A total of 13 submissions were made by the member National Ski Associations for the FIS SnowKidz Award 2018. The standard of this year’s nominations was once again very high. The evaluation was carried out by the jury consisting of Riet Campbell representing the ISIA (International Ski Instructors Association), Satu Kalajainen Chair of the FIS Youth and Children’s Questions Committees and Antoine Goetschy, Head of the Youth Olympic Games at the IOC. Each of the top eight FIS SnowKidz projects received CHF 5’000 towards their project, with third place receiving an additional CHF 5’000, second CHF 8’000 and first CHF 10’000. Below is a summary of all the winners:
Winner - Finland – Snow Moves!
Following their victory in the 2016 SnowKidz Award, the Snow Moves team expanded their programme. Not only did the expansion include more cities on their national tour but also the inclusion of parents education programme. The actions resulted in over 12’000 participants, up from 5’000 in 2016
Second place - Sweden – Everyone on Snow
A national tour was organised where school children were given the chance to explore, enjoy and experience the snow. Activities such as Cross-Country, Alpine and snowboarding were offered free of charge. Instructors and equipment were also provided.
Third place - United States of America – The Minnie Loppet
The Minne-Loppet empowers underserved youth through cross-country skiing and skills for a healthy, active lifestyle. The 10-week ski programme engages over 1,000 elementary school youth annually across 10 urban schools in Minneapolis, MN.
Fourth place - Spain – The Snow Graduation
The Snow Graduation is a one-day event for school children who have completed the schools snow sports programme. Taking place in two resorts in the Pyrenees, the event provides children a chance to enjoy 4 of the 6 FIS disciplines. The event sees 350 participants each year.
Fifth place- Andorra (A&P Nation) – Skiing School Educational Project
Since in 1965, the Andorran Parliament has declared skiing as a National interest sport. As a result, in 1979 it has developed the Skiing School Educational Programme, which provides skiing days for all local schools as a part of their school curriculum.
Sixth place - Japan – Prince SnowKidz
Prince Snow Kids is combination of two programmes, Kids Free Programme and Prince Kids Club. The Prince Snow Kids initiative sees all kids 12 and under receive free lift passes to the 10 Prince Hotels ski resorts. Thanks to the Prince Kids club children can also behind the scenes and experience such positions as patrolling with ski patrol and operating gondolas with lift staff.
Seventh place - Canada – Grade 4&5 Snowpass
The Grade 4&5 SnowPass provides 9 and 10-year-old children with the opportunity to ski free up to 3 times at each of over 150 ski areas in Canada. The prospective skier or snowboarder need only register online at snowpass.ca, provide proof of age plus a photo and pay the $29.95 CDN administration fee.
Eighth place - Brazil (A&P Nation) – Brazilian Rollerski Circuit
The aim of the project is to provide sport and social opportunities to youngsters that live in high vulnerability conditions. This is achieved by Rollerskiing events throughout the country introducing them to competitions with a fun approach.
Source: fis-ski.com
