Disability Snowsport UK - Club of the Month November 2024

The EBM team were a flurry of excitement for this month's award, which saw us head to Tamworth and Manchester to spend time with November 2024 winners, Disability Snowsport UK.

The award celebrates DSUK’s outstanding and ongoing work to make participation in the exhilarating world of snowsports more accessible and inclusive to the disabled community throughout the UK. This echoes the Every Body Moves programme goals of championing inclusion and empowering the disabled community to be more physically active in a way that suits the individual.

The charity deliver lessons from centres in Hemel Hempstead, Manchester, Tamworth, Glasgow and Edinburgh amongst others. Utilising a range of adaptive equipment and an expert team of highly trained coaches and volunteers, DSUK are able to personalise each private or group lesson to the participant's individual needs and goal. This inclusive approach ensures that everyone can safely and confidently enjoy their time on slopes, and become part of a supportive and welcoming snowsports community.

Baden Knifton, Para sport engagement officer at ParalympicsGB, said:

“DSUK’s expertise and ability to adapt snowsports to a wide range of individual needs is truly impressive. Breaking down the barriers to increase inclusive participation in skiing and snowboarding for first timers, those looking to holiday with family and friends, through to those with Paralympic ambitions alike. Congratulations to the whole team.”

Virginia Anderson, CEO of Disability Snowsport UK says “We're delighted to be recognised with this special award. As a small niche charity, we can often be overlooked; but the beauty of snowsports is that it really is for everyone. So many children and adults who come for lessons with us face restrictions in their every day lives. As soon as they get on the slopes, they’re free. We’ll never tire of seeing the joy on people’s faces and the confidence snowsports brings to our community, on and off snow.

Thank you to Toyota and Every Body Moves for recognising Disability Snowsport UK. And, thank you to our brilliant team of expert instructors for the time and care they put in to making each adaptive lesson such a wonderful experience.”

As sights turn from Paris 2024 towards the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympic Games, it’s an exciting time to join the world of adaptive winter sports. Search your postcode on the Every Body Moves activity finder to discover inclusive ways to be more physically active in your local area, or contact DSUK for your nearest slope and sessions.