2017 SSA Para-Snowsport Futures Program

THE2016 SSA PERISHERSSA para- SnowsportPARA- programFUTURES 12-13 August 2017 AUGUST 13-14 Featuring National Team Head Coaches, Paralympians and National Team Athletes www.skiandsnowboard.org.au/events/2017 SSA Para-snowsport Futures Program Page 1 WHAT IS SSA FUTURES: SSA Futures is a Ski & Snowboard Australia (SSA) athlete development and talent identifi cation program. SSA Futures has a vision to identify the next big talent in snowsports, while enhancing the opportunities and resources for athletes in the SSA athlete pathway. SSA Futures programs aim to: • Introduce developing athletes to elite sporting opportunities and elite sports people • Increase knowledge of the athlete pathway, selection criteria and the various opportunities, resources and programs available to Australian snow sports athletes • Establish a consistent and unifi ed approach to athlete development • Engage National Team athletes and programs in pathway development initiatives • Provide athletes with superior technical coaching and performance opportunities • Encourage involvement in SSA domestic ski/snowboard events • Bridge the gap between Interschools competition participation and involvement in seasonal SSA Pathway Programs SSA FUTURES: PARA-SNOWSPORT FUTURES The SSA Para-Snowsport Futures is a Talent Identifi cation (TID) initiative by SSA with support from the Australian Paralympic Committee (APC). The program seeks to provide opportunities for potential elite athletes to transfer their talent to para-alpine or para-snowboard, whilst verifying the potential of para-snowsport athletes currently in the pathway. The program will invite selected athletes based on pre determined criteria to have their potential to achieve high performance success verifi ed by experienced coaches and support staff. National High Performance Coaches, Christian Geiger and Chris McKnight (Para-alpine) and Lukas Prem (Para-snowboard) will be running the program with support from National Team Members Joany Badenhorst, Simon Patmore, Sean Pollard, Sam Tait and Tori Pendergast. National Classifi cation will be provided as part of the program for athletes with a physical impairment. Athletes with a vision impairment will be required to arrange provisional or national classifi cation in advance through the Australian Paralympic Committee as outlined at www.paralympic.org.au/vision- classifi cation/” The program will involve sessions both on-snow and off, with elements of training, education, skill development, testing and fun! ON SNOW ACTIVITIES On-snow activities will consist of participants being taken through blocks of basic technical drills, gate training, an informal race and basic progressions. Participants will have the opportunity to develop fundamental skills under the tutelage of experience coaches, whilst having exposure to the courses and training environments that our National Team athletes utilise. The on-snow training will also form part of the national classifi cation process, with participant required to perform certain drills and movements. OFF SNOW ACTIVITIES Off snow activities will include an education session, introducing participants to the opportunities and pathway for Australian Para-snowsport athletes, should they wish to pursue high performance success. Information will be provided on talent identifi cation/ talent transfer, the SSA High Performance Para-programs, classifi cation, how to access competition opportunities, funding and support and what is involved in pursuing Paralympic representation. Part of the national classifi cation activities will also occur off-snow and will involve a series of physical tests. Paralympian, World Championship Medalist and National Para- Snowboard Team athlete Joany Badenhorst Page 2 2017 SSA Para-snowsport Futures Program WHAT IS IT: WHO IS IT FOR: • 2 Day Talent Identifi cation, Development and National SSA will select 10 athletes based on applications received and Classifi cation Session run by SSA for potential talent in with respect to the broad criteria as listed below. Para-snowsports • Hosted at Perisher Ski Resort and the Jindabyne Sport Criteria for participation includes, but is not limited to; and Recreation Centre • Having a National Provisional Classifi cation or evidence to suggest participant will be eligible for Paralympic sport • Featuring Paralympic and World Class coaches & athletes • Depth of fi eld in classifi cation or likely classifi cation • Hold a current DWA Memberhsip INCLUDES • Previous sport history in relevant sports such as • Technical Training skateboarding, waterskiing or surfi ng • Talent Identifi cation Opportunities • Previous high performance sport experience (for talent • National Classifi cation transfer candidates) • Educational and Motivational speeches • Demonstration of