FIS News
Slovak Ski Association celebrates 100th anniversary
One century of organised skiing in Slovakia has been celebrated on 25th May in the town of Stary Smokovec in the Tatra Mountains (SVK). More than 200 invited guests gathered for the ceremony at the Grandhotel Bellevue.
At the electoral conference of the Slovak Ski Association preceeding the ceremony, the former Alpine skier Jana Gantnerova was elected President of the Ski Association for another four-year term. In her speech, she highlighted the fact that during the last years, Slovakian skiers have constantly kept up with the most successful countries and left their mark on the international stage.
The International Ski Federation was represented by its Council Member Roman Kumpost who was delighted that world class skiing is returning to Slovakia as already next year Jasna is hosting the FIS Alpine Junior World Ski Championships. "I would love to also see Nordic Skiing coming back to Strbske Pleso", Mr Kumpost added.
As part of the gala programme, the ceremony featured the announcement of the "Skier of the Year" which was won by Alpine racer Veronika Velez-Zuzulova ahead of Cross-Country talent Alena Prochazkova.
About 100 years of organised skiing in Slovakia
The history of skiing in Slovakia dates back to the 19th century when humans felt the need for the development of physical culture, principally in connection with nature. Skiing was not just a leisure activity but moreover had its place in the lifestyle of people living in the mountains, including rangers and rescuers. Organised skiing in Slovakia originated in the nationwide recognised tourist organisation, the Ugrian Carpathian Society (UCS), which not only marked the birth of touristic, but also of competitive skiing in 1893. Since then, the progress was so extensive that skiing became an organised sport in 1913 and has marked its place on the international stage since.
During the long history of its FIS membership since 1924, Slovakia has organised several major international events including the 1935 and 1970 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in Strbrske Pleso (SVK), besides numerous World Cup competitions.
Behind all these events is the hard work of enthusiastic people and whole-hearted skiers including Ján Mráz who became a FIS Honorary Member in 1990.
Source: FIS
At the electoral conference of the Slovak Ski Association preceeding the ceremony, the former Alpine skier Jana Gantnerova was elected President of the Ski Association for another four-year term. In her speech, she highlighted the fact that during the last years, Slovakian skiers have constantly kept up with the most successful countries and left their mark on the international stage.
The International Ski Federation was represented by its Council Member Roman Kumpost who was delighted that world class skiing is returning to Slovakia as already next year Jasna is hosting the FIS Alpine Junior World Ski Championships. "I would love to also see Nordic Skiing coming back to Strbske Pleso", Mr Kumpost added.
As part of the gala programme, the ceremony featured the announcement of the "Skier of the Year" which was won by Alpine racer Veronika Velez-Zuzulova ahead of Cross-Country talent Alena Prochazkova.
About 100 years of organised skiing in Slovakia
The history of skiing in Slovakia dates back to the 19th century when humans felt the need for the development of physical culture, principally in connection with nature. Skiing was not just a leisure activity but moreover had its place in the lifestyle of people living in the mountains, including rangers and rescuers. Organised skiing in Slovakia originated in the nationwide recognised tourist organisation, the Ugrian Carpathian Society (UCS), which not only marked the birth of touristic, but also of competitive skiing in 1893. Since then, the progress was so extensive that skiing became an organised sport in 1913 and has marked its place on the international stage since.
During the long history of its FIS membership since 1924, Slovakia has organised several major international events including the 1935 and 1970 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in Strbrske Pleso (SVK), besides numerous World Cup competitions.
Behind all these events is the hard work of enthusiastic people and whole-hearted skiers including Ján Mráz who became a FIS Honorary Member in 1990.
Source: FIS
