Adaptive Snowsports Aldershot Empowers Disabled Athletes Beyond Winter Olympics Spotlight
While Team GB athletes may have set gold medal records at the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, back in the UK, children and adults with various disabilities are defying odds on the slopes. Adaptive Snowsports Aldershot (ASA), a community sports club in Hampshire, is dedicated to transforming lives through snow sports for individuals with disabilities and additional needs.
Harley's Journey: Skiing Beyond Visual Impairment
Among ASA's approximately 100 members is 10-year-old Harley Chang from Surrey, diagnosed with Septo-Optic Dysplasia at just four months old at Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital. This rare condition affects his optic nerves, leaving him visually impaired with no light perception. The diagnosis shocked his parents, who were told he would need extensive support, including learning braille and using a white cane.
Harley's mother, Genie, a passionate snowboarder, made it her mission to ensure he could experience the world fully alongside his nine-year-old brother, Jacob. Upon discovering ASA, she eagerly introduced both boys to winter sports. Genie shared, "I thought skiing would never be possible after learning Harley was blind, so finding a club welcoming all disabilities was a joy." Now a volunteer disabled ski guide at ASA, she notes that skiing has uniquely bonded her sons.
"It's wonderful to see both children, with different abilities, come together over skiing. ASA provided a space where we all feel part of something special," Genie added. Harley now skis independently and enjoys bonding with his brother on the slopes, with post-session car rides filled with proud chatter about their achievements.
Inclusive Support for Diverse Needs
ASA, based at Alpine Snowsports Aldershot, caters to members with conditions such as visual impairments, Cerebral Palsy, additional needs, learning disabilities, and even those recovering from strokes. The club offers fully trained volunteers and specialist equipment like ski-carts and sit-skis during its two-hour monthly sessions.
Additionally, ASA hosts the Special Olympics Surrey (SOS) skier team, accredited by Special Olympics GB. This group includes Team GB skiers Alice Willans, 26, from Farnham, and Stefan Nakoneczny, 35, from Twickenham, both medalists at the Special Olympics World Games in Turin last year.
Special Olympics Stars Thrive at ASA
Alice, who has autism and a mild learning disability, won gold in Super-G and silver in slalom competitions. Reflecting on her World Games experience, she said, "It was more than a sports event; it showed the power of sport and inclusivity. My gold medal moment on the podium was unforgettable." For Alice, ASA means community and belonging, where she has made new friends and gained confidence.
Stefan, who has autism and learning difficulties with limited speech, won gold in men's advanced slalom skiing. His love for skiing began at age 14 during a family holiday in Vermont. His mother, Liz, recalled, "He went up the drag lift alone and skied down perfectly, stopping with a spray of snow. We had never seen him so happy." After returning to the UK, his parents found ASA, which Liz praises for its inspirational volunteers who provide inclusive opportunities.
Volunteer-Driven Club and Affordable Access
ASA relies entirely on volunteers and fundraising to cover equipment costs, slope usage, insurance, and training. To keep membership fees low—£10 for juniors, £18 for adults, and £23 for families—the club has not increased prices in 10 years and registered with easyfundraising. Supporters can shop via the platform, with retailers like M&S and Just Eat donating a percentage to ASA at no extra cost.
Sarah Baldwin, ASA's volunteer coordinator, stated, "Easyfundraising helps us maintain low fees. Every contribution counts since we're volunteer-run." The club has raised over £3,000 through this initiative and continually seeks more volunteers to expand its monthly sessions and membership.
ASA exemplifies how community-driven efforts can foster inclusivity and empowerment in sports, offering a supportive environment for disabled individuals to thrive beyond Olympic arenas.
