Kata Escott CB
UK Managing Director, Airbus Defence and Space
I am delighted to add a few words of welcome at this year’s UK Armed Forces Winter Sports Championships, which Airbus is once again proud to sponsor.
It was a privilege to join you myself for the first time last year, where I saw with my own eyes quite how exceptional these championships are. It is brilliant to be able to support an event that opens up opportunities for our Armed Forces to push themselves in new contexts - as individuals and as teams. We are proud to support our Armed Forces and it is a pleasure to celebrate your excellence.
It also was clear to me last year that it is the spirit of this event, as well as the sporting excellence, that make this event so special. In particular I was struck by the camaraderie - on the competition slopes and off them - and the power that this special
event has to bring people together. The partnerships and teamwork that the competitors will demonstrate this week are extraordinary - and an exemplar for the partnerships we are building right across the defence enterprise. It is great to be welcomed again with our industry co-sponsors as part of the supporting team to champion you on. Never has the need for teamwork and collaboration been so strong.
Finally, none of the amazing winter sports of this week would be possible without the huge amount of work that goes on behind the scenes. Putting on such a well-run, highly regarded event every year requires a phenomenal amount of hard work from all involved. Thank you all for making this week a success.
May I wish all of this week’s participants the best of luck for the competition!
Chris Shaw
Chief Operating Officer, Thales UK
I am delighted to continue Thales UK’s support for the UK Armed Forces Winter Sports Championships.
Thales has a long history of support for our Armed Forces and we are always proud to extend this into the sporting arena where we see the highest levels of military camaraderie and team spirit.
In 2024, Thales reaffirmed its support to the Armed Forces Community by re-signing the Armed Forces Covenant. As a long-standing supporter and Gold Award holder of the Ministry of Defence's Employer Recognition Scheme, this renewed commitment reflects our continued dedication to both the individuals and families connected to the UK's military services.
For over a decade, Thales in the UK has embedded its Armed Forces Covenant within its core values, ensuring that military personnel, veterans, reservists, and their families are provided with meaningful career opportunities, support networks, and pathways to success in the civilian workforce. With at least 10% of our UK workforce comprising members of the Armed Forces Community, we deeply value their training, experience, and the unique perspectives they bring.
The emphasis on camaraderie and team spirit shown at the winter sports events not only underpins the very essence of integrity and fair play but also reinforces these values as evidenced by both military personnel and Thales employees on a daily basis.
This spirit of unity and integrity is further highlighted by the intense level of competition at the championships, demonstrating the ultimate professionalism of all the services. It also masks the sheer amount of hard work and training that has gone into getting all of the competitors to this point.
I wish all of the participants the very best of luck and would like to thank the organisers for all they do in making these championships happen. This event remains a fantastic opportunity to develop closer links with the Armed Forces and to catch up with colleagues and partners across industry.
Fingers crossed for bright sunshine and perfect snow conditions for all of the competitors and sponsors alike.
Airbus Alpine Downhill Gallery
Slope Style Practice Gallery
Thales Telemark Parallel Sprint Gallery
Airbus Sponsors' Open Parallel Slalom
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