Ski Dragons gain medal haul at Pembrey (From Barry And District News)

Ski Dragons gain medal haul at Pembrey

THE VALE Ski Dragons, a ski group for people with learning disabilities based in Barry, recently took part in the Welsh Open Ski Championships in Pembrey.

This event was run by Special Olympics Wales and was also used as a trial for the Welsh side.

Although some of the Dragons' best skiers were unavailable due to a World Games training session being held on the same day in Scotland, the team of five acquitted themselves well, with all the team returning with medals.

Laura Knight the only female team member won two gold medals in the glide and walk. Robert Stenhouse won a silver in the walk and a gold in the glide. Adrian Abbott and Tom Farrington, both entering their first ever ski-ing competition gained a medal each.

Performance of the day however came from Gary Young who, also entering a competition for the first time, gained a silver in the slalom and a gold in the giant slalom when he completed the course in an excellent 18.33 seconds.

Club coaches Steve Thomas and Melanie Carter who accompanied the team were thrilled with the results and attributed the team's success to the extra sessions on the dry ski slope in Cardiff funded by a Sportlot grant.

Ski sessions are held on Friday evening throughout the winter months.

New members are welcome. The Vale Ski Dragons are now based in the ValePlus centre in High Street, Barry and can be contacted on 01446 746691.