July 08, 2002

Skiers of the Navy will unite from August 4-9, with the Navy Alpine Skiing and Snowboarding Association holding its annual championships at Thredbo.

Things will get a little more serious during the following week of August 11-18, when the ADF inter-service championships are held at Mt Buller.

But to whet the appetite, here's a taste of what to expect.

Heralded by chilly mornings, winter brings a rush of memories, the peace of snow-covered hills, the crowded lift queues, the cheers of the Navy skiers.

Who are these Navy skiers? Well, they can be anyone, that young seaman who has just joined the department, the sub-lieutenant making brews for the HOD's, that crusty old chief stoker auditing patrol boats... anyone.

All that is required are those values which the naval community hold in abundance.

Courage: moral and physical - anyone who would attach two 'fence palings' to their feet and willingly send themselves down an icy slope must have courage.

Professionalism: both as a team and individually - near enough is simply just not good enough.
Every skier should strive for their personal best and encourage their team-mates to do likewise.

Loyalty: trust of those in charge and respectful of newcomers - regardless of the service ranks, Navy skiing is a great equaliser when it comes down to confidence-building, and the indignities of ending up in a heap at the bottom of the slope.

Dedication: focus and perseverance - although not always in easy or comfortable conditions, everyone needs to keep on trying and improving so that Navy has the best skiers to form a winning team for the inter-service competition.

So, come along and join in. Whether you're learning how to ski, making that intermediate breakthrough or a budding World Cup racer, attend the Navy Alpine Week from August 4-9.

Nominations have been opened through the signal 'HMAS KUTTABUL SQK 070318Z May 02' which contains all the information necessary for you to make your decision.

Personnel who are available to attend can download nomination forms from the NASSA website www.navyski.asn.au or they can contact their area representative as follows: