Ski 2 Freedom helps Snowbility get into the Guinness Book of Records
Archie Cosby at the Snow Centre, Hemel Hempstead 1/5/14
"I was delighted to be asked to represent Ski 2 Freedom at a recent event hosted by The Snow Centre popup; yes in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire. Organised by Richard Fetherston of Snowbility popup; yes, the aim was to set the world record for the longest distance covered indoors on skis. With a time limit of 12 hours and a target of 4,000 runs on the Main Slope, the early risers set off at 8am. As many as 250 of us took part in the challenge, including the Centre’s small team of dedicated instructors who could be seen a lot of the time guiding beginners down the slope so that the event could really be enjoyed by anyone regardless of experience or ability. This emphasis on striving to deliver a complete experience to people who are less physically or cognitively able is at the centre of what Richard has done with Snowbility and indeed what Ski 2 Freedom pushes to facilitate and make a reality, whether it be skiing in a resort or walking in the mountains during the summer.
As the youngest brother to Alexandra Cosby, who sufferers from Rett Syndrome popup; yes and is the inspiration behind Ski 2 Freedom, I have grown up very aware of the many challenges and restrictions that face physically disabled people and their family members in everyday life - particularly in leisure and sport and simple mobility. I was therefore touched to see the extent to which The Snow Centre popup; yes has gone in order to be able to facilitate and offer the enjoyment of skiing to those who would otherwise be restricted in their options. I was kindly introduced to Terry, a teacher at the Tree House School in North London, where they spend a lot of time taking pupils with autism on day trips and really encourage these young teenagers to participate in activities such as skiing. The guidance and support shown by the instructors towards the pupils was incredible to observe and the mutual enjoyment very special as well. It was an insightful experience to have been involved in and for all of this to co-exist alongside a constant stream of more able people rushing up and down a slope - skiing themselves for a great cause that represents team spirit and achievement by unity- was truly inspiring.
At the end of the day a staggering 5,800 runs were achieved and a well deserved entry into the Guinness Book of Records! How do we beat that next year?! Finally a massive thanks to Richard and the team".
www.snowbility.co.uk popup; yes
www.thesnowcentre.com popup; yes
www.facebook.com/Ski2Freedom popup; yes
www.facebook.com/Snowbility popup; yes