FIS and IPC Sign Co-operation Agreement

"As we approach the next Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia in 2014 this agreement will also strengthen our sports and improve them further from a technical point of view."

The International Ski Federation (FIS) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) have signed a cooperation agreement that will see the two collaborating closer on the development and technical aspects of a number of FIS and IPC disciplines.

Signed by IPC Chief Executive Officer Xavier Gonzalez and FIS Secretary General Sarah Lewis, the main focus of the agreement is centered on technical co-operation through the FIS Sub-Committee for Skiers with a Disability, chaired by former top Alpine skier, Steve Podborski (CAN).

The FIS Sub-Committee will act as primary liaison for technical matters between FIS and the IPC and its technical committees for Alpine Skiing and Cross-Country Skiing.

It will also provide assistance to the IPC with FIS technical documentation such as FIS rules and updates, technical delegate education pathways, development, networking and facilitating contact between potential event organizers.

Through the terms of the agreement an exchange program whereby FIS technical delegates can be assigned to IPC Alpine Skiing competitions will be implemented. Similarly, IPC technical delegates may also be able to attend FIS technical delegate updates to assist their education and knowledge.

Xavier Gonzalez, the IPC’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “This agreement will further aid the development of skiing sports for people with an impairment and we are grateful to FIS for their continued support.”

“As we approach the next Paralympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia in 2014 this agreement will also strengthen our sports and improve them further from a technical point of view.”

Sarah Lewis, Secretary General of FIS added: “We have seen true progress in the role of the FIS Sub-Committee for Skiers with a Disability and the FIS Committees and technical officials welcome the opportunity of sharing their expertise and exchanging experiences with the IPC officials.”

About FIS

FIS is the governing body for international skiing and snowboarding, founded in 1924 during the first Olympic Games in Chamonix, France. Recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), FIS manages the Olympic disciplines of Alpine Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing, Ski Jumping, Nordic Combined, Freestyle Skiing and Snowboarding, including setting the international competition rules. Through its 112 member nations, more than 6’000 FIS ski and snowboard competitions are staged annually. Specific initiatives are undertaken by FIS to promote snow activities as a healthy leisure recreation, notably for the young.

For more information, please visit www.fis-ski.com.

Notes to the Editor:

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) is the global governing body of the Paralympic Movement. The IPC organizes the Summer and Winter Paralympic Games, and serves as the International Federation for nine sports, for which it supervises and co-ordinates the World Championships and other competitions. The IPC is committed to enabling Paralympic athletes to achieve sporting excellence and to developing sport opportunities for all persons with a disability from the beginner to elite level. In addition, the IPC aims to promote the Paralympic values, which include courage, determination, inspiration and equality.

Founded on 22 September 1989, the IPC is an international non-profit organization formed and run by 167 National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) from five regions and four disability specific international sports federations (IOSDs). The IPC Headquarters and its management team are located in Bonn, Germany.

For further information, please contact Craig Spence, IPC Media and Communications Senior Manager on e-mail: craig.spence@paralympic.org or call +49-228-2097-230. Alternatively, please visit www.paralympic.org or www.ParalympicSport.TV.