Alpine Skiing: Great Britain Makes Ambitious Plans

On the eve of the new winter season British Ski and Snowboard (BSS), Great Britain’s National Governing Body for Skiing and Snowboarding formed in February 2010 by The British Olympic Association declared its ambitious plans on developing and promoting skiing and snowboarding.

BSS representatives reported that the governing body managed to retain two largest sponsors – British Land and Colmar. As a hosting place of the 2011 British Alpine Skiing Championships that is scheduled for the period from the 27th of March until the 4th of April a well known French alpine resort Méribel was selected. BSS also launched its new official website that can be reached at www.teambss.org.uk and registered an official Twitter account - @TeamBSS.

BSS published a set of ambitious goals that are to be reached during the next four to eight years.

Firstly, British alpine skiers and snowboarders are to win top places at world class events during the next four to eight years.

Secondly, British athletes are to struggle for medals at the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi.

Thirdly, medals at the Winter Olympic Games by 2018 are awaited.

But in reality the things are not so great as they are wished to be. BSS managers are trying to do their best looking for the necessary funds needed for support of the training and development programs. Dave Edwards, BSS Chief Executive, reported: " Government and lottery funding for the sport is very small indeed, so any cuts resulting from public spending cuts could pose significant problems in attaining Olympic medal success. Whilst not on the levels of Football, Rugby or Cricket, snowsports are enormously popular in the UK and fully deserving of Government funding…”

Mr. Edwards touched upon another serious issue. Every year British amateurs of alpine skiing spend millions of pounds at foreign alpine resorts. And this situation should be changed. BSS director commented: " National ski schools and overseas resorts, like the ESF in France or the Tourist tax in Austria, provide funding to their national teams. So when Brits spend money on hotels or lessons overseas, it is indirectly helping other nations achieve Olympic success. One of our focuses is to come up with a solution that sees the money being spent by British skiers and boarders help fund British athletes."

Anton Linden