Peak performers wanted

By Cassie Maher
ELITE skiers and snowboarders in years seven to nine in the Greater Dandenong area can apply for a place in the worldfirst alpine academy to be run by Haileybury College (Berwick, Brighton and Keysborough).
The Haileybury Alpine Academy will give young skiers the chance to combine their education with extensive six months of onsnow training split between the Valmorel resort in France and Mt Buller under the supervision of Haileybury staff.
Academy Director and long time ski and snowboard coach, Julian Cross, is excited about the program which he feels will become the major breeding ground for future winter Olympians and world champions.
“In the past Australian elite skiers have been forced to make compromises, either educational or sporting,” Mr Cross said.
“That’s partly why we have not been so well represented on the world stage. The academy will change all that.”
During the ski seasons, the students’ lessons will be delivered online to ensure education is not compromised.
Perhaps a Greater Dandenong resident will be the next to follow in the footsteps of Australian aerialist Kirsty Marshall, who has praised the program.
“The Haileybury Alpine Academy provides the ultimate combination of an educational program with a sports focus, enabling talented, enthusiastic young skiers to participate, learn and be competitive in their chosen sport of winter sports,” Ms Marshall said.
Elite skiers and snowboarders in years seven to nine can apply to the academy by calling Julian Cross on 0439 039 456,