Training and learning together: Landgraaf camp highlights the value of inclusive development

The FIS Park & Pipe Development Camp has long been a place for young athletes to develop their skills, share experiences and prepare for the season ahead. Last month’s edition in Landgraaf did exactly that, while offering something a little different.

Held between 21-26 September, the camp welcomed a record number of participants with 30 athletes from 15 National Ski Associations (NSAs) participating. Among them were both able-bodied and Para athletes, fostering an inclusive environment.

As always, athletes worked in unison to develop their skills on snow. Some of the week’s most valuable lessons, however, came from the personal connections forged between attendees across different nations, backgrounds and experiences.

“It was great to train and compete with athletes from so many different countries,” said Saba Okropiridze (GEO). “We learned from each other on snow, but we also became friends very quickly. That made the camp feel like much more than just training.”

Their togetherness was on show throughout the week, with those in attendance using their love of snow sports to find common ground. For coaches, it was an important opportunity to reflect on different approaches to development.

To have Para athletes there proved to be an unforgettable learning experience. As opposed to operating in separate groups, athletes and coaches alike learned from one another to ensure everyone felt part of the same community.

“The camp created a valuable environment for both athletes and coaches,” explained coach Jacqueline van der Linde (NED). “The inclusion of Para athletes was particularly positive and gave us the opportunity to learn from different coaching approaches.

Alongside training, the camp also included educational sessions and competition opportunities, helping athletes to prepare for the new winter season. Being on the snow alongside their peers in a realistic performance environment gave everyone a chance to see their current level.

Taking everything into account, it was no small feat to oversee the biggest camp of its kind. Coordinator Martijn Oostdijk believes the atmosphere created by those involved made all their efforts worthwhile.

“Managing a record number of participants was a considerable challenge, but the outcome was extremely rewarding,” he told FIS. “I’m very proud of our staff, the NSA coaches and, above all, the athletes who showed once again how strongly our sports can bring people together.

“A particularly special achievement was the seamless inclusion of Para athletes, which added a new dimension to the camp and contributed positively to the development of everyone involved.”

The camp in Landgraaf was a welcome reminder that development – especially in events like this – goes far beyond the slopes. In bringing these athletes together, creating opportunities to learn, it demonstrated how powerful inclusivity can be.