Junior Athletes Take to the New Jindabyne Biathlon Facility

It was fantastic to welcome around 15 young athletes, along with several adults, to Biathlon Australia’s new Nordic facility in Jindabyne, NSW, for a three-day development camp.

The camp gave athletes the opportunity to make full use of the new roller ski track and laser rifle range, with many of the young athletes experiencing a facility like this for the first time. Over the three days, it was great to see their confidence grow as they developed their skiing and shooting skills.

The camp also coincided with the official opening of the new track and clubhouse on Saturday, which was a significant occasion for the Biathlon Australia community. The opening was attended by guests from the Australian Olympic Committee, Paralympics Australia, Snow Australia, the NSW Government and the wider Biathlon Australia community.

The opening was also part of Biathlon Australia’s 50-year anniversary celebrations, providing a great opportunity to celebrate the sport’s history while looking ahead to its future. Biathletes put on a demonstration at the new track and laser range, giving guests a chance to see the facility in action.

Throughout the camp, athletes spent plenty of time on the roller ski track, working on their technique and developing their skills. They became more comfortable navigating the loops and, in particular, worked on building confidence on the downhills.

Time on the range gave the athletes the opportunity to develop their shooting skills and learn how to bring together the two key elements of biathlon: skiing and shooting.

There was a great mix of experience among the group, with some athletes returning for their second Biathlon Australia junior camp and others attending for the first time. A number of the new athletes came across from cross-country skiing, which was particularly exciting to see as we continue to introduce more young skiers to biathlon.

One participant summed up the experience by saying:

“Also thank you to Toscha, Sandra, Andrew, Katerina and Paul for such a wonderful few day! We’re so happy to be part of the Biathlon Australia community and to meet more wonderful families who share our love of cross-country skiing.”

Coach Toscha Stopar was also impressed with the group and their attitude throughout the camp.

“It was a great camp at the new facility in Jindi. A bunch of very enthusiastic young athletes who came from many places. They worked together with new friends and had lots of fun refining skills and learning new ones. I loved their enthusiasm, attitude and energy towards every task, especially the challenging ones. Lots of talent and future stars of biathlon here.”

It was a really positive three days and a great example of what can be achieved when young athletes have access to the right facilities, coaching and opportunities to try biathlon in a fun and supportive environment.

With the new Jindabyne facility now providing a dedicated space for athletes to train, develop and compete, it is an exciting time for the future of biathlon in Australia.

Manual Biathlon Targets For Sale

SSAA Biathlon Wodonga has decided to have all 8 Lanes operating with Kurvinen Electronic Targets by May 2027.

To help fund the additional two electronic targets required SSAA Biathlon Wodonga is selling up to 7 Manual (Rope reset) Biathlon targets.

FOR SALE

All targets based on the manual Kurvine target design and have been manufactured in Australia.

The Price for each target is $500.00

Expressions of Interest Due by 1st Nov

These targets will come with 50-meter ropes, however targets will be without stands and will need to be collected from SSAA Biathlon Range at Klings Road North Barnawatha 3698.

EOI's from those who may be interested in purchasing a target can send an email to ssaavicbiathlonwodonga@gmail.com

If more than 7 EOI's are received by the 1^st of November, a random draw will made. Successful EOI's will be contacted in early November.

SSAA Biathlon Wodonga Banking details will be provided and times for collection finalised.

Best Regards

Bob Cranage OAM

President SSAA Victoria Biathlon Wodonga