 Poster: A snowHead
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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That's more than a bit sad 
Her and Caroline Powell were very inspirational.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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And for now at least Caroline has retired also, I think they have 1 more Olympics at least. Not sure if the reason is funding, long term plans (jade has just been qualified as a teacher, Caroline whilst clearly a very good skier, has perhaps not had the exposure and training to be a world class racer at the top level, though she is still very young. I think Caroline is currently on an instructors course, so maybe that her plan.
The cynical side might suggest that following such a high level of media for thr winter paralympic it's going to get difficult to very hard to secure a place
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Wow stopped mid sentence. Can't even remember what the next bit was going to be...
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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I can confirm its funding. It's especially expensive for blind skiers as there's 2of everything needed to include the guide. It also takes a committed guide to park their lives for that length of time.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Thanks, @Miniross. Saw article on BBC website this morning confirming the same. Good to see overall funding increase for paralympic skiing.
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I have inside info...being related! It's a bit of a cluster fudge in terms of organising as well. I think, like lots of these organisations, that the people who would be great at managing such things are employed more gainfully elsewhere in better paid roles in other arenas.
the silly thing is that when you get your base funding some of it, or rather a lot of it is pre allocated to things like Physio, strength training (hundreds of miles away so great to get to if you are blind and in lincolnshire) and such like. Basically it's paying for aspects of the organisation which you may never need, want or could source elsewhere.
Jobs for the boys?
Last edited by Then you can post your own questions or snow reports... on Tue 18-11-14 17:03; edited 1 time in total
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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@Miniross, that is great! Funding gets sidelined before the athletes get it. Doh! And not the closest to most ski resorts, Lincolnshire. Mind you, Lincoln itself is like the Alps compared with the rest of the county. Granddad used to live in Boston - that area was pancake flat.
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Yes. The imaginatively named Steep hill...not flat. This funding methodology, I believe, is a typical thing in uk Athletics. Basically cycled around to legitimise roles. And some of the behaviours by some of the staff ...poor.
And apparently Heather Mills is a real sweetheart who couldn't do enough to help others. There, let's see Paul mccartmeys PR team delete that! 
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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it seems a shame that someone whos is responsible for the increased funding that digs DSUK out of a hole has to give up due being exasperated with the organisation. It was nice to see that the chief exec will happily still have a role 
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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@iskar, well put. If the excuse for not funding alpine was no "realistic" chance of medals, how come someone who *did* get medals, and lots of them, still doesn't get funding?
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Oh the irony.
Its really expensive and the funds needed to span someone over a 4 year cycle are high. Take in account that you cant work due to commitments and you need to pay for 2 peoples everything, flights, accommodation, kit - you can see how it adds up. And then what if your guide drops out as happened many many times. If they stood up and backed someone with confidence then you might be able to make those life choices, but there are other aspects such as making a career. And not everyone will be a Tammy Gray Thompson and get peerages.
But this also happens in able bodied sports. For example, If you get sponsorship of a certain amount you loose all your funding - not a sliding scale. And sometimes that can be odd - say you are someone like Greg Rutherford - win Olympic Gold. Then GB sports claim you should make X £ and reduce funding. But for that you have to do events, appearances - basically not train and work - which can then affect your performance.
Only very few athletes make a good living from this, and very very very few in disabled sports and no one in snowsports. The Russian girl that won a medal in the skiing got a house. Win medals and still nothing changes. Unless you have had a big payout from an injury or maybe a military pension (and then thats a drop in the ocean) then getting people to do it will remain a challenge when reality bites.
Tough words, but the question becomes is it worth it?
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You know it makes sense.
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