On Friday, 14th December, FIS President Gian Franco Kasper received an honorary doctorate degree, “doctor honoris causa,' bestowed on him by the University of Sofia in Sofia, Bulgaria. Mr. Kasper, Member of the International Olympic Committee and Member of the Executive Board of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), was awarded this honor in recognition of his long-term engagement to benefit sports in general. Awarded in a distinguished ceremony attended by dozens of representatives of the university, the city of Sofia and the media, the degree in particular acknowledges Gian Franco Kasper's work to promote the Olympic values and the Olympic movement and his service for the sport of skiing, having served as FIS President since 1998 and as FIS Secretary General from 1975-1998.

FIS news
20.12.2007

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FIS to launch multi-year global campaign to “Bring Kids Back to the Snow”

FIS is planning to launch a world-wide campaign to promote playing in the snow as the number one outdoor activity choice for kids and the youth in winter. The main aim of the “Bring Kids Back to the Snow” campaign is to generate passion for snow activities with the younger generations. The campaign is scheduled to launch as of the 2008/09 winter season.

Currently soliciting responses from leading public relations and marketing agencies, FIS plans to work with a specialist organization to establish partner relationships and to develop and implement the project. The possible partners include tourism organizations, broadly defined, the industry, health and accident insurance companies, governments and non-governmental organizations working with health, education and sports sectors, just to mention a few.

The campaign will target kids and youngster aged 0-14 and their parents and families along with teachers and national and regional decision-makers, especially in the areas of education, sport and health. The target market for “Bring Kids Back to the Snow” will be countries which have snow on a regular basis or interest in snow sports.

“This project - Bring Kids Back to the Snow- is crucial for encouraging children and families to spend more time in the snow,” said FIS President Gian Franco Kasper. “Our partners in the ski industry have already pledged their support for making snow activities more appealing and accessible to families and kids and youngsters. Playing in the snow is one of the best ways to make children and the youth more active in winter time. It is also a great family experience and we must make sure more children and youngsters experience the joy of playing in the snow.”

The first milestone for the “Bring Kids Back to the Snow” campaign will be a presentation to the 46th International Ski Congress to be held in Cape Town (RSA) in May 2008. The Congress is the highest authority of the International Ski Federation that convenes once every two years.

FIS news
18.12.2007