The UAE National Freestyle Junior team is making waves as three Emirati athletes, sponsored by Ski Dubai, are set to participate in the esteemed FIS Park & Pipe Junior World Championships, held within the 10th New Zealand Winter Games (NZWG). The trio made their debut in the opening ceremony at Cardrona Alpine Resort today and will compete on 27 and 28 August.
This initiative is an offshoot of Ski Dubai’s Sponsored Athlete’s Programme, which, since 2017, has championed the region’s promising skiers and snowboarders. The 2023 team consists of 34 athletes, 18 of whom are Emiratis, all chosen after a meticulous assessment of technical skills, fitness, performance, and coaching feedback.
Representing the UAE in the Slopestyle and Big Air categories at the championships are Sultan Al Ghandi (16) and Abdulla Al Rashed (17) in the Freeski division, and Amenah Al Muhairi (15) in Snowboarding.
Before their New Zealand venture, these athletes honed their skills under the guidance of James Machon, Ski Dubai’s Ski Academy Head Coach, and Artem Chernikh, Head of Snowsports at Global Snow, Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment. Their participation also paves the way for a potential spot in the 2024 Youth Olympic Winter Games.
Mohammad El Etri, Vice President of Global Snow at Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment, conveyed his excitement for the athletes’ achievements.
“Our dedication remains firm in nurturing Emirati athletes. Their participation is pivotal for the upcoming 2024 Junior Winter Olympic Games, where they will represent the UAE for the first time, marking a historic moment,” he stated.
Hamel Al Qubaisi, Vice President of the UAE Winter Sports Federation, echoed the sentiment, noting, “This is just the beginning. Our youth have shown their prowess in snow sports, and we are geared to offer all necessary resources.”
The Winter Games New Zealand 2023 showcases an array of winter sports events, with UAE Winter Sports Federation and Ski Dubai continuing their joint efforts to elevate winter sports in the Middle East and North African regions.