In January 1996 Kirsteen McGibbon, a member of the British Alpine Ski Team, died while competing in a Downhill in Altenmarkt, Austria. It was her first year as a member of the British Team and her future both on and off the ski slopes was full of potential. Following her death, a memorial fund was set up to help encourage junior girls and over the past 12 years the award has become highly regarded and has helped talented junior girls to realise their ambitions.