Private School News

British Inter-Schools Skiing Championships – success for RYDAL PENRHOS SCHOOL pupil

Up and coming ski talent Ella Ward capped a fantastic team performance by Rydal Penrhos School with a third place at the British Inter-Schools Skiing Championships in France last week.

Ella, 11 was joined on the prize-winners’ podium by younger sister Olivia, 9, who came home in fifth place, while the Rydal Penrhos team as a whole finished a hugely impressive eighth out of the 140 schools taking part.

The annual championships, which take place in Les Houches near Chamonix, feature more than 350 of the best young British skiers from across the UK, France and Switzerland.

Rydal Penrhos team coach Craig Bonnington, who has raced internationally for the RAF, said: “It’s a fantastic achievement for Ella, Olivia and the whole team. The competition is incredibly tough because a lot of skiers at the top end of the field are based permanently in the Alps for the ski season.

“Meantime Rydal Penrhos manages one training session a week on the John Nike Leisuresport artificial slope in Llandudno. It’s a great facility to have on the doorstep and the instructors there are very supportive of the team, but it’s not quite the same as race training day in day out on the real stuff all winter.

“Ella’s third place, Olivia’s fifth and the team’s eighth places are a tribute to a lot of hard work and no little talent.”

The team immediately dedicated their result to Rydal Penrhos teacher Ken Jones, who organised the trip. Mr Jones broke his leg in an accident at the end of the first day’s racing and is still in hospital in France recovering.

Mr Bonnington added: “It’s such a shame for him. He’s been organising the team all year and getting ready for this competition. We’re all thinking of him and looking forward to seeing back home soon.”