The 8th FIS Leaders' Seminar was staged in Lausanne (SUI) on 6th-7th November. This year's seminar focused on "FIS Building the Future" and included a chance to visit the Olympic Museum in Lausanne as well as to meet with representatives of the IOC to discuss opportunities through the Olympic Solidarity program.

Among the participants from 38 nations, Klara Kaszo, newly elected President of the Hungarian Ski Association, was pleased with her experience. "I really enjoyed this seminar the most of all I have attended and it was also the most valuable for us. Maybe this is because we now have enough experience to understand most issues. Also, we were able to meet people who really do something for smaller nations and also gave us good examples in their presentations from which we got new ideas that will be useful for us."

Wessel Bosman, representing one of the youngest (and smallest) members of FIS, Lesotho, noted: "Thank you to the FIS Family for a wonderful time in Lausanne. The ski sport is one of the most beautiful but also toughest sports. There's snow for only a few months a year and in some countries not at all. I think the 'developing ski nations' can only become 'real ski nations' if they work extremely hard to promote the sport and have facilities for their athletes. We in Lesotho with Afri Ski are in a lucky position and I would like to extend an open invitation to every National Ski Association around the world to come and visit us. I ensure that Afri Ski and Lesotho are willing to help develop winter sports and Afri Ski is in the same time zone as Europe and could extend the season with three months."

Petr Graclík, General Secretary commented: "Thank you for the invitation to Lausanne and the kind welcome from the FIS-side. Although the Czech Ski Association does not officially belong among the A&P nations, we have gained a lot of contacts from other NSAs through our participation in these seminars. We also had the chance to discuss many important details and cooperation possibilities especially relating to the utilization of Czech ski resorts for training camps for foreign teams.

For me, the excursion to the Olympic Museum was fascinating. I am an admirer of sport exhibitions and the Olympic spirit, and especially enjoyed the special exhibit on Czech sporting stars and the Vancouver 2010 Corner."

Finally, Jüri Järv, Secretary General of the Estonian Ski Association added: "It was a great seminar. The highlight was the chance to exchange information and experiences with my colleagues from the other NSAs. And the hotel and meals were simply first class!"

FIS news
18/11/2009