Accept
The Bring Children to the Snow campaign has become a corner stone of FIS. Not only is it achieving its goal but we has provided an opportunity for FIS to directly connect and support the grass roots of skiing and snowboarding.
The first of the Bring Children to the Snow programmes was SnowKidz. The SnowKidz programme began as a test bed for ideas on how to bring children to the snow. However its potential was quickly realized and before long it evolved into a full programme. Over the years the programme has delivered over 3 tonnes of material, supported nearly 5’000 events and actions, averages over 450’000 participants annually and is present in 39 countries. These numbers have had an impact on the snow sports industry with reports showing that the number of skiers and snowboarding has begun to once again rise after eight consecutive years of decreases.
The first of the Bring Children to the Snow programmes was SnowKidz. The SnowKidz programme began as a test bed for ideas on how to bring children to the snow. However its potential was quickly realized and before long it evolved into a full programme. Over the years the programme has delivered over 3 tonnes of material, supported nearly 5’000 events and actions, averages over 450’000 participants annually and is present in 39 countries. These numbers have had an impact on the snow sports industry with reports showing that the number of skiers and snowboarding has begun to once again rise after eight consecutive years of decreases.
Looking ahead, SnowKidz is a legacy with plenty of potential. Since taking office we have already formulated plans and begun work on new support features. One item which I am particularly looking forward to is the introduction of the SnowKidz Shred Parks. This feature will see a series of tools provided to Organisers that enable them to build a miniature ski and snowboard park anywhere at any time of the year. In addition to new items we will be updating existing support features. This includes a review of the SnowKidz Awards eligibility criteria to enable more events and actions to be nominated, enhanced SnowKidz communication channels and increased quantities of the Organiser Care Packages with new items. What is best is that these support features will continue to be open to all stakeholders in snow sports.
I am very much looking forward to the future of SnowKidz. There is much work to be done but we know that the actions we take now will having a longlasting and positive impact on the snow sports community worldwide. I invite all persons to join us and the thousands of other Organisers and participants in SnowKidz. See you on the snow.
I am very much looking forward to the future of SnowKidz. There is much work to be done but we know that the actions we take now will having a longlasting and positive impact on the snow sports community worldwide. I invite all persons to join us and the thousands of other Organisers and participants in SnowKidz. See you on the snow.
Johan Eliasch
FIS President
FIS President
Primary reason
Increasing numbers
Whilst a key role of FIS is to organise a structure of international competitions through to the highest levels, it is also committed to the global promotion and development of recreational skiing and snowboarding. The vision of FIS is for skiing and snowboarding to be the first choice winter sport and recreational activity. As such, SnowKidz was developed works together with Organisers to make this vision come true.
Secondary reasons
The Environment
The young generations are the future guardians of the snow. The children of today are the ones who will be running the factories, industry and other big polluters in the future. The younger generations need to grow up caring for the environment so they and their children, too, have snow to play on in the future. Furthermore, by conserving the environment to preserve the snow, other natural environments will benefit as well.
Safety
Safety is taken for granted as an integral component of a modern lifestyle including snow activities. The FIS Code of Conduct of Skiers and Snowboarders has played a major rule in improving safety but more can be done.
