Captain Richard de Crespigny

Captain Richard de Crespigny

PATRON
APPOINTED 2013

Richard is the first Patron of Disabled Wintersport Australia.

Disabled Wintersport Australia has existed for more than 35 years.  It was started by a group of people who really believed in that often quoted phrase '…Everyone should be able to have a go…'

In the case of DWA …having a go…meant that the words had to be turned into working partnerships. Partnerships which would build the trust of families, governments (federal state and regional), sport and health professionals, the national disability service providers’ network, and the alpine and ski resort industry.

To deliver these programs DWA has recruited and trained a wonderful ‘army’ of volunteer ski-guides and starting with Finsko’s (purposely access built) ski lodge in Jindabyne NSW, has gone on to provide accessible accommodation to its growing membership in the rugged Australian alpine wonderland of NSW and Victoria. 

Since the announcement of my appointment as Patron of DWA, along with my wife Coral, I have had the opportunity to join many DWA members, their families, our staff and volunteers and experienced the joy and exhilarating sense of wellbeing experienced at both the ski fields in NSW and Victoria. In this challenging environment our members with a disability ‘have a go’ learning to ski and snowboard.

DWA has embarked on major projects with the governments of NSW and Victoria and the snow industry. The objective is to ensure opportunities for people with a disability to join their able bodied friends and family, continue to become more readily available. For many DWA members participating in snow sport at a recreational level is a significant achievement, while many take snow sport to the level of the international world cup circuit.  

My invitation to you now is to become a partner to our endeavors. I would like to invite your friends, your families, your school communities or your colleagues and share the challenges, benefits and often life changing experiences that …being able to have a go can deliver to us all.

As one of the newest members of the DWA family, I ask all Australians to provide their support for it is the most worthy cause and my greatest endeavor. I look forward to welcoming you all to being a part of this great organisation.

Cheers,
Richard de Crespigny.