Ashley Blondel
Ashley Blondel
Current city and state of residence
Pambula Beach, New South Wales
Year first introduced or joined the organisation now known as Disabled Wintersport Australia?
First introduced to DWA in 1996 and became a member in 2006.
Through who or how were you introduced to the organisation?
Introduced to DWA by the then Executive Director, Ron Finneran, OAM. On becoming CEO of Perisher Ski Resort in 1996, Ron requested a meeting, and our professional and personal relationship began.
What roles or positions did you have within the organisation?
Committee member and, later, President and Chairman.
During your time with DWA what particular achievements are you proud of contributing to?
There were many notable achievements during my terms of office with DWA. All of the achievements realised were the result of wide consensus and the contribution of all Committee members, as well as everyday members and their families and friends. Perhaps the most important matter achieved during my tenure as President was the writing of a new constitution and establishing a framework that is DWA today, across all borders and encompassing a wider member base.
What is your fondest memory of your time with the organisation?
Working with so many people that inspired and humbled me. From elite Paralympians to everyday people enjoying their first snow experience, and the dedicated Committee members of DWA. In particular, I have fond memories of the late Adrienne Smith, OAM, a tower in sports administration and in championing people with disabilities, Ron Finneran, OAM, the inaugural Executive Director and face of DWA for decades, Nick Dean, a founder of DWA and much valued Committee member of DWA to this day with incomparable knowledge, and Jim Blackburn who drove the administrative changes from what was the Victorian Division with skill and passion.
What has been the biggest impact DWA has had on your life?
Bringing me face to face with remarkable people who challenge, and more often than not conquer, what many consider impediments to life and who demonstrate enormous courage, skill and great humanity. I will never forget seeing the sheer joy and happiness on the face of a young boy with cerebral palsy on his first descent in a sit ski on Perisher’s Front Valley.
Please sum up your vision for the future of DWA?
That it endures forever because the need for organisations such as DWA will never be out dated or made obsolete. It may change direction and character in the years ahead but its principal purpose can and will enrich the lives of its members, their family and friends, and ordinary people such as myself who are fortunate to share the journey.
