These pages contains general guidance for SOWM trips. It is written with our trips to Pila and Hemel in mind - you may be given different information for trips to other destinations.
Sanctioned vs Un-sanctioned Trips
SOWM may take part in, or facilitate, both sanctioned and un-sanctioned trips. Sanctioned trips are trips that are approved by Special Olympics GB and subject to their rules, like the National Winter Games. Un-sanctioned trips are trips that are operated separately to Special Olympics GB and are not subject to the same rules, like Hemel and Pila.
Terminology
Some of our athletes may attend trips without a parent, carer or guardian - these are our unaccompanied skiers.
Signing Up for Trips
To ensure we can run trips safely we need to ensure the ratio of volunteers to athletes is appropriate. We determine this through the expression of interest phase. More information on this can be found in the expression of interest information.
Before Departure
- Start by reading the kit list; it is not exhaustive, but it provides a good starting point.
- Ensure you have read the medication information; it contains information for both prescribed and over the counter medication.
- Ensure that you have reviewed the medical forms for your athlete.
Departure Day
A volunteer will be near the check-in desks at the airport for trips abroad; they will be there to meet athletes and will wait with unaccompanied athletes until the volunteer that is budied with them through the airport arrives.