required skills (through video or • Information Sessions otherwise) • Equipment Setup education • Age 14 and above • Total number of days skiing/boarding (recreational or otherwise) WHEN IS IT: • Physical considerations (including fi tness, healthy lifestyle choices etc) • Saturday, August 12 - Sunday August 13 2017 • Personal and performance psychology considerations • The SSA Para-winter Generic Selection Factors* WHERE IS IT: There is a limited number of spots available, which will be allocated upon discretion of SSA and the coaching staff. High • Perisher Ski Resort, NSW level technical ability is not a prerequisite, however, safety for the • Jindabyne Sport and Recreation Centre, NSW individual and group is always the priority with these activities so some basic profi ciency must be present in participants. FACILITIES: *Included in the SSA Pathway Framework linked as further reading The on-snow component of the program will take place at Perisher, most likely at Blue Cow. Training will be run in a closed off area where gates and other training apparatus will be available for athletes to utilise. COACHES/ STAFF: Off-snow activities will take place at the Jindabyne Sport and • Annie McCormack – SSA Sport Programs Coordinator Recreation Centre a • Christian Geiger –SSA Para-alpine Women’s Coach • Chris Mcknight - SSA Para-alpine Men’s Coach • Lukas Prem – SSA Para-snowboard Coach EQUIPMENT: • Leanne Rees - Classifi er • Fiona Peat - Classifi er All participants must provide their own equipment including • Joany Badenhorst – Para-snowboard Paralympian and the following: World Cup/ World Championship Medallist • Helmet (compulsory) • Sean Pollard– National Team Member / 2016 Futures Par- • Required adaptive equipment/ personnel (ie. sit ski, ticipant outriggers, VI guide, appropriate prosthesis, etc) • Simon Patmore – Para-snowboard National Team Member • Skis/ snowboard and World Cup Medallist • Ski/Snowboard Boots • Victoria Pendergast – Para-alpine Paralympian / National • Ski Poles (Skiers only) Team Member • Waterproof Outerwear Pants and Jackets • Goggles • Winter Gloves • Thermals • Backpack with water, snacks and spare clothing • Gym clothes for off-snow sessions If an athlete requires specifi c adaptive equipment they can source this through Disabled Wintersport Australia (DWA). In order to access DWA equipment, participants must be a current fi nancial member of and contact DWA in advance. Contact: Tom Hodges Phone: 0415 923 509 Email: [email protected] Web: http://www.disabledwintersport.com.au/ National Team Member, Paralympian and World Championship Gold Meddalist (2017) Mitch Gourley 2017 SSA Para-snowsport Futures Program Page 3 ACCOMMODATION: COST: Participants will need to source their own accommodation There will be no cost to participate in this program. for this program. It is recommended that accommodation is sought for at least Friday and Saturday night in the The SSA Para-Snowsport Futures Program is being supported Jindabyne locale. If you require any assistance in booking by Ski & Snowboard Australia and the Australian Paralympic accommodation, you are recommended to contact program Committee via a generous sport development grant provided coordinator Annie McCormack who will be able to assist. by Alan Dean, a long term supporter of Para-snowsport in Australia. WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED: LIFT PASS: • Transport • Accommodation Lift passes to Perisher will be provided to participants for those • Equipment that do not already have an Epic Australia Pass or regular lift • Food ticket. FOOD: Support GRANT All participants are required to bring their own snacks, lunch and water up to the mountain each day. OPPORTUNITY At the completion of the SSA Para-Snowsport Futures, TRANSPORT: coaches and support staff will discuss with participants individual pathway opportunities moving forward, should Transport to and from the training facilities at Perisher and the they be identifi ed as having high performance potential. This Jindabyne Sport and Recreation Centre will not be provided. may include such things as facilitating international program You will need to organise your own transport. If you cannot placements, individual performance planning assistance and organise transport, please contact Annie, who may be able to guest SSA Para-wintersport program opportunities. As part assist in arranging car pool options with other participants. of identifying and supporting individual high performance pathways and fast tracked development opportunities, SSA through the generous support of the APC and Alan Dean will be offering up to $5000.00 in direct athlete scholarship grants. More information about this will be provided during the pathway information session on Day 1. HOW TO APPLY:

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