IPC grants FIS preferred status in negotiations to take over three Para snow sports

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and the International Ski Federation (FIS) have announced on Tuesday (15 March) that the two organisations are in discussions about the transfer of governance of three Para snow sports.

The IPC Governing Board has granted FIS preferred status in relation to the sports of Para alpine skiing, Para cross-country skiing and Para snowboard. 

IPC and FIS held a meeting during the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games about the transfer of governance and further development of Para snow sports.  

IPC President Andrew Parsons said: “The discussions held in Beijing show that the IPC and FIS share a common vision about the future of the Para snow sports. Since the announcement of the managed process for the World Para Sports to become independent from the IPC, we have said that this decision had as a main objective the continued development and growth of the sports. We believe that this can be achieved together with FIS and will continue our conversations on the next steps to be taken in this process.” 

FIS President Johan Eliasch said, “It was a big step for both FIS and the IPC to hold these important discussions. Many of our National Ski Associations already have the Para snow sports under their umbrella and it is the clear next step to bring the governance of these sports under the FIS umbrella. We look forward to taking the next steps in order to be ready to welcome the Para disciplines and their athletes to the FIS Family.” 

FIS has a long history with Para snow sports and has previously supported the IPC by signing two Memorandums of Understanding in 2011 and 2018. As a part of those MOUs, FIS officials were officiating the World Cups, World Championships, and Paralympic Winter Games delivered on FIS Homologated courses. 

The Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games served as a chance for FIS and the IPC to have further engagement and transfer knowledge related to these three Para snow sports. 

Over the coming months, the IPC and FIS will be in contact with the different Para snow sport stakeholders with more detailed information specific to each stakeholder group. 

Further information regarding Para biathlon will soon follow.