Fort Hill pupils and staff take to the ski slopes in Bulgaria
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| Some of the pupils from Fort Hill College who went skiing in Bulgaria. | |
IN February 39 excited pupils and four staff from Fort Hill College set off for a week of skiing at the popular resort of Pamporovo in Bulgaria.
After an early start leaving Belfast International Airport, the group arrived at the Snejanka hotel in time for tea and some free time playing pool and swimming. Next day saw the pupils taking the short bus ride to the nearby ski slopes for their lessons. Such was the popularity of a similar trip last year that a number of pupils returned for a second time.
After a morning on the green slopes to refresh their skills, these pupils began more advanced lessons in an intermediate group progressing to red and blue runs including the challenging 'chicken run' and 'half pipe' sections. The rest of the group received 2 x 2 hours of ski lessons daily.
While most took to the slopes quite easily, the skills of staying upright on their skis and completing their snow plough turns proved more difficult for others.
However not to be beaten, they kept working hard to improve their skills and by the end of the week were completing green runs from the top to the bottom of the mountain, together with some sections of blue runs, with ease. In the evenings the staff, Mr Richer (group leader), Mrs Richer, Mr Richardson and Mrs McCormick arranged a variety of après ski events including swimming, ten pin bowling, ice skating, bum boarding (a firm favourite with everyone, including the staff), shopping and a disco. Before setting off for home the pupils were able to attend an awards ceremony arranged by the ski instructors.
This included Fort Hill's own special set of awards and a "rap" written by Mr Richer and Mr Richardson highlighting the best aspects of the week. An excellent trip with many already beginning to save for another visit next year.
Ulster Star
19/03/2010
