By Karen Rollins

The British team were warmly welcomed by their Japanese hosts

The Great Britain team returned from the Winter Special Olympics in Nagano, Japan with an impressive 19-medal haul.

The 12 skiers won three gold, six silver and 10 bronze medals in various events including downhill and giant slalom.

Their achievement is especially significant as the team had only trained on snow once before their arrival at the event.

Competition in Nagano was also extremely high with three of the athletes taking part in advanced categories.

Andy Heffer, director of sports and services for Team GB, praised the team's commitment and enthusiasm.

"It was one of our most successful Games in terms of medals won and all of the athletes loved the experience," he said.

It didn't matter if you won a medal because you were just happy to be there GB athlete Kathryn Lumley

"It was great to see a different culture and the standard of organisation from our Japanese hosts was first class."

Kathryn Lumley, who won one silver and two bronze medals, added: "We all had such a good time, everyone welcomed us and I have some great memories.

"The best thing was the atmosphere. We all just cheered each other on and it didn't matter if you won a medal or not because you were just happy to be there."

James Howells produced "the performance of the Games"

Heffer singled out James Howells for particular praise. After two falls in earlier finals, the Welsh skier picked himself up to win bronze in his last event.

"It was a very gutsy performance from James and it highlights the determination of all of the athletes," Heffer said.

Owain Taylor won gold in the intermediate giant slalom event and thoroughly enjoyed his trip to Japan.

"I was very nervous but I just tried to have fun. The other competitors were taking it very seriously so I was glad to win," said the 19-year-old Londoner

Most of the team will now prepare for other sports including swimming and track and field at the Special Olympics Summer Games, which will be held in Glasgow from 1-9 July.

After that the focus will shift to Sarajevo, where the next Winter Games will take place, in 2009.

GB GOLD MEDALISTS Trevor Dundon: Novice slalom Lissadell Lynch: Intermediate slalom Owain Taylor: Intermediate giant slalom

Lumley said: "I hope this team can stay together and compete in 2009. We did so well this time but it would be nice to improve in four years."

Heffer is also focusing on developments for 2009, with a bigger pool of athletes the main priority.

"We want to improve training for coaches and get a programme together where the athletes can ski on real snow more regularly," he said.

"They all skied to the best of their potential but with more investment their potential could be even greater and we are always aiming to raise the bar."