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Press, 9 December 1983, Page 12

Mark Edwards is equipped and ready for bis month-long ski-ing venture overseas, which will culminate in his competing for New Zealand at the third world winter Games for the Disabled in Innsbruck, Austria, from January 14 to 20. Edwards, aged 17, joined the disabled ski-ing programme five years ago as a result of his disability of spina bifida. The Shirley Boys’ High School pupil has contested the national championships for three years and has won his class on each occasion.

Nine skiers will represent New Zealand at the Games and, originally, each indivi-

dual was asked to contribute $3OOO. This has since been increased to $5OOO and Edwards has been heavily involved in fund-raising.

Edwards has derived considerable benefit and pleasure since his involvement with the New Zealand Association for Disabled Skiers. “I have made many lasting friends, improved my self-confidence and the therapy of ski-ing has markedly improved my disability medically.” The team, which trained at Mount Hutt in October, will spend two dr three weeks in France as a final build-up to the Games. It leaves in mid-December.