Joe Cookson, 17, is a skilled freeride skier who feels completely at home on Mt Olympus. He has excelled in both national and international competitions. A top-ranked NZ Junior Freeride athlete, Joe won the Mt Olympus Freeride Open event, and is set to represent New Zealand at the Junior Freeride World Championships. Joe’s resilience and determination fuels his drive to compete at the highest levels. This grant will enable him to travel and compete in Europe, furthering his ambitions of achieving top podium finishes while pursuing an agricultural degree.