Celebrating Resilience, Innovation, and Community at the
Armed Forces Para Snowsport Team Snow Festival Day
On Friday 26th September, Fry Group was proud to sponsor and attend the Armed Forces Para-Snowsport Team (AFPST) inaugural Snow Festival Day at Xscape Castleford Sonzone.
This special event welcomed new team members and gave them the chance to try out snow sports, building confidence, camaraderie and excitement for the season ahead.
One of the truly inspiring figures we celebrated is Darren “Swifty” Swift, a snowboarder on the AFPST and a double above-knee amputee. After losing both legs in an IED explosion while serving in Belfast in 1991, Swifty showed remarkable resilience by discovering para-snowboarding. Recognising the lack of equipment for athletes with his injury, he partnered with Dale Rennard to design unique snowboard bindings, with the very first prototypes crafted in a kitchen!
These innovations have transformed not only his own snowboarding but also opened up new opportunities for others in the para-snowboarding world. His story is a reminder of what’s possible when determination meets creativity.
We are honoured to support the AFPST in their mission of recovery through sport and look forward to seeing this incredible community continue to thrive. A special thanks to Elizabeth Winfield, Swifty and the rest of the team for being such great hosts!
Scan the QR Code to sponsor an athlete!