Fri 25-08-2023 12:43 PM
DUBAI, 25th August, 2023 (WAM) — Three Emirati athletes from the UAE National Freestyle Junior team – Ski Dubai’s Sponsored Athletes, are geared up to compete in the FIS (International Ski and Snowboard Federation) Park & Pipe Junior World Championships.
As part of the remarkable 10th edition of the New Zealand Winter Games (NZWG), the athletes took part in the opening ceremony at the renowned Cardrona Alpine Resort on Friday before competing on 27th and 28th August.
Since 2017, Ski Dubai’s Sponsored Athlete’s Programme has awarded the region’s most talented skiers and snowboarders unlimited slope access and expert coaching. This year’s cohort consists of 34 athletes, including 18 Emiratis chosen following a rigorous selection process, which considered several factors: technical skill, performance, fitness levels and coach reports and recommendations.
The Emirati athletes chosen by the UAE Winter Sports Federation to represent the UAE in the Slopestyle and Big Air disciplines at the FIS Junior World Championships are Sultan Al Ghandi (16) – Freeski category, Abdulla Al Rashed (17) – Freeski category and Amenah Al Muhairi (15) – Snowboard category.
Before travelling to New Zealand, the athletes were trained by Ski Dubai’s Ski Academy Head Coach, James Machon, and Head of Snowsports of Global Snow at Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment, Artem Chernikh. The UAE Snowsports delegation has embarked on their journey to New Zealand to undergo intensive training in preparation for their chance to secure a spot in the 2024 Youth Olympic Winter Games.
Mohammad El Etri, Vice President of Global Snow at Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment, expressed his enthusiasm regarding the remarkable progress exhibited by these young athletes and their active involvement in international competitions.
Hamel Al Qubaisi, Vice President of the UAE Winter Sports Federation, commented, “We are proud of UAE National Junior Athletes taking part in the upcoming Junior World Championship. This is a great victory and the first step to bring snow medals home. Our youth have demonstrated their international competency in snowsports, and we will closely monitor their performance and provide the required resources to empower our champions.”
Rola AlGhoul/ Esraa Esmail