A substantial grant for Snow Sports NZ will “directly contribute to the sustainable growth of participation and performance across all snow sports disciplines in New Zealand”, its CEO Nic Cavanagh says.

The Wānaka-based organisation received the $35,000 grant - for its Competitive Pathways Projects - in Otago Community Trust’s (OCT) latest funding round in June.

“The funding will support the competitive pathway in Alpine Ski Racing, Adaptive Snow Sports, Freeride and Park & Pipe at various levels,” Nic told the Wānaka App.

“It will also enable Snow Sports NZ to provide judge education, race timing, event delivery and contribute to our competitive pathway salaries.”

Snow Sports NZ is the national sporting organisation representing the interests of adaptive snow sports, alpine ski racing, cross country skiing, freeride, freeskiing and snowboarding in New Zealand.

Nic said the organisation was “very fortunate” to receive the OCT funding.

“Snow Sports NZ deeply values our partnership with [OCT] and their shared commitment to helping us ensure snow sports continues to be an inclusive and vibrant competitive pathway for all.”

Snow Sports NZ was among 49 organisations to receive funding in the latest OCT funding round.

The grants - with a total value of $3.1M - were distributed to support “exceptional community initiatives” across a range of categories in the bigger-than-usual funding round, OCT said in a statement.

“This significant investment reflects our commitment to tautoko the diverse range of organisations and individuals who are working tirelessly to strengthen our communities through sport, culture, infrastructure, and social wellbeing.”

A second local recipient was the Pisa Alpine Charitable Trust, which oversees Snow Farm.

The trust received $31,000 towards their project to replace the portaloos on-site with toilets.

PHOTO: Snow Sports NZ