Finding Talent Is A Bonus, But Adaptive Festival Is Mostly About Fun  

The smile on Oliver Reyes’ face after taking part in Snow Australia’s inaugural Adaptive Festival, at Perisher Resort, said it all. 

It conveyed a sense of achievement, connection, potential and, above all, enjoyment.  

“It’s been fantastic,” he said. “So much fun. It’s something I’ve been wanting to try for a while.” 

Sydney-based Reyes was one of about 20 participants who spent two days taking part in on-snow activities, working with instructors, volunteers and potential members of Australia’s Para-alpine and Para-snowboard squads for the Milano Cortina Paralympic Games next March.  

The event, supported by Paralympics Australia, Disability Wintersport Australia and Snowy Hydro, marked the start of a new push to broaden the reach of snow sports and provide more opportunities for people with a disability to get involved.  

Reyes, who was born without his left leg, was unsure if he needed to use a sit-ski or stay standing.   

“When I got here, I had a wonderful conversation with them and they said I was best to do just the standing, with snow crutches, as I’m calling them,” he said.  

“It was a little bit hard, but everyone keeps telling me that I’m making huge progress and they’re quite impressed with me. I don’t know if that’s true, but it feels good!”  

Reyes said he had tried various sports, including rowing, climbing, swimming and soccer, but skiing was on his bucket list.  

“I’m happy that this opportunity came my way. It’s been it’s been super fun and the instructor has been extremely lovely, extremely patient. 

“Obviously, you know, coming down to the snow, to the mountains, it requires a little bit of logistics. But I will be keen to make it work.” 

Another participant, Zara Perry, took the Adaptive Festival as an opportunity to return to skiing and link with a sighted guide.  

“It’s been brilliant two days,” she said.  

“It’s my first time skiing after about three years off. Coming back into it as a young adult, with a more open mindset about what the pathway could be, is really exciting. The chance to ski with a guide who’s a similar age to me, it’s a completely different vibe. It’s been awesome.” 

Perry said she had made new friends over the weekend and enjoyed “having strong, powerful mentors – people with a disability – to look up to … and connect with as peers”.  

“Being here has made me think a little bit more about ‘where could this go?’ It’s definitely lit a fire … life is busy, but I’m going to do my absolute best to get back here.” 

Snow Australia’s Para Pathway Lead, Bobbi Kelly – who competed at the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Games as alpine skier Mel Perrine’s guide – said the success of the event ensured more would be scheduled.   

“It’s so cool to have everyone here, some trying it out for the first time and others from all levels of the pathway.   

“There is the hope of unearthing some great talent and potential. But it’s about just providing people with a disability with an awareness of snow sports in Australia. We have volunteers, coaches, guides, people within the community here at the schools and elsewhere, just coming together on the snow and having an enjoyable time.” 

Kelly, having grown up around snow sports said she was aware of the obstacles to participation, especially for people with a disability.  

“That’s why I think the Adaptive Festival is really going to kick off and break down a lot of barriers for people who want to try out the sport in a way that won’t hurt your wallet,” she said.   

“Some might think that it might not be for them. Honestly, it’s kind of scary going downhill really fast! It’s not familiar to a lot of people. But really anyone can give skiing go, people from all walks of life. That’s what we’re really trying to showcase here.” 

Another Adaptive Festival Event is planned for later in the season. Stay tuned for further information.  

By David Sygall, Paralympics Australia.

Published June 27, 2025.