GB Youngsters Selected To Attend Elite Training Camp

Eighteen of Britain's up-and-coming under 18's players have been selected to represent British ice hockey at the British Olympic Association/British Airways Winter Sports Camp 2000. The camp, which is organised to enhance the development of aspiring young athletes whilst exposing them to a multi-sport experience, will run from April 14th - 22nd in Saalfelden, Austria. Over 100 athletes and coaches have been identified to take part in the camp from the sports of biathlon, bobsleigh, curling, luge, short-track, ski-jumping, skating, skiing and ice hockey. A daily programme has been organised for the players, which will include two-hours of on-ice training, complemented by a wide variety of off ice sessions. The sessions will focus primarily on preparation and training, and will run from 7.30 am until 9.00pm each day. As part of the British Olympic Association and British Airways commitment to excellence, they are jointly funding the trip for the following elite ice hockey players and three staff: Netminders: Matt Cameron (Oxford), Allan Levers (Nottingham). Defence: Arron Davies (Deeside), Chris Deacon (Cardiff), Rhodri Evans (Cardiff), Paul Moran (Nottingham), Adam Radmall (Nottingham), David Thomas (Sunderland), Forwards: Russ Cowley (Swindon), Neil Hay (Edinburgh), Ross Jones (Romford), Anthony Leone (Romford), Kristian Lloyd (Sunderland), Gary Slevin (Swindon), Andy Smith (Guildford), David Smith (Paisley), Matt Twoalski (Slough), Steve Wallace (Billingham). The players will be accompanied by coaches Kevin King (England Under 19s), Colin Wilson (Scotland Under 19s) and Allan Anderson (Scotland under 17s) Great Britain Teams Manager, Peter Woods, commented on the camp and the benefits players can expect to reap from it. "The all expenses paid trip is a direct result and a creditable reward for the GB Senior teams performances in recent World Championships and qualifying tournaments. The young players should find this a very rewarding and enjoyable experience. It will not only give them a chance to train in their own sport, but also give them the opportunity to see how athletes from other sports prepare. Overall, it should improve every aspects of their development." 10th April 2000 For further information contact the GBIHB Media Office on 01530 838899, or e-mail apollard@btconnect.com