Three Emirati snowsport athletes to attend FIS Development Programme in Laax

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

Ski Dubai is excited to announce that three Emirati snowsport athletes who train at its Ski Academy will be attending the prestigious FIS Development Programme and snowboard training Camp in Laax Snow Park, Switzerland Together with Ski Dubai’s Ski Academy Head Coach, Freestyle, James Machon, the young skiers will join 14 other athletes and 10 coaches from 10 nations at the prestigious camp, which is aimed at emerging talent, to learn new skills and train physically.

Amenah Al Muhairi (15), Meera Al Marri (15), and Abdulla Al Rasheed (17) will be the first Emirati nationals to attend the six-day programme in the Slopestyle and Big Air disciplines organised by the International Ski Federation (FIS).

They will soon undergo intensive on-snow training combined with dry land sessions focused on acrobatic skills and fitness in Laax Snow Park, Switzerland, one of the world’s best freestyle skiing and snowboarding resorts which hosts the US Open annually.

Last year, Amenah Al Muhairi became the first female athlete to represent the UAE at an international Freestyle Snowboard competition, winning a total of 11 medals in Bosnia and Croatia. This year, she won eight medals in competitions held in Bosnia. Commenting on her upcoming trip, Amenah said, “I’m so excited to travel to Switzerland for the FIS Development Programme. Representing my nation, particularly as an Emirati female, is an honour and a dream come true. Taking part in training programmes such as this is important as part of our continuous development.”

Mohammad El Etri, Vice President Global Snow, Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment said, “We are extremely delighted to have one of our expert trainers and some of our talented young athletes represent the Emirates at this prestigious camp, which Ski Dubai hosted last year. The FIS Development Programme: Park & Pipe Free Ski & Snowboard Training Camp is aimed at improving developing ski and snowboard nations’ own knowledge and competencies in order to advance the sports in these nations. This aligns with our ambition at Ski Dubai to become a global snowsport destination in the heart of the desert.”