Junior glider pilots from across the world have been in Benalla to compete in JoeyGlide, the Australian Junior Nationals and Junior Coaching Program.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
JoeyGlide 2026, the Australian Junior Nationals and Junior Coaching Program, has been under way in Benalla since Sunday, January 18.
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The event, which runs until Sunday, January 26, sees some of the world’s best glider pilots, under the age of 26, take to the skies with the hope of qualifying for the Junior World Gliding Championships.
Benalla Gliding Club president Andy Davison said there had been a lot of gliding so far and competitors had come from far and wide.
“We have pilots from Queensland and NSW, as well as Victoria,” he said.
“We also have two international entries, one from Japan and one from Canada.”
Canadian glider pilot, Joshua Peace, is in Benalla taking part in JoeyGlide.
Photo by
Simon Ruppert
The young Canadian pilot, Joshua Peace, said he jumped at the chance to compete in Benalla.
“First of all, I thought I was going to be working as an overseas instructor here,” he said.
“Benalla is a popular gliding spot, it’s a real thrill to be here.
“But, then I got time to fit in JoeyGlides.
“It's super neat to fly my first competition in Australia, compete with all the Australian juniors, meet them and make some new friends.
“We’ve got a number of competition pilots here for JoeyGlid, but it’s also about coaching.”
The event is designed to offer pilots ready to compete a way to qualify for international competition.
It also allows young pilots an opportunity to learn from those who are more experienced.
“And it’s great to meet up at the end of the day and compare everything; there’s a lot to learn from Aussie pilots,” Mr Peace said.
“There’s not a lot of junior (glider) pilots soaring in Canada.
“So, it’s fun to come to Australia and do soaring with others at a junior level.”
Mr Davison said the Gliding Club is always on the lookout for aspiring young glider pilots, and others who might like to give the sport a go.
To find out more call the Gliding Club of Victoria, based in Benalla, on 5762 1058.
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