Balham Skier Chloe Competes at National Ski Championships in Italy

Twenty six year old Balham resident Chloe Sharples is in the Italian Alps this week, competing as one of a seventy three strong delegation of British skiers with learning disabilities.

Chloe is representing her region, the South East Ski Group, in the Great Britain Special Olympics National Alpine Ski Championships and will compete for medals as well as the chance to be selected for the Special Olympics World Winter Games in Pyeong Chang, South Korea, early next year. 

The competition comprises three different disciplines: Super Giant Slalom, Giant Slalom and Slalom in Advanced, Intermediate and Novice levels. 

To be eligible to participate in this competition, athletes must have a learning disability (IQ below of 75), be at least 8 years old and have competed at Special Olympics Regional Skiing competitions.

Eight time British Champion and BBC Ski Sunday Presenter Graham Bell, is a big fan of the team; "I have been a Special Olympics GB Ambassador since 2009 and have seen first-hand the team's dedication and fearlessness when it comes to training and competing. This is the qualifier for Special Olympics World Winter Games in Korea and I know that these skiers are there to win!" 

Come on Chloe - do it for Balham!