Span Foundation  has been supporting Zubair Ahmad Lone, the snowboarding national champion from Tangmarg, Kashmir, to realise his dream of representing India in the Winter Olympics of 2026. In 2014 he won bronze and silver in the national championships held in Gulmarg. He has been the national champion twice in Manali 2016 in Slalom and Giant Slalom, and stood first in Khelo India winter games of 2021-22. He has won several silver medals and certificates up to a total of 14 medals in state and district level competitions. He is also a FIS registered snowboarder of Winter Games Association of Jammu and Kashmir.

In order to prepare for the Winter Olympics, Span Foundation funded his training for a total of three months during the winter session of 2023-24 at Steamboat Springs, Colorado, USA under Thedo Remmelink, who had competed in the men’s giant slalom event at the 1998 Winter Olympics. Zubair participated in three international races in the USA and was in the 14th place.

As advised by Thedo, Zubair needed to train for at least one more season (best would be two more) under him and continue to compete in FIS races in US and Canada.  and will also try and attempt the Snowboarding World Cup to be held in February in Canada. He hopes to train in Europe in 2024-25 season and participate in several other races.

Span Foundation is handling all his expenses.

Thanking you in advance for all your contributions in helping Zubair achieve his dream!