FIS encourages youth participation with Para Ski Nordic Action Day at Europa-Park

Earlier this month, a special action day for Para Cross-Country skiing took place at Europa-Park–Germany’s largest theme park, suited for year-round activities.

On 14 December, children with disabilities were given the opportunity to experience Nordic skiing for the first time at the Skitty World Nordic, the course of the German Ski Association.  

A fixture of the park’s winter season since 2016, the Cross-Country course was specifically designed for introductory purposes to assist those with no prior experience by providing a low threshold to skiing.

It was developed by Georg Zipfel, former national coach and current FIS Race Director for the discipline, and Anja Haepp who was crucial to the organizing of this project. The idea was supported by and brought to life with the commitment of Europa-Park and the German Disabled Sports Association.

Over the course of the event, 14 children with visual impairments, arm or leg amputation, or young participants who rely on wheelchairs, were involved on the day. For many, it was their introduction to the world of snow sports.

With the guidance of experienced coaches, such as Markus Sommerhalter, those in attendance enjoyed their first experience in a safe environment with a focus on joy, movement, and inclusion.

Due to its success, organizers are now planning a summer version of the action day in Germany. For FIS Development Program Director, Dimitrije Lazarovski, it further emphasized the importance for such initiatives across all corners of winter sports.

“Organizing such an event across Olympic and Paralympic groups is something that keeps the sport going for the future generation. This engagement and potential recruitment of newcomers into the sport is key to success and has to be delivered on a continuous basis,” he said.

“Europa-Park is a great example of how snow promotion formats can be successfully integrated into such an environment—we are looking forward to the summer edition, where we will continue seeing the smiles and happiness of kids enjoying their first steps in such a wonderful sport.”

December’s event is a demonstration of what can be achieved when inclusion, youth development, and international development programs combine.

It underlines the importance of equal opportunities in sport, particularly when it comes to encouraging the next generation of skiers.