Ski Dubai, the iconic indoor ski resort in the heart of the desert, is making waves once again as it unveils its impressive 2023/2024 Sponsored Team. This exceptional team showcases over 30 talented skiers and snowboarders, a testament to Ski Dubai’s dedication to nurturing young sporting talent.
The Sponsored Team is a diverse group, consisting of male and female athletes hailing from 11 different nationalities. Notably, this year’s team also includes 12 promising Emirati athletes, highlighting Ski Dubai’s commitment to promoting local talent. Age knows no bounds, with athletes ranging from 7 to 20 years old, and for the first time, the program extends its reach to junior snow sport enthusiasts aged 7-10.
As part of its unwavering commitment to supporting emerging talent, Ski Dubai is offering an array of benefits to its Sponsored Team members. These benefits include unlimited access to the slopes, where they can practice and perfect their skills. The athletes will also benefit from over 100 hours of expert coaching from Ski Dubai’s seasoned instructors, who have trained numerous elite athletes.
What sets this Sponsored Team apart is the generous support it receives from premium clothing brands, Spyder, Volcom, and RAKU, providing them with top-of-the-line winter apparel. Additionally, the athletes have access to a wide selection of specialized equipment, ensuring they have the tools they need to excel in their chosen discipline.
The 2023/2024 Sponsored Team represents various snow sport disciplines, including the Ski Dubai Freeski Sponsored Team, Ski Dubai Snowboard Sponsored Team, Ski Dubai Alpine Ski Sponsored Team, UAE National Alpine Ski Team, UAE National Snowboard Team, and UAE National Freeski Team. Each team also features both Main and Junior Development Teams.
This year’s selection process was rigorous, with factors such as technical skill performance, fitness levels, and coach reports and recommendations taken into consideration. Among the UAE National Team athletes chosen are Amenah Al Muhairi, aged 16, and Sultan Al Ghandi, aged 17. Both athletes have previously competed in the prestigious FIS Park and Pipe Junior World Championships held in Cardrona Alpine Resort, New Zealand.
Hamel Al Qubaisi, Vice President of the UAE Winter Sports Federation, expressed pride in the athletes’ dedication and commitment to the emerging field of snow sports. He reaffirmed their commitment to developing and inspiring new generations of snow sports athletes.
Over the last decade, Ski Dubai has been a driving force in fostering a winter sports culture in the MENA region, introducing more than 90,000 people to skiing and snow sports each year. In 2017, the Sponsored Team program was established to nurture young talent and provide a platform for athletes to learn, develop, and hone their skills.
The UAE’s ratification as a Full Member of the International Ski Federation (FIS) in 2022 marked a significant milestone. It paved the way for Emirati snow sports athletes to compete internationally and for the UAE to host FIS-accredited international competitions. In the same year, Ski Dubai attracted over 2,000 professional athletes from 45 nations and hosted a total of 42 snow sport events, including 11 FIS-sanctioned events. This year, Ski Dubai has partnered with the UAE Winter Sports Federation, Dubai Sports Council, and UAE Paralympic Committee to host 12 international-level snow sport events. The season kicks off with the FIS World Snow Day Alpine Ski Race and Freestyle Competitions in January and concludes with the UAE FIS Alpine Ski Slalom Race from 6-9 November.
With Ski Dubai’s ongoing commitment to developing and showcasing snow sports talent, the future looks bright for aspiring athletes, and the world can expect to see the UAE flag flying high at prestigious sporting events.
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