A young Londoner’s life has been radically changed by a charity that provides the opportunity to enable inner-city young adults to do snowsports.
Zulekha Dennis, 19, from Croydon, had her eyes opened by SnowCamp, the UK’s only registered charity that uses a combination of snowsports, life skills sessions, qualifications and work experience to support the urban youth.
Having come from an environment where Snowsport participation is rare, Zulekha was approached by SnowCamp at her local youth club, Streatham Youth and Community Trust, and took the opportunity with both hands.
“I’d never heard of skiing in London before,” said Zulekha, who left college after she decided it was not for her.
“So I said I’m up for that. We went up to a dry slope and the first time I put skis on I knew that was it, I definitely wanted to take it up.
“I’d never had my mind so set on something as this, it wasn’t like back in college studying, I knew that I wanted to take this on.
“At the time I was 13 years old, I stayed in contact with them and kept messaging my youth workers to keep my involved with SnowCamp every year.
“I’m an apprentice for them now, it’s a year-long apprenticeship with one the programs they run, I’m always involved at The Snow Centre in Hemel Hempstead and when I’m not with them I’m working with Ellis Brigham, a mountaineering sports shop.”
SnowCamp took Zulekha and a few other young adults out to the French Alps to volunteer at the Delancey British Alpine Skiing Championships last week and she claimed it was an experience she’ll never forget.
“They’ve have opened so many doors, so many,” said the south Londoner.
“I didn’t know what I was going to do, I wasn’t enjoying college, they came in and speaking to everyone about it I said if the opportunity comes then just say yes!
“You never know what it can lead to, we’re currently in Tignes so it’s led me pretty far! SnowCamp are great, they’re amazing.
“I’ve been to Italy twice with SnowCamp, nothing this extravagant though as this is the British Championships so I’ve never witnessed anything like this up front.
“They took us to Lichtenstein, a very small resort but it’s very good for what it is, very beautiful.
“This is the first time experiencing something so massive and well talked about, so it’s a really good opportunity and I’m happy to be here.
“It’s completely different scenery, you go to the mountains and everyone thinks it’s just a mountain but it’s different views each place you go, the views are just crazy.
“Witnessing the Championships and seeing how everything works around that, it’s awesome.”
To follow the progress of the Delancey British Alpine Ski Team visit www.teambss.org.uk or follow @teambss on Twitter.
As principal sponsor of British Ski and Snowboard, specialist real estate investment and advisory company Delancey is proud to be able to provide British athletes with the support they require to win World Cup and Winter Olympic medals. For more information visit www.delancey.com
