Inter Services Championships get underway on the slopes of Méribel
More than 300 winter sports participants from the armed forces have gathered in Méribel, ready for a week of competitions in this year’s Inter Services Snowsport Championships.
Each year, organised by The Combined Services Winter Sports Association, Britain’s armed forces compete in a range of snow and ice sports competitions. This year, those visiting ski chalets in Méribel are in for a treat, as the resort prepares to host the Snowsports tournaments following this morning’s opening ceremony.
This morning, the 2016 Inter Service Snowsports competition was officially declared open by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Sir Nicholas Houghton, in a ceremony that welcomed 144 athletes as well as military VIPs, army officials and the event’s sponsors.
As well as elite skiers, snowboarders and telemarkers from across the Navy, Army and Royal Air Force, this year’s games will see participants from the Australian Defence Force and UK Armed Forces Para Snowsports team compete for titles on the slopes.
Indeed, those on ski holidays in France are in for a very patriotic experience in the Alps as British servicemen battle it out in an action-packed schedule of winter sports for a whole week until February 6th.
Brigadier James Morris, Chairman of the Combined Services Winter Sports Association, made the following statement online:
“Each competitor joins us at the inter service events at the top of his or her game, after successfully competing in their own Single Service Championships. I am also delighted to welcome the international teams who contribute greatly to our activities, along with the Combined CSDST, who will, once again I am sure, fill us with inspiration and admiration.
“I would like to record my sincere gratitude for the efforts of officials from all three Services, who help to make these events work and ensure that they are safe and enjoyable competitions for all. The slickness of the organisation will be testament to their efforts and will, I know, greatly contribute to your enjoyment.”
For more details about the events and the results as they unfold, visit the Combined Services Winter Sports Association website.
Image Credit: The musk (wikimedia.org)