MONMOUTHSHIRE was well represented at the British Schools Indoor Open Ski Championships earlier this month when six skiers from Usk CIW primary took to the snow to represent their school. s

The UK’s longest indoor ski slope, the Chill Factore in Manchester, saw skiers from all Wales, Scotland and England compete for the spoils of British schools’ champion.

It was the first time that the Usk school ski team have competed on the indoors slope and they did their school proud, with a silver in the girls’ junior team event and a bronze for the boys in their junior team competition.

There were some great individual performances from all of the children, with some of the year two pupils being the youngest to compete in a strong field of experienced skiers. The girls team consisted of Alisha Abbeglen, Sienna McKenna and Lottie Williams, and the boys Rufus Hiscox, Harry McKenna and Joshua Abbeglen.

Team Manager Sara Jones said, “It was a brilliant opportunity for our children to experience skiing in a prestigious competition. I am particularly proud of their team ethos and the support for one another, it’s building a great foundation for the future. And to bring home the medals really was a bonus! The team are all members of Pontypool Ski Racing and it’s clear the training and hard work is paying off. A big thanks to the parents and teachers at Usk for their support.”

The schools are looking forward to competing on the dry slope circuit this summer for their club, with their next race the SE Wales regional schools’ competition in Pontypool on June 24.