The National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI) is calling all skiers and wannabe skiers to join them for the experience of a lifetime on the NCBI Topflight Ski Challenge in association with 2FM in March 2005 while raising funds to enable the participation of people with vision impairments.

Each year, NCBI’s Ski Squad take to the slopes to participate in the Ski Challenge, currently in its twelfth year, with the support of Topflight and 2FM. Each year, the slopes of Austria prove that with the right training, equipment and attitude, there’s nothing that can’t be done by NCBI’s team of vision impaired and sighted skiers.

The Topflight Ski Challenge 2005 heads to St. Johann, Austria from 12th – 19th March, including a bonanza day of ski and fun on St. Patricks Day as 2FM broadcasts live from the piste! The fundraising target is &euro2,300 per person.

The main purpose of the Ski Trip is to provide vision impaired people with the opportunity to participate and indeed excel in a sport that’s second to none through the provision of an affordable, accessible trip with one-to-one instruction.

The focus of the Challenge is one of participation and inclusion, and all those taking part are encouraged to contribute to the action in a way that’s appropriate for them. Advance training for participants is arranged each year in Kilternan, Co. Dublin by the Ski Club of Ireland, to ensure that each and every person on the trip can reach their full potential both on AND off the slopes! A ‘dry run’ always proves beneficial to newcomers, and old oldtimers alike.

So come join in the fun! Each year the NCBI Topflight Ski Trip creates a sense of achievement, satisfaction and, above all, great friendships for all concerned. Contact NCBI’s Clare MacDermott on Lo Call 1850 33 43 53 or email ski@ncbi.ie for your information and fundraising pack!

ENDS

For further information please contact Sarah Gahan on 01 8307033 or 087 6846088