News
10/03/2008
Scouts ski to success at Winter Games
A team of six Explorer Scouts and Scout Network Members representing the United Kingdom came 4th in the first ever World Scout Winter Games, held at Kandersteg International Scout Centre in Switzerland.
The idea behind the three day event, based in the Swiss Alps, was to bring together teams from many different countries to compete in a series of winter disciplines and enjoy a fun, Scouting atmosphere at the same time.
Nine teams of Scouts, from eight different countries, came together to compete in a number of winter activities including cross country skiing, curling, slalom racing, synchronised skiing and a triathlon.All participants were experienced skiers or snowboarders and training workshops were held for Curling and Cross Country skiing before the main events.
Alex, from Intrepid Explorer Scout Unit, Solihull, said: ‘It was fantastic to meet Scouts from all over the world who had the same interest in skiing as I do. The company was excellent, the staff were cool and the leaders were great fun.’
The nine teams came from Liechtenstein, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. The competition was based on individuals and teams accumulating points in each discipline. The overall winners of the event were the Swedish Team, with Norway 2nd and Liechtenstein 3rd.
Dave from Chingford Scout Network says, ‘Curling and cross country skiing were completely new to me. A lot of teams were in the same boat and we just enjoyed learning something new and having fun. I made many friends from other parts of the UK and around the world. I can’t wait to go to Norway and Sweden to meet my new friends. The Norwegians have said that they will take me camping in an ice hole.’
Richard, from RAMS 11th Folkestone Explorer Scout Unit, Kent, added: 'It was a great privilege to represent my country in an international event. One of the Swedish Team member gave myself and James a private lesson in cross country skiing to help us do well in the competition .
‘We lost all of the Curling matches except for two, which we drew. However, during each match the team showed improvement and it was fun to learn a new skill. The important part was being there and having fun whilst competing.'
Representing the UK were David (Greater London North East), Alex (Solihull), Will (Kent), Jack (Norfolk); Richard (Kent) and James (Kent). They were accompanied by three adult Leaders from Greater London Middlesex West and Kent.
Skiing for Scouting
Have any of your Scouts recently completed a ski or snowboard badge? If so, a leading winter sports magazine would like to speak to them.
Email web.team@scout.org.uk with their name, age, where they're from and which Scout Group they belong to, along with their brief answers to these questions:
- Why did you decide do go for the Snowsports Badge?
- What did you do to prepare for it?
- What was the exam like?
- Are you going to try for some of the other new badges? If so, which ones?
- Do you think the new badges are a good idea? Why?
Photos courtesy of John Hunt and Kandersteg International Scout Centre
