Pupils from Oswestry School took part in the Central England Snowsports Association (CESA) schools skiing competition at Telford snowboard and ski centre recently.
CESA is the regional body of Snowsport England, the sport’s governing body, and includes: Birmingham, Derbyshire, Hereford, Leicestershire, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, West Midlands & Worcestershire. They aim to promote skiing for all and provide training for the region’s ski squad leading to team selection for national competitions.
The schools race aims to encourage young skiers to represent their school and try skiing as a competitive sport, as well as a holiday, school trip or recreational activity. The race attracts skiers from the north and south of the region. This is a popular annual event which has attracted over 150 entrants in previous years. Oswestry School entered 4 teams (U12 girls, U14 boys, U14 girls, U19 mixed) and 2 individuals.
The pupils faced competition from Old Hall School, Our Lady and St Oswald’s, Redhill School, Myddle Primary, Walton High, Codsall Middle and Thomas Telford. Races comprised of a slalom down a fully gated course twice with the fastest time winning.
Oswestry School won the U12 girls team trophy (Emily Pritchard, Holly Gittins and Jessie Gittins) and the U16 girls team trophy (Lucy Hughes, Hannah Pritchard and Beth Ebrey). Emily Prichard also scooped 1st place in the U12 girls individual category with Lucy Hughes finishing 3rd in the U16 race. The boys came home with several medals – taking 2nd places were Oliver Anwyl (U19) and Haydn Cook (U16) while George Wigley was pipped by teammate Oliver and finished 3rd (U19).
Sophie Suckley, Head of Girls Sport at Oswestry School, said, “This is the first time the school has entered this competition and we were delighted to be able to enter so many of our talented skiers. It was an enjoyable evening and the pupils were thankful for all the support from parents and staff. Winning medals and trophies at this first event is superb and each member of the PE department is extremely proud of these students for representing the school.”