DIS supports youngster’s Olympic snowboarding dream

Derbyshire Institute of Sport is helping a Derbyshire youngster achieve his dream of one day clinching snowboarding gold at the Winter Olympics.

Eight-year-old Cameron Long, of Willington, has his sights set on being part Team GB – and his family are already looking ahead to the 2030 Games when he will be 16.

Cameron is one of the first youngsters being supported by elite athletes at the Derbyshire Institute of Sport’s (DIS) new performance prep squads.

The Willington Primary School pupil developed his interest in snowboarding aged two from his dad Jamie.

So keen was he to take up the sport as a toddler, he used to stand in his dad’s boots and try on his over-sized helmet.

Mum Annabelle said: “Cameron was desperate to try out the sport properly.
“Tamworth Snowdome let kids start snowboarding at aged four. The first Saturday after his fourth birthday we took him to a taster session.

“He got on well and started his lessons the following week. He has pretty much been going every Saturday ever since.”

Last October he entered the Oatcake Jam at Kidsgrove’s dry slope and won the snowboard Under-12 category when he was still eight.

Cameron trains once a week at the DIS’s performance prep squad at Findern School. This is where elite athletes inspire youngsters aged nine to 11.

Cameron said: “I just love the sport and enjoy challenging myself. It is a great feeling to slide across the snow and do tricks.

“I would love to get to the Olympics and even, who knows, win a gold medal!”

Chloe Maudsley, managing director of the DIS, said: “We are delighted to support Cameron at the start of his sporting career and are here for him as he progresses to the top of his sport.

“We have launched the performance prep squads to help youngsters like Cameron build a lifelong healthy involvement in sport and start that journey to be world class.”