Personnel from the Defence Academy have been making their mark on and off the snow at the recently concluded Inter Services Snow Sports Championships in Meribel, France.
Attended by Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Edinburgh, Patron of the UK Armed Forces Winter Sports Association (UKAF WSA), the annual competition drew representation from each of the three services.
Off the slopes, Commander Nicky Cullen was recognised for her commitment to military winter sports. Cdr Cullen has been involved in winter sports since joining the Royal Navy, either competing as part of a ship’s team at the Royal Navy Championships, or in the case of the last 16 years, as a member of the UKAF WSA’s Alpine Hill team, and then as the Director, Media and Protocol.
This year she was instrumental in ensuring that the visit of the association’s royal patron ran smoothly. Cdr Cullen’s team was responsible for hosting key senior military personnel, including Chief of the General Staff (CGS), General Sir Patrick Sanders, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, and Deputy Commander UK Strategic Command, Lieutenant General Tom Copinger-Symes CBE. Cdr Cullen’s protocol team also hosted over 60 personnel from 20 sponsor companies – who's involvement allows the UKAF WSA to deliver high class winter sports competitions for the Royal Navy, RAF, Army, and the Armed Forces Para Snowsports teams.
Nicky was awarded both the CGS’ Coin of Excellence, and the Oliver Delaney Trophy, presented by the UKAF WSA for Excellence in Winter Sports.
Meanwhile, RAF’s Squadron Leader Clare Thomas followed up her success in last year’s inaugural women’s telemark race with a repeat of her individual win before claiming a second gold in the women’s team event. Reflecting on the addition of the women’s team event for this discipline, she said:
“To see how far the sport has come since being the only female competing for so many years has been incredible. It has been really exciting to see the potential of the sport as we work with the Royal Navy and Army telemark communities to grow and provide opportunities for all.”