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Press Release 19/03/2008
Kendal and Norfolk Ski Clubs achieve the new Snow Mark accreditation
Snowsport England introduced the Snow Mark accreditation programme as a method of examining, maintaining and improving the provision of snowsports in clubs. Building upon current good practice, the accreditation aims to recognise the effort and achievement of those clubs that reach, maintain and improve on the required standard of a club committed to the provision of quality snowsports experiences for young skiers and boarders.
Snowsport England has worked with Sport England to integrate Snow Mark accreditation with the Sport England Clubmark scheme to ensure that the safe, effective, child-friendly club standards are met. Any club awarded the Snow Mark will also have achieved Clubmark accreditation.
Kendal Ski Club
Kendal Ski Club was established in the spring of 1984. They have developed dramatically since then as they managed to buy their own land and get lottery funding for a new slope which was launched in 1997. The club is run by volunteers who all give a huge amount of time for the club. Following a visit from the regional lottery team Kendal Ski Club was placed on their exemplar list of well managed projects.
There must be thousands of skiers and boarders out there on the mountains who took their first slide down a hill on Kendal's slope. Many who were taught in the early days now bring their families, children and grand children!
The committee was very pleased to be asked to participate in piloting the Snow Mark scheme, and although it has involved a lot of addition work collecting information and documentation, it has been most valuable and has focussed attention on areas of prime importance to both existing and potential future users.
To find out more information about Kendal please look at their website: http://www.kendalski.co.uk/
Norfolk Ski Club
Norfolk Ski Club was founded in 1972 and has grown over the years to become one of the largest member run ski and snowboard clubs in the country. Over the years, as the club's membership has grown, the club facilities have also expanded.
Since its inception it has maintained its status as a members club, run by members for the members and as a result provides excellent value for money. Current membership stands at over 4,000 members.
As one of the three clubs who were part of the original pilot scheme in 2006 we are very proud to receive this award. The process of collecting the required information highlighted all the things we were already doing correctly. It also allowed us to focus on areas for further improvement. The commitment of our volunteers and staff has enabled us to reach the high standards required.
To find out more information about Norfolk Ski Club please look at their website www.norfolkskiclub.com
The award
Snow Mark and the Sport England Clubmark accreditation scheme are based upon an annual rolling award system in which a club will be assessed on its continuing ability to provide a safe, effective, child-friendly club environment.
A club will qualify in the first year by the completion of the assessment file and the writing of a 12-month Development Plan. By implementing the first year development plan and having the second year plan approved, a club will continue to be accredited and ensure continuous improvement in provision for the young players at the club
The Award will be indicative of the quality of provision a club offers, and its commitment to the continued development of snowsports. A club will receive certification to confirm accreditation.
The future
If you believe your Snowsports club may be able to offer a commitment to the Clubmark scheme in the future, and has the desire to provide a quality Snowsports experience for its young people, please contact tim@snowsportengland.org.uk
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Notes to Editors
For further information contact Tim Fawke at Snowsport England on 0121 5012314
SNOWSPORT ENGLAND
Snowsport England is the national governing body for English Snowsports
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