Disabled Snow Sports

Disabled WinterSport Australia is a multi-faceted, self-help sporting organisation founded in 1978 by Australia's first Paralympic skier Ron Finneran and Canadian instructor Bruce Abel. The purpose of DWA is to provide opportunities for people with disabilities to enjoy winter sports and, equally importantly, to enjoy the magnificent environment that is Australia's Snowy Mountains with fellow skiers. Once considered the domain of the young and agile, skiing in Australia in 1974 was about to experience the introduction of an aspect of the sport which, until then, was considered virtually impossible - skiing for the disabled. Members of DWA receive concessions on lift passes and private lessons at all ski resorts in Australia as well as access to an extensive range of adaptive ski equipment that enables skiing, regardless of strength or ability. DWA members range from recreational skiers to Australia's Winter Paralympians. Without the generous support of our sponsors and in particular the resorts throughout Australia, the Australian Sports Commission and the Australian Paralympic Committee, the services and facilities currently available would come under severe threat. To complement their commitment we seek your support in the form of donor sponsor, associate member or by becoming an active ski guide able to provide invaluable "hands on" support. Winter sport for Australians with a disability is now no longer a dream. Thousands of disabled Australians regularly visit our snowfields, irrespective of disability, to enjoy winter sport in its many and varied forms. For more information contact DWA on (02) 6495 4334