Huddersfield University students show off snowboard skills

Feb 26 2010 By Ellen Dunwell

University students show off snowboard skills

Vice-captain Robyn James, 22, was one of many to try her hand on the snowboard simulator.

“We want to encourage students to try a new and exciting sport,” she said.

Miss James, who is in her third year studying textile crafts at the university, runs HUSSI with captain, Jon Elliott, 21, also in his final year, studying music.

Both are very enthusiastic about their love of winter sports, including snowboarding and skiing.

Robyn said: “We plan lots of excursions for members, including trips to the Xscape snow centre in Castleford and trips to ski resorts abroad, usually at Christmas time and Easter.”

HUSSI meets every Thursday at 8pm at Verve Bar in Huddersfield town centre and membership costs £10 annually.

The students appreciate that winter sports are at an all-time popular high at the moment, especially with a Huddersfield girl representing Great Britain in Vancouver.

Fiona Hughes, 19, of Lindley, is a cross country skier for GB who is still relishing her first appearance at the Olympics.

She is determined to be back at the next Games in Russia, after finishing 68th in the Women’s 10K Cross Country skiing competition this month.

Fiona got her inspiration from Olympic roommate Amy Williams, another Brit who is coming home with a gold medal after winning the women’s Skeleton and breaking records along the way.

Back at Queensgate, Robyn said: “We’ve been following the Winter Olympics since the coverage started, even though we have been busy organising HUSSI and with uni work.”