As the Winter Paralympic games get underway in Milan-Cortina this month, the nation will be gripped by the efforts of the super-human athletes fighting for gold on the rinks, tracks and slopes. But before the glamour of the games, there are many organisations here on UK soil, helping the potential paralympians of tomorrow, and those who seek recreation, defy the odds to experience highly physical sports like skiing and snowboarding.
We’re proud to support a number of clubs who strive to make sport more accessible for all, and one such example is Adaptive Snowsports Aldershot (ASA) in Hampshire. To date, they have raised over £3,500 through supporters shopping online – funding that is helping them transform the lives of adults and children with disabilities and additional needs through snowsports.
We caught up with Sarah Baldwin, volunteer co-ordinator at the ASA and their easyfundraising admin, to learn more about their work.
What does ASA do?
We’re based at Alpine Snowsports Aldershot, and we cater for members with a range of conditions including visual impairments and Cerebral Palsy, additional needs, and learning disabilities to give them the opportunity to try skiing and snowboarding. We also support skiers who are recovering from life changing events such as a stroke. We offer a team of fully trained volunteer instructors who are always on hand to support people in feeling confident on the artificial slopes, and we provide specialist equipment including specially adapted ski-carts and sit-skis.
We have 100 or so members right now, a range of ages and abilities – from beginners right up to those who have represented and continue to represent Team GB.
What does the ASA need funding for?
Our club is run entirely by volunteers, so we need additional funding to train instructors, guides and general helpers. We rely on fundraising to purchase the best equipment for the needs of our skiers and snowboarders and to pay for use of the dry ski slope and other costs like insurance.
We also fundraise to keep the costs down for our members and ensure we are accessible to all. We haven’t increased our membership fee for 10 years. The annual fee for members is just £10 for a junior, £18 for an adult, and £23 for a family. And with that they get access to the support and equipment they need to enjoy the slope.
Tell us about some of the success stories
Harley Chang, 10
Harley who is from Surrey, was diagnosed with Septo-Optic Dysplasia at Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital at just four months old. The rare condition affects Harley’s optic nerves and has left him visually impaired with no light perception.
Following Harley’s diagnosis his mum Genie made it her mission to ensure he could still experience as much of the world as possible along with his nine-year-old brother, Jacob. Genie is actually a keen snowboarder, so when she heard about ASA she jumped at the opportunity to introduce both boys to winter sports here with us. Both boys are members and Genie has become one of our disabled ski guides.
“I thought it would never be possible to enjoy sports like skiing when I first found out that Harley was blind, and to hear that there was a club that welcomed all disabilities was such a joy.” explained Genie.
“It’s wonderful as a parent to see both children, who are very different in terms of ability, come together over learning to ski. There are not many clubs available that accept all family members and all abilities. ASA gave us a space and made us feel a part of something special.”
We’re really proud of Harley, he’s really enjoying his skiing and it’s great to see the way it has helped the family.
Special Olympics Surrey (SOS) ski team
As well helping beginners to experience winter sports, ASA also caters for some of the sports more elite competitors.
Each month here at the ASA, we host the Special Olympics Surrey (SOS) skier team who are Special Olympics GB accredited. The SOS group includes team GB skiers Alice Willans, 26, from Farnham, and Stefan Nakoneczny, 35, from Twickenham, who both scooped medals at the Special Olympics World Games in Turin last year!
Alice, who has autism and a mild learning disability, won gold in the Super-G and silver in the slalom competitions and Stefan, who has autism and learning difficulties, won a gold medal in the men’s advanced slalom skiing category.
Stefan, who has very limited speech, developed his love for skiing during a family holiday aged 14. On their return to the UK Stefan’s parents searched for a group that could encourage him further and discovered ASA.
Fellow Special Olympics star Alice became an ASA member in 2019 after struggling to stay involved in sports after leaving school. She soon joined the SOS skier team and has never looked back.
“I had one of the most amazing experiences and the best experience of my life so far competing at the World Games in 2025. I felt it was much more than just a sports event, it was showing the power of sport and inclusivity. I felt very proud to be part of a team of such great athletes, coaches and support staff.” Alice said.
“ASA means community – I’ve met so many wonderful friends through the clubs, ASA gives us all a sense of belonging. It’s inclusive and everyone can be themselves and take part in snowsports with confidence.”
Why did you join easyfundraising and what difference has it made?
We joined easyfundraising because we’re always seeking ways to bring in much-needed funds. We’re not funded by a large organisation, we’re a completely voluntary run club and to have raised over £3,000 without having to ask members or families to donate directly is wonderful. The money has helped us keep our fees down and be able to invest in training and equipment. Even the small amounts really add up across the year.
We have 38 supporters at the moment – including volunteers, families – it’s a great way for everyone to get behind us. We’d always welcome more!
How you can support ASA
If you’d like to support ASA’s mission to transform the lives of children and adults with disabilities through snowsports, you can support them via easyfundraising here.
Are you connected to a UK good cause that could use some extra free funding? Register your cause here.