On January 19, the Federation of Ski and Snowboard (FIS) and Special Olympics are celebrating World Snow Day by extending their partnership, which has been in place since 2016, with the intention of supporting each other’s missions.
Key highlights of the partnership include the continued development of the Special Olympics 10, a resource offering practical tips for coaching individuals in snow sports. FIS will also maintain a dedicated guide for coaches and trainers on how to work effectively with athletes with intellectual disabilities, assist in the selection and training of Technical Delegates, and encourage national federations to participate in the Special Olympics World Winter Games.
Our partners will similarly provide information on FIS Development and Education initiatives to its respective members, provide relevant resources to develop best practices for engaging newcomers to snow sports, and facilitate the connection between the two.
"This partnership with the Special Olympics perfectly embodies the core mission of FIS: to promote and support snow sports in a way that ensures they are accessible to everyone, regardless of location or ability," said FIS President Johan Eliasch.
The partnership is already in action as Special Olympics athletes join the FIS World Snow Day celebrations by participating in FIS’s video challenge, “How the Best Enjoy the Snow.” This initiative invites participants to creatively showcase how they enjoy the snow, with entries open until January 26.
Looking ahead, in just 48 days, Special Olympics will host its World Winter Games in Turin, Italy, from March 8 to 16. These Games will feature more than 1,500 athletes from 102 delegations competing in eight sports, showcasing an inspiring international demonstration of inclusion, acceptance, and unity.
FIS representatives will attend the Turin Games to observe the technical aspects of the event as a learning opportunity and witness Special Olympics athletes competing in the Olympic-styled disciplines of Alpine Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing, and Snowboarding.
The renewed partnership between FIS and Special Olympics will remain in effect for the next four years. Together, they look forward to continuing their work to ensure snow sports are accessible and welcoming to all.
