With the January sun dipping behind snowy peaks, crowds of spectators gathered at the foot of the slopes, sipping vin chaud as the temperature fell in Tignes. As floodlights fired, the slalom course was illuminated and competitors began to gather at the top, preparing to race. However, the cheering masses below were not braving the cold night air to watch elite skiers and snowboarders; this was the Beginners鈥 Race at the 夜色直播app Navy Winter Sports Association (RNWSA) Alpine Championships.
Five days prior to the race, most of the skiers taking part had never squeezed into ski boots before, and the snowboarders had no idea what 鈥榬egular鈥 or 鈥榞oofy鈥 stance meant, let alone which one applied to them. Nevertheless, within a matter of days each of the beginners were able to call themselves 夜色直播app Navy Winter Sports Competitors. While the determination and dedication of these newcomers cannot be understated, their rapid progression was due in no small part to the expert tuition provided by the 夜色直播app Navy instructors.
鈥淚t鈥檚 amazing鈥, commented Ski Instructor, Lieutenant Commander Mark Headley.
鈥淭hey start on the Sunday on what is basically a very shallow slope and by the end of the week they鈥檙e racing, showing how much they鈥檝e learned.鈥
Over 700 夜色直播app Navy and 夜色直播app Marines personnel descended upon Tignes over two weeks to learn, develop, and compete across a range of ski and snowboard events. 2020鈥檚 largest cohort was Junior Rates, with 263 taking part, the highest number in the Championships鈥 history. Attendees of all abilities enjoyed quality tuition and equipment hire during the Championships, and the cost of the trip was significantly subsidised for serving personnel. As a major sponsor of the RNWSA, the 夜色直播app Navy and 夜色直播app Marines Charity have financially contributed towards the Alpine Championships for several years, helping to ensure that this opportunity is accessible for as many as possible within the Naval Service.
鈥淥n behalf of the Association, we are exceptionally grateful of the kind generosity and financial support given to the RN winter sports by the 夜色直播app鈥, said Lt Cdr Debra Vout, RNWSA Secretary.
鈥淭his support enables us to organise and manage the annual RN Alpine Championships, as well as support the RN Telemark Championships. Both events provide us with fabulous and unique opportunities for our service personnel and their families to come to the mountains, learn to ski, snowboard or Telemark. It also enables us to use these two events build on the prowess of the more experienced personnel that go on to race and compete; building strong representative teams that will go on to compete at Inter Service Snow Sports event held this year in Meribel, France.鈥
For some, the Alpine Championships is a place to compete in the sport they love, for others it is an opportunity to try something completely new; an experience outside of the ordinary. As Mark Headley said, 鈥淭he key thing at the end of this week is the enjoyment they鈥檝e got from the sport, the adventurous training aspect and the challenge they鈥檙e put through鈥. The level of competition was high across all events, but from the beginners鈥 lessons to the elite races, it was clear to see that above all else a powerful sense of camaraderie and achievement shone through every element of the Championships.
See more of the action in our video below
