The Wanaka Snowsports Grassroots Programme, which assists local children from Years 2-8 with snowsports coaching in the various disciplines, has opened its annual applications process.

The programme is the Wanaka Snowsport’s Club’s main developmental focus, with over $80,000 distributed to members since 2013.

Freeskier and former alpine racer Gustav Legnavsky was previously a member of the Wanaka Snowsports Grassroots Programme.

He has now moved on from Grassroots and received a Wanaka Snowsports athletes grant which helped him towards training for his first Freeski World Champs this year, where he placed 16th in halfpipe. 

Gustav said he sees the Wanaka Snowsports Club community as his “team” and he appreciates the encouragement and assistance given to him as he continues his sporting journey.

As always, the club’s 2021 committee also has many initiatives and events planned for this coming season, despite saying goodbye to life member Peter Duff who has retired from the committee after more than 25 years of service.

Among other roles, Peter has been an Alpine National Technical Delegate at NZ events and the Chief of Race. 

“Peter will remain involved with the race committee as his health permits and Wanaka Snowsports Club thanked him wholeheartedly for his dedication to the club,” Wanaka Snowsports Club said in a statement.

The club’s full winter programme will be announced at the official Wanaka Snowsports ‘Welcome to Winter’ celebration and logo reveal in June.

Applications for the grassroots programme opened for current members on Monday (April 19) and will close on April 30. Information is available here.

PHOTO: Supplied