Last week we waved off Special Olympics Grampian Area (SOGA) athletes who are currently representing Grampian in the Special Olympics GB National Alpine Skiing Competition in Switzerland. You may have seen Emily Plant’s story on BBC Nine last week – https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p081y93s

We are thrilled to share that she won gold in the Giant Slalom event yesterday!

The event involved skiers racing down through gates spaced apart. The weather was challenging, with wind and heavy snow, but the competitors did well and stuck it out to carry on. Emily was racing for Grampian and came 1st in her category of intermediate division 2, winning herself a gold medal. She did so well in fact that she has been moved up a division, to female division 1, meaning she will face even tougher competition on the next couple of days! Follow her story here over the next week!

Emily commented on her triumph yesterday:

“I went for the win and I got gold! The race went very well. I loved going fast through the gates.

The rest of the team did really well in their races too. I’m really happy for everyone!”

Today (Wednesday) will see the Super Giant Slalom, regarded as a speed event, and we are excited to see how Emily and the rest of the athletes get on.

Beth Woodall, Adventure Aberdeen Snowsports Senior Instructor, who is in Switzerland with the athletes, commented on yesterday’s win:

“We are all so proud of the competitors, there were really tough conditions and I think the Swiss all thought we were mad battling through the elements!

“We won a number of medals in gold silver and bronze with some very close results so we’re looking forward to the next couple of days with the Super G and Slalom. Best of all everyone came off the hill with smiles!”

Registered charity Sport Aberdeen runs an additional support needs pathway programme at Adventure Aberdeen Snowsports where SOGA athletes train on a Wednesday. If you are interested in participating in the programme, please email snowsports@sportaberdeen.co.uk