FIS Welcomed Into IPC

On the first day of its General Assembly, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) welcomed FIS as an official member, bringing their total membership to 208 organizations.

The IPC has recognised FIS as governing body for Para Alpine skiing, Nordic skiing and Snowboard. In parallel, the International Biathlon Union (IBU) was recognized as the governing body for Para biathlon, as the two winter organizations became the 16th and 17th International Federations to join the IPC.

The IPC has the goal that the Para sports it governs directly to become independent by 2026, and FIS and IBU were the latest to take over the running of their respective sports. Already last season, FIS took over the governance of the three above disciplines and ran a full competition schedule.

FIS President Johan Eliasch expressed the International Federation's delight at joining the IPC.

"Our goal is nothing less than to be the most inclusive sport on earth, tearing down whatever barriers stand in our way, showing people around the world that the joy of skiing and snowboarding is open to all," said Eliasch.

"That is why we have been so keen to embrace Para athletes into the FIS family - and joining the IPC is the next great step towards a sport that is truly inclusive. The relationship with the IPC will help us to improve the infrastructure for Para skiing and snowboarding around the world, working with national associations to strengthen the competitions we hold, extend the training we offer, and provide more opportunities for the future stars of Para sports."