FIS Takes Control of International Paralympic Snowsports
15th July 2022
Last modified on July 26th, 2022
The International Paralympic Committee has transfered the governance of the sports of Para alpine skiing, Para cross-country skiing and Para snowboard to the International Ski and Snowboard Federation.
At the 53rd International Ski Congress in Milan in Italy 94% of FIS members voted in favour of the transition.
Following that approval, a contract was signed between the two parties to formally transfer the governance.
FIS and the IPC will now spend the summer ensuring a smooth transition and handover of the three sports to FIS.
“Para Snowsports is a testament to all the values that our sport transmits and an integral part of our strategy,” said FIS President, Johan Eliasch.
“FIS represents a modern, diverse and inclusive organisation. Therefore, it is a great pleasure that we have been in an excellent exchange with the International Paralympic Committee and are finally able to include the Para disciplines and their athletes in the FIS family.
“This will strengthen the development of the sport and send a powerful message.”
It has been welcomed by GB Snowsport.
🤩News for the para snow sport community🤩
The decision to transfer governance of Para Snowsports to FIS and the IBU is set to create an exciting future for the sport 👏
Find out more via the link ⬇️https://t.co/BJNbv0w8QK#GBSnowsport pic.twitter.com/TwjdYAzoFG
— GB Snowsport (@GBSnowsport) July 15, 2022
“To have an overwhelming majority of FIS members vote in favour of this transfer of governance underlines the extremely strong appetite FIS has to develop and grow the three Para snow sports,” said the IPC President, Andrew Parsons.
“On behalf of the IPC, I would like to pay tribute to every single person who has contributed to the development of Para Alpine Skiing, Para Cross-Country and Para Snowboard while the three sports have been under the stewardship of the IPC.
“Undoubtedly, the three sports will leave the IPC much stronger than when they joined and are now ready for their next stage of growth under the guidance of FIS.
“I’d also like to thank FIS President Johan Eliasch and his team for their desire and passion to make this move.”
Para Biathlon will be managed jointly by FIS and the International Biathlon Union (IBU) through a joint Steering Committee.
