BLESMA ANNUAL SKI BOB REHABILITATION EVENT 2002 (Ray Holland)

This year's event encountered the worst weather I can recall during the past 13 years. On arrival there was a shortage of snow on the lower slopes but a reasonable amount at the higher levels. Forecasts of snow were only partially correct as most days saw wind, sleet and, on occasions, heavy mist and fog.

Notwithstanding adverse weather conditions, Instructors and Students were on the slopes from 0830 hrs to roughly 1530 hrs daily which was particularly tiring for those attempting the sport for the first time.

The General Secretary managed to find time to spend the week with us and to see for himself the benefits of Ski Bobbing as a rehabilitation exercise. Having skied with an artificial leg he quickly adapted to the Bob and completed several Black Runs.

We also welcomed back two of our first amputee Instructors, Colin Whitworth and Rob Copsey who quickly found themselves back in a teaching role. We offer congratulations to Colin on being appointed to a Commission in the RLC.

The Advance Party again travelled by P & O Stenna Ferries with Lord Sterling (Chairman) providing complimentary tickets and providing use of the Club Lounge. The service provided by the Company was, as usual, outstanding. The Association remains immensely grateful to Lord Sterling, his staff, Captains David Hall and Douglas Dundas who, together with their crews, looked after the party so well.

On arrival in Soelden contact was made with the Soelden Cable Car Company. The party were welcomed by Herr Gilbert Pult (Finance Director) and his assistant, Thomas Scheiber. The company provided participants with concessional ski passes and through the good offices of Herr Helmut Kuprian (Operations Director) and his staff special arrangements were made to meet the needs of amputee Ski bobbers on the many lifts traversing the Oetztal range of mountains. Our grateful thanks too, to Carl and Cindy who provided us with secure and heated storage for boots and other items of personal equipment.

Notwithstanding adverse weather conditions, instructors and students took to the slopes with enthusiasm. Yet again, the weather highlighted the importance of understanding safety on the mountains which, on occasions, are unforgiving.

We were delighted that Henry and Ingrid Wuga were able to join us for a few days. Henry formed part of the final assessment team where his vast experience of the sport was invaluable. Another highlight was that he celebrated his 78th birthday with us and was joined by the General Secretary whose birthday fell on 29th February normally a non event!! A birthday cake was produced for both of them and we were able to watch them ceremoniously blow out the candles! (General Secretary's cake had very few candles!).

Jamie Gillespie joined us as our official prosthetist and we are grateful to Stephen Blatchford, the Managing Director of Chas A Blatchford for releasing him. During the week he dealt with a number of minor problems and on the final day was able to repair Brendan West's artificial limb which broke in the bar, nothing sinister here I have to add.

Over all instructional supervision was provided by the Chief Instructor, Chris Livett. At the final assessment, one gold, one silver and five bronze badges were awarded. Unfortunately the weather precluded all aspects of the Syllabus being fully covered in depth otherwise more students would have obtained a silver award.

The last evening saw the presentation of badges and certificates being made by the General Secretary who received his award from the Chief Instructor. Colin Whitworth presented Ingrid and Henry Wuga with a bronze statue of an Ammunition Technical Officer (ATO) in recognition of their contribution to the sport and to Ray Holland for his personal support.

The stay was further enhanced by the hospitality and help given by Markus and Elizabeth Streiter, the Proprietors of Gasthof Neue Post in Zwieselstein.

Finally, our grateful thanks go out to Chris and Mark Livett, Tin McSwiney who stores our bobs, Alison Garland and to Paul Walker and Brett Blackburn from the WPA (now the Veterans' Agency).