On Sunday, January 8, the slopes of Fondo Grande (Folgaria ski area) hosted 2 events, the Autrodrive circuit and the Snow 4 All.
We went up to Folgaria to follow the Snow 4 All up close, the first ski event dedicated to athletes with disabilities. Conceived and organised by Scie di Passione, Snow 4 All is an event held in stages that promotes sliding sports for people with disabilities, in collaboration with the Autodrive ski circuit.
We arrived in Folgaria at 8:15 am; on the Salizzona slope the S4A athletes were doing their inspection runs and final practice before the start of the Pro CUP. The Pro CUP was one of the 2 races organised by Scie di Passione, and it was held on the Salizzona, a red slope that is the benchmark for all of Folgaria’s competitive events.
Competing on the Fondo Grande slope were the most experienced disabled athletes, already active on the European and world competitive scene; the Salizzona is a difficult slope, but the athletes were up to the challenge and put on a great show. The first run ended with Ugo Bregant (Paralympic athlete) in first place, Fabrizio Azzalini in second and Stefano Curti in third.
In the second run the athletes raced on a slope bathed in mild sunshine, with the course in good condition. The second run also changed the final standings, putting Fabrizio Azzalini on the top step of the podium, followed by Ugo Bregant and Stefano Curti.
After the splendid Pro CUP, the staff and we moved to the Fondo Grande nursery slope to get the New CUP under way. The New CUP is a non-competitive race in which disabled athletes and young people can have fun on a slalom course; in the New CUP there are no winners or losers, the spirit behind this race is the chance to have fun on the snow, and to give everyone the chance to try a course set up “race” style.
Everyone took part in the New CUP, athletes and non-athletes alike, livening up Fondo Grande with the joy of making the snow accessible to all. Commenting on the race was Tommaso Balasso, creator and coordinator of the event, the Scie di Passione staff took care of the timing, and along the side of the slope there were lots of spectators ready to cheer on and support the Snow 4 All youngsters.
The day ended with a group photo and the prize-giving for the participants on the terrace of the “bar del baffo”.
A splendid day, weather-wise too; it was really interesting to be able to take part in a one-of-a-kind event. Bringing the issue of disability and “the right to snow for everyone” to the fore is certainly an important gesture, and not just a symbolic one; on the slopes of Folgaria the day was brought to life by these intrepid young people who, thanks to their willpower and their skill, showed everyone that they can take on the ski slopes as well as life’s difficulties. We noticed that the skiers out on the slopes were favourably impressed by this initiative, curious about these young people and happy to see that Folgaria also makes room for this kind of activity!
The next event is scheduled for January 22 on the slopes of Passo Rolle (TN).
Useful links:
>> Website Scie di Passione
No comments yet