Photo Caption:
Sgt Dave Clark assists Mr David Barnett in a Mountain Man Bi-Ski

Sgt Dave Clark helps the disabled to ski
20 January 2007

On 20th January 2007, Sergeant Dave Clark from Engineering Support Flight at RAF Marham (ESF B&L) a civilian qualified ski and an adaptive ski instructor flew to Salzburg, destination Niederau, Austria to help the Disability Snowsport UK organization based in Aviemore, Scotland to help instruct a group of 12 skiers with mental and physical disabilities using adapted equipment to suit the skier’s needs.

12 skiers from across the UK, varying in experience from first timers to competent skiers with 8 helpers and Dave met at London Gatwick airport, where they boarded their Thomas Cook Flight to Salzburg. On arrival at the resort, it was apparent that the surrounding mountains looked alarmingly green!

After a busy afternoon of unpacking, they were soon able to relax with an enjoyable meal with the group, followed by a warm welcome from the Party Leader and Chief Instructor. The group were warned about the lack of snow and that skiing was not going to be possible in this resort. Although slightly concerned, the surrounding resorts would be checked for snow.

On Sunday morning the skiers were fitted up with their equipment and spent the rest of the day familiarizing themselves with the hotel’s facilities including; swimming pool, table tennis, pool and indoor golf which Dave had improvised with 4 blankets, a rubbish bin lid, 6 books and a napkin, but he wasn’t able to find the usual crazy golf windmill!!

The lack of snow had really thrown a spanner in the works, and the group eventually found a resort 35 minutes drive from the hotel. Every morning and afternoon, the skiers were bussed to and from the snow filled resort of Soll.

The week went quickly, with the day’s highlights enthusiastically discussed over dinner each evening. Other activities throughout the week were organized such as a quiz evening, trip to the local disco and on the final night an award ceremony.

Saturday morning, the return journey home, the group awoke to heavy falling snow. Chains had to be fitted to the coach to get down the mountain, and on arrival at Salzburg, the snow had become horizontal! Despite the lack of snow throughout the week, everyone had a great weeks skiing.

Dave first got involved with the scheme whilst based at RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland. Dave, a qualified ski instructor, whilst spending a day skiing at Aviemore, saw a group of disabled skiers and enquired about getting involved. In the months to follow, Dave received various training which varied from medical, correct lifting procedures to becoming more disable aware by spending a day in a wheelchair. Finally, successfully qualifying after a two week intensive course in France as an Adaptive Ski Instructor.

Dave said “It is a very rewarding and challenging experience and one I hope to be involved with again”.

For more information about Disability Snowsport check out their web site at www.disabilitysnowsport.org.uk or give them a call on 01479 861272 alternatively call Sgt Dave Clark on (01760) 337261 Ext 7954.

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