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Thanks to everyone, athletes, parents and teachers who attended last Friday’s annual race at Ski Pembrey. Unfortunately the weather was not kind for the largest regional schools ski race ever held in Wales. Thanks also to the team of helpers who did a great job, under difficult conditions to make the event a success and to the teachers who encouraged their pupils to take part and represent their school. Well done to everyone.

A total of 112 athletes from twenty-four schools took part. There were twenty nine teams and nine individuals. This year most schools’ had their teams entered in good time, which was fortunate with a record entry that was 40% up on our previous best. Next year we may need to limit the number of entries, with a cut off date several days prior to the race, to ensure smooth running. So, look out for our emails advising you of the date of next year’s race, and get your entries in early.

It was great to see several new schools taking part and to welcome back the old faithfulls who lived up to their reputation of entering competitive teams. Special thanks to Penyrheol, for getting their team to the race after the trauma of losing the school to fire, only days earlier. It was great to welcome two teams from Daniel James Community School for the first time and to Dwr Y Felin Comprehensive for entering four teams. It was obvious this year that some teachers and head teachers had put a lot of effort into finding just one or two pupils to represent their school and find funds to support the entries. Thank you for your help and we hope all your pupils had fun, which was our main aim. Lastly there were a few children that dug deep to conquer their fears and make it down the slope, only to go and do it all over again, in a vastly improved time. They really were the stars.

If any of your pupils feel that they would like to become more involved with the sport, please let them know that they would be welcome to attend the Swansea Nomads training sessions on Monday evenings, 7pm – 9pm, at Ski Pembrey. We have expert, qualified coaches who really know how to train the children safely. After a couple of sessions, if they still like the sport then they can join the Club. We are sure they will love to be involved with some of the best racers in Wales who can tell them all about the sport. More information on ski racing can be found on www.britski.org and www.snowsportwales.co.uk.

Attached is a full set of results that you may like to print out and display on your school notice board or Web Site. Please take a look and see how your pupils achieved in the race as several prizewinners left early because of the inclement weather.