HENSOLDT UK reaffirms commitment to visually impaired veterans
Sensor solutions provider HENSOLDT UK is delighted to reaffirm its commitment to the Visually Impaired Veterans Ski Club (VIVSC) by sponsoring another incredible skiing experience for visually impaired veterans in Canazei, Italy.
This year, HENSOLDT UK donated £2,000 to the VIVSC, continuing its long-standing commitment to the armed forces community. The funding helps make the annual trip possible, allowing veterans to participate in a unique experience combining challenge, achievement, and camaraderie.
The trip, which has been running for over 45 years, gives blind and visually impaired veterans the opportunity to ski with the guidance of experienced ex-military volunteer guides. Over the course of the week, participants push their limits, build confidence, and develop a deep trust with their guides and fellow veterans.
Marc Condon, Head of Internationalisation at HENSOLDT Optronics, participated again this year as a guide. As a British Army veteran himself, he was warmly welcomed back and immediately got involved. Reflecting on his time on the slopes, Marc said, “The level of trust between the veterans and their guides is incredible. Watching them conquer the slopes with such determination was truly inspiring. One of my most memorable moments was assisting the team working with a veteran using a sit ski. Seeing his resilience and progress firsthand was a reminder of just how impactful this trip is. Beyond the physical challenge, it has a huge positive psychological impact on our veterans and the entire support team. It prepares and recharges their mental battery and the ‘I can do this’ mindset that will sustain them over the coming year.”
A guide’s role extends far beyond skiing. From meeting at Heathrow Airport, they manage everything – equipment checks, logistics, and ensuring veterans are prepared for the slopes. Once skiing, they navigate busy areas, provide continuous verbal feedback, and ensure safety at every step. It’s physically and mentally demanding, but the trust between guides and veterans is absolute.
Veterans participating in the trip face significant challenges, from adapting to a new environment to overcoming the physical demands of skiing. Many described the experience as both exhausting and exhilarating, with some pushing their limits beyond what they thought possible.
Arthur Bloomfield of the VIVSC expressed his gratitude, stating, “HENSOLDT UK’s continued support has made a real difference to the club. The funding allows us to provide these veterans with an experience that is not only enjoyable but also life-changing. Having Marc on board as a guide has been fantastic, and we hope to see him again next year.”
Managing Director of HENSOLDT UK, Adrian Pilbeam, added, “This ski trip is an incredible example of teamwork, trust, and perseverance. The impact on visually impaired veterans is truly inspiring, and we are honoured to support such a meaningful initiative. Our ongoing support for this initiative reflects our wider commitment to the armed forces community, which is recognised by our Gold Employer status under the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.”
Press contact
Nicola Leigh
Our company
HENSOLDT is a leading company in the European defence industry with a global reach. Based in Taufkirchen near Munich, the company develops sensor solutions for defence and security applications. As a system integrator, HENSOLDT offers platform-independent, networked sensors. At the same time, the company is driving forward the development of defence electronics and optronics as a technology leader and investing in new solutions based on software-defined defence.
In addition, the company is expanding its range of offers to include new service models and is extending its portfolio of system solutions. In 2023, HENSOLDT achieved a turnover of 1.85 billion euros. Following the acquisition of ESG GmbH, the company employs around 8,000 people. HENSOLDT is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in the MDAX.
About HENSOLDT UK
HENSOLDT UK is a global leader in designing, producing and manufacturing maritime navigation and surveillance radar systems and solutions. Based in Enfield, North London, the company sets the international standard in solid-state radar sensor technology with Kelvin Hughes SharpEye and its market-leading navigation and tactical radar display systems. The flexible SharpEye technology is applied to various applications, including naval navigation and surveillance, helicopter control, coastal and border surveillance, port VTS, critical infrastructure protection and other land-based security applications.
ABOUT VIVSC
The aims and ethos of Visually Impaired Veterans Ski Club are to help promote the core aspirations of living an independent life after sight loss by:
- Enabling once-sighted skiers to continue enjoying their sport
- The introduction to novice skiers, after sight loss, to a new challenge
- Fostering an environment of friendship, camaraderie, and shared experiences
- The building of individual confidence and morale through the medium of sport and teamwork.
The VIVSC provides a life-enhancing experience through Snowsports. It helps build independence and maintain military camaraderie, improving confidence, lifestyle, and physical and mental well-being after sight loss.