Another great event enabled in part by the support of Team Ethos and in particular, Porcher Sports, is the Inter Services Paragliding championships, the sort of sport reliant on the fabric technology the company develops.
Held in the impressive peaks of Wales and the superb flying opportunities on offer, it is an event that attracts the best of pilots across the three services to fight for honours. Unusually, the weather did not play ball this year, forcing adjustments to the programme but this did not dampen enthusiasm or detract from the success of the championships in which Porcher were again able to play a part by being the principal sponsor.
A team effort to organise and run the event, led by Wg Cdr Mat Tate and Maj Nick Lloyd, the competitors also owe their their thanks to Charles Exton and Porcher for their continued support.
British Forces Inter Service Paragliding Championships 2021
Based out of Joint Services Paragliding Centre, Crickhowell and sponsored by Porcher Sport, the British Forces Inter Service Paragliding Championships is an annual occurrence, which sees the three Services (Royal Navy/Army/Royal Air Force), battle it out for the Intra and Inter Services Best-of-the-Best in both the Open and Intermediate Classes for Cross Country (XC) Paragliding.
The event is based out of the Joint Services Paragliding Centre (JSPGC) near Crickhowell in South East Wales. Recognised by the three Services as our Home for Sport, the Centre is beautifully positioned to take advantage of the superb flying sites offered by the adjacent Black Mountains, Brecon Beacons and valleys of South Wales.
For the last four years, Porcher Sport has sponsored the Championships, which has allowed the smooth facilitation of the event. This year also saw the Meet Director in the shape of Alistair Andrews. Ali, who hails from SE Wales is an Ex-Royal Navy Sea King Pilot and instructor at the JSPGC. In addition he is the founder of the Dragon Hike and Fly Competition in Wales; an event gathering significant recognition in this growing arena of our sport and a discipline that Porcher Sport are world technology leaders with the Ultra lightweight wing.
This year’s event was organized by Wing Commander Mat Tandy with the support of Major Nick Lloyd. However, with several of the big names in UK Armed Forces (UKAF) Paragliding unavailable due to conflicts with international comps and overseas deployments, it was to be in South East Wales that the 40 UKAF pilots would fight it out for podium places. The teams returned to Crickhowell for final scoring, end of Champs BBQ however prize giving could not be done this year due to lack of completed tasks.
Wing Commander Mat Tandy said “This year we were very unfortunate with the weeks weather conditions which limited flying but this has allowed our sponsor Porcher to give the teams an excellent insight into the ultra-light fabrics and the future of smart textiles in flying fabrics”.
Major Nick Lloyd of the British Army Team said “Charlie provided not only great technical support for the event but lots of tea and coffee for the Teams when we were waiting to go on task”
Porcher Sport Defence Manager Charlie Exton said “Porcher was pleased and proud to support the Inter-Services Championships Paragliding Championships again and the Wound Warrior rehabilitation programs via TeamEthos. Porcher Sports would like to say a big thank you this year to the Military Paragliding family, and in particular Wing Commander Mat and Major Nick for organizing a safe and hugely enjoyable event and Porcher look forward to seeing everyone again next year.”
Porcher Sport