British Ski Champion - 25 April 2008

Leading Colchester firm Wallis Shipping is popping Champagne corks today after its ski protégé Ed Drake was crowned British Men’s Champion at the national championships in Meribel, France.

Wallis Shipping, which specialises in global freight and logistics, has backed the leading British ski team member for several years and recently stepped-up its support when he made an astonishing return to the sport following a hip injury.

Ed Drake, 22, glided through some intense competitions with an incredible four race wins in Super Giant Slalom, Downhill, Giant Slalom and Combined Slalom Downhill.

This huge achievement means Ed has clinched the ‘British Men’s Champion’ title for the first time, earning him automatic selection into the 2009 Val D’Isere World Championship.

Although based at Britain’s ski training camp in Austria, Ed has very strong links to Colchester; his Grandparents herald from the town and his father studied at Colchester Institute.

Managing Director of Wallis Shipping, Stuart Gregory, said: “This was an incredible result for Ed and follows a very successful winter competing in the Europa Cup. We are very proud to be sponsoring one of the country’s top skiing champions and will be supporting his journey all the way to Whistler in Canada for the 2010 Olympic Games. As a company we have strong ties to local sport and take pride in sponsoring the town’s young talent.”

Wallis Shipping, which is celebrating 21 years in business, has invested in both training and travel expenses for the up-and-coming champion.

Wallis Shipping Services Ltd