ski areas, along with support and trips organised by local branches. 2007 membership application forms are available from your local branch, or on our website along with contact details for your local branch and on-mountain adaptive programmes.
It is also important for DSNZ that all who benefit from adaptive resources show their support by becoming a member, to help us gain funding and recognition as an organisation. Come join us.
Notices
Spirit of New Zealand
Voyage for Teens with Physical Disabilities, Feb 22-26 2008, AucklandFor ages 16-20 years from all around NZ with buddy support. Cost $300. Applications close Wednesday 1 August 2007. For more info see www.spiritofadventure.org.nz or e-mail info@spiritofadventure.org.nz, ph 0800 472 454.
Discover New Zealand On Wheels!
www.nzonwheels.co.nz An independent wheelchair travel guide to New Zealand. Please submit reviews on the ski areas and accommodation you use so others may benefit from your experience, and we can all improve on what is lacking.
36th PNZ National Games, 9-11 Nov 2007
ParaFed Auckland will host the National Games at the Millennium Institute at North Harbour from 9-11 November.
Back-Up NZ 2007 Buddy Training
Buddy Training Weekend: 4-5 of August. Cost $60 to cover the 2 day lesson, please provide own gear and lift passes (Ruapehu may give a discount on lift passes) If you are interested in becoming a buddy or attend a course, please contact Tracey info@backup.org.nz. Whakapapa and North Island branch volunteers are welcome to join in.
Special Olympics Learn to Ski 3-5 August
Learn to ski weekend - spaces are available - contact davep@specialolympics.org.nz
Become a Friend of DSNZ
Friends of DSNZ enjoy a quarterly newsletter, invitations to special events and selected snow industry discounts. To become a friend simply fill out the form and return with your $20 membership donation. We will send you a Friends card. Show your support for Disabled Snowsports NZ. If you are an active member, do you have friends, family or supporters that would like to become a friend of Disabled Snowsports?Click here for other ways to contribute.
Branch News
Disabled Snowsports Canterbury
Canterbury will look very smart this season with red and black DSC jackets and beanies, and two 11 seater white logoed vans - after working hard over summer to gain funding for a replacement van. Canterbury volunteers have new DSC vests to ensure they are visible as on-snow volunteers. Well done guys.
Volunteers
All our branches are looking for volunteers this season, as well as on-snow buddy volunteers at the mountain programmes, so if you can help please contact your local branch or ski field. Check out www.disabledsnowsports.org.nz for their contact details - they would love your help.