Throughout the armed services, its volunteer reserve and cadet forces there is a real understanding that adventurous training exercises are central to the development of young people's confidence, leadership and teamwork skills. Snowsports has much to contribute to this, improving physical fitness and requiring degrees of courage and endurance together with addressing mental health.
Across the UK there has probably never been greater interest in supporting those who are, or have been, members of the armed forces. Since the 1960s, the Skiers Trust has played its part with its original charitable objectives including the support of young people serving within the armed forces in relation to snowsports. We have gathered a wealth of experience in judging where best to direct charitable monies to this end.
Over recent years, we have supported young people undertaking armed forces exercises and expeditions from various units, regiments and headquarters.
Through our work we have learned that the many donors who wish to support the armed forces through snowsports – trusts, corporates and individuals – need the assurance that their donations will go to this purpose.
In 2020 we created the Armed Forces Fund to provide this assurance. With the objective to assist young people currently serving within the British Armed Forces using snowsports as a means to develop their potential and support their wellbeing and mental health.
