Sharples set for National Skiing Championships (From Your Local Guardian)

Sharples set for National Skiing Championships

3:11pm Thursday 12th January 2012 in Local Sports Round-up By Graham Moody

A skier from Balham will be aiming to win gold at Special Olympics Great Britain’s National Alpine Ski Championship from Sunday.

Chloe Sharples, 26, is one of 73 learning disabled skiers taking part in the event in Pisa, Italy, and a good performance could earn her a spot at the Special Olympics World Winter Games in South Korea next year.

She will compete for south east England across three different disciplines, the super giant slalom, giant slalom and slalom at either advanced, intermediate or novice levels.

Five-time Olympic skier and eight-time British Champion Graham Bell is an ambassador for Special Olympics GB and believes the national championships will be an exciting contest.

“I have seen first-hand the team’s dedication and fearlessness when it comes to training and competing,” he said.

“This is the qualifier for Special Olympics World Winter Games in Korea and I know that these skiers are there to win.”

“This is the largest delegation to date,” added Candy Wragg, the head of the West Midlands delegation.

“It’s exciting to see the ski programme grow each year – especially in a country with very little snow. It will be the second time we hold our Ski Nationals in Italy.”

The championship lasts for a week.