GB Athletes Deliver On First Round Of Grants

Athletes supported by the British Ski and Snowboard National Foundation have made impressive progress in the 2017/18 season, showing the impact of the grants they received last year.

The charity was established in 2016 to support young British skiers and snowboarders, and after an initial fundraising period rolled out its first round of grants last summer. Prioritising athletes for whom funding would have the greatest impact, the first recipients in 2017/18 were:

• Emma Peters (20), Ski Cross, Tyne and Wear
• Fin Bremner (18), Freestyle Snowboard, Aberdeen
• Lexi Rowlands (13), Freestyle Skiing, Chatham
• Luca Mai Hopkins Lane (15), Freestyle Snowboard, Swansea
• Owen Vinter (16), Alpine Skiing, Glasgow

The grants had a clear impact on all recipients, with additional financial support translating to impressive results and progress. Funds were largely spent on providing access to pre-season training camps which would not otherwise have been possible, and also travel to and from competitions abroad.

“One of the reasons we established the Foundation was to provide support to those athletes who otherwise would not have been able to progress,” said Sir John Ritblat, Chairman of the Foundation. “To see our first grants making such an impact is hugely heartening, and we look forward to supporting more athletes for many years to come.”

The increased funding for all athletes has enabled them to take further steps towards reaching their sporting potential: Emma Peters and Fin Bremner both made their World Cup debuts in 2017/18 and are now rubbing shoulders with the best in the business; Luca Mai Hopkins Lane landed seven podium finishes in European rookie competitions; Owen Vinter was crowned the Overall U18 Champion at the Delancey British National Alpine Ski Championships; and the youngest grant recipient, halfpipe skier Lexi Rowlands, has increased her range of tricks and just missed the podium at The BRITS, placing fourth against athletes who were older and more experienced.

“The grant from the British Ski and Snowboard National Foundation has made a huge difference to me this season,” said Fin Bremner. “I am combining my studies with training, and the grant enabled me to go to Stubai for a pre-season training camp.

“Funding is always tight, so additional support like this makes all the difference.”

Following the success of these grants, the Foundation will be announcing its next grant cycle later this month, when Home Nations snowsport organisations and British Ski & Snowboard will be asked to nominate worthy athletes.