MEDIA INFO: FIS and IPC sign co-operation agreement

June 15, 2011//-- 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 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 cooperation 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."

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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.

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About IPC
The IPC is the governing body for the Paralympic Movement and serves as the International Federation for nine sports including Alpine Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing and Biathlon.

For further information, please visit www.paralympic.org