FIS hosts IOC and IPC representatives to shape next Olympic cycle

On Wednesday (3 September), FIS welcomed representatives of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) to its headquarters in Oberhofen am Thunersee.  

It provided an opportunity to discuss the framework for the next Olympic and Paralympic cycles, with plans to strengthen partnerships and exchange knowledge among the three organizations.  

The aim is to pave the way for young athletes and coaches alike to develop their skills within their respective disciplines.  

“We are committed to building on the foundation of long-lasting cooperation with a proactive approach that creates new opportunities for young athletes to develop their skills through diverse development platforms,” said Dimitrije Lazarovski, FIS Director for Development Programs.  

“In addition, coach education will remain one of the key priorities throughout the upcoming quadrennium.”  

Such sentiment was shared by Sheila Stephens Desbans, Head of Sport Development Unit at the IOC.  

Desbans is encouraged by the “strong development initiatives” outlined, something the Olympic Solidarity team have been particularly receptive to.  

“The collaborative discussions between IOC, FIS, and IPC were very encouraging as there were many areas we can learn from each other and also optimize,” she said.  

“The strong development initiatives that are led through the various disciplines of FIS are guided by the sport specialists.  

“We hope the opportunity to cooperate, where possible, with the NOCs and NPCs to support the next generation of athletes, coaches and officials will be facilitated through these types of discussions.” 

All three organizations remain committed to progressing Para snow sports, which will only be aided with such partnerships.  

Jose Cabo, Membership Programs Manager at the IPC, said: “Working together with the IOC and FIS opens the door to meaningful cooperation in winter Para sport development.  

“By sharing expertise and aligning strategies, we can better support the next generation of Para athletes and enhance the global reach of winter Para sports.”  

As outlined, coach education remains a priority for all involved heading into the next four years. For FIS, this will include focusing on those from nations where these sports are still developing.  

There are plans to structure the Coach Development Camps in the future to provide coaching skills to those who otherwise would not have the opportunity to learn. Participants will attend camps with content presented across disciplines, and content that is more sport-specific.  

“The FIS Knowledge Centre serves as the cornerstone of our education efforts, driving capacity-building and long-term growth across the winter sports community,” explained Cornelia Blank, Senior Education Manager at FIS.  

“We are committed to nurturing curiosity, confidence, and expertise at every level, in every discipline, and across every role. Coaches play a pivotal role in not only elite performance but also in grassroots development.” 

By aligning expertise and investing in education, FIS, IOC, and IPC are shaping the next Olympic cycle while laying the groundwork for the future of winter sports globally.