In April 2006 Saint
Michael’s College followed the Winter Olympic athletes to Turin in
Northern Italy.
10 students attended the Ski and Snowboard trip to a small
village of Claviere on the Italy/France boarder which is just one mountain from
the 2006 Winter Olympic Village.
The group contained both advanced and total beginners in
skiing so their was a great opportunity to mix with other British school
student. Roberto Cabrera signed up with 10 – 15 other students to take to
the mountains for the first time.
Having spent a long hour with friends Romina Schiavon and
Shunsuke Takagi, he final got used to walking in his new ski books. He then
joined a group with all other being less than 5 feet tall. Our gentle giant was
let loose!
Two hours of lessons were
offered each day with most taking full advantage of the experts. The snowboard
group was taken across the whole mountain in search of harder slopes to conquer
and by the final day all had the grace of those athletes from Januarys
competition.
The evenings were spent exploring the village and
experiencing the traditions of the Italians. These included a ride to the top
of the mountain on a ski-doo, tobogganing, listening to the Olympics official
band play, and a group meal at a Pizzeria.
By the end of the week all had improved their skiing and
snowboarding, but none more than Roberto who could descend the mountain without
falling.
Well Done to all!
Gareth Warham
Sports and Social Organiser - Saint Michael's College
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