Skier’s Austrian trip one of significant firsts

Competing at his first international sporting event was a big deal for Cromwell athlete Benjamin Blanche, but his trip notched up another special first, as well.

The 29-year-old, who has just returned from the 2017 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Graz, Austria, said the trip was the first time he had travelled overseas  without his family, and the experience further added to the significance of the trip.

Blanche returned on Monday from the 2017 Special Olympic World Games, where he gained sixth and seventh placings in the super giant slalom M5 and giant slalom M7 divisions respectively. He also recorded personal bests at the event.

It was the first time he had skied internationally, but Blanche has attended various regional and national events over the years, winning gold, silver and bronze medals.

Blanche began skiing while attending Cromwell College and he has been included in the school’s Hall of Fame.  Blanche said he loved the speed and freedom of skiing, and meeting people at the events. He  was grateful to the Cromwell community, which raised $10,000 towards his Austrian trip through an auction and dinner evening at The Gate in Cromwell.

He was also grateful for the coaching of Southland coach Dave Cowie, and for the support of the head of the New Zealand delegation that travelled to Austria, Brian Benn.

Dunedin athlete Nathan Symister also attended the Austrian games, winning a silver medal in the giant slalom M13 division, despite  losing  one of his skis halfway through his alpine skiing final.  He carried on with just one ski.

Symister also finished fourth in the super giant slalom M11 division.

The New Zealand delegation won 18 medals,  and all had impressed with their sporting performance, courage and commitment, Special Olympics New Zealand chief executive Kathy Gibson said.

pam.jones@odt.co.nz