Welcome from the President UKAFWSA
Air Chief Marshall Sir Rich Knighton KCB ADC FREng
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to ISSSC 25. With kind thanks to Meribel and our incredible sponsors for facilitating this, the very peak of Armed Forces Snow Sport competition.
I am delighted to take over as President from General Patrick. Sport is such an important part of building our fighting spirit, leadership and organisational skills in the armed forces and none more so than winter sports. I have been involved in winters sports in the Services for more than 10 years and am really looking forward to working with the competitors, coaches and official across all the disciplines over the next few seasons.
Introduction from Director ISSSC
Brigadier Chris Haw MC Royal Marines
It’s my honour to introduce myself as Director ISSSC taking over from Lt Gen Jez Bennet in 2024 after his many years of service to ISSSC. Thank you General on behalf of the competitors, hill teams and sponsors for your leadership and sense of fun; ISSSC is in great shape thanks to you.
It’s a huge privilege for me to take on this role after 10+ years of competing and chairing Telemark at ISSSC. I am passionate about the opportunities that the championships offers to the athletes, with tangible operational benefits in the development of mindset, courage and fitness, and in retaining our best people across the three Services. ISSSC offers competition at a level that would likely be unobtainable for most, outside of the Armed Forces. Of course, these championships can’t happen without a huge supporting cast so my heartfelt thanks to the Sponsors, Hill Teams, ESF and Meribel Tourism without whom these championships simply could not happen. The resigning of the contract with Meribel until 2028 cements this exciting opportunity. I look forward to seeing you on the slopes!
Opening Ceremony
Jon Cole CB OBE
Director BT Defence
It is with privilege that BT Defence is associated with each Single Service and the Armed Forces Winter Sports Associations. Like our fellow sponsors, we believe in “giving back” to the incredible people of our Armed Forces. The Defence Industry sees itself very much part of the strategic capacity of UK Defence, evidenced in the conflicts and instability of today that we witness needing the teamwork of military and industrial organisations. BT is proud to be playing its part in supporting UK Defence with secure and resilient networks and services.
Servicepeople are asked to do extraordinary acts in their contribution to UK Defence. This demands much sacrifice, and many qualities including bravery, teamwork, discipline, growth mindset. Winter Sports provide a fabulous breeding ground to develop such qualities from novice level to elite, across all disciplines. It is inclusive, where the courage required is equal regardless of gender, age, rank, service, capbadge/trade group.
We wish every participant in this season’s events an unforgettable and productive opportunity to have some fun whilst nurturing skills and strengthening qualities. And let us consider those of Corporal Waters MM crossing his own metaphorical start line/start gate on Pegasus Bridge in June 1944, as he declared: “Go to it!”