FIS News In Brief - Week 2 July 18
Passing of Hannes Huter
It is with great sadness that FIS is reporting the death of Hannes Huter from Austria, a long time representative of the Kitzbühel Ski Club and Club 5 Organisers.
In his role with Kitzbühel, Hannes was responsible for marketing and public relations for the annual Hannenkamm races, taking care of the many VIP guests that attended the weekend of races. With Club 5, an association of 17 of the Alpine World Cup Organisers, Hannes was the long-time General Manager, who looked after much of the day-to-day activities.
But more than his official roles, Hannes was an always friendly, smiling face at the FIS meetings and around the World Cup races. He offered a warm smile, open attitude and it was clear that his passion for skiing ran deep in his veins.
Services for Hannes will be held this Friday 6th July at the Pfarrkirche Kitzbühel. FIS would like to express its deepest condolences to the friends, family and colleagues of Hannes.
IOC and C40 to partner on climate transition
The International Olympic Committee and C40 Cities recently committed to partner on climate transition by working for sustainable Olympic Games. The partnership was announced by HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, Chair of the IOC Sustainability and Legacy Commission, at the first edition of the Transition Forum.
C40 and the IOC plan to work with interested cities, candidate cities and host cities of the Olympic Games to help them achieve their sustainability objectives, which will further contribute to their regions’ broader climate initiatives.
The IOC’s Sustainability Strategy, which is one of the pillars of the IOC’s strategic roadmap, Olympic Agenda 2020, concentrates on five focus areas, one of which is climate.
“Given that the next four editions of the Olympics will be held in cities that are part of the C40 network, this collaboration was a natural opportunity,” said HSH Prince Albert II. “Our goal is to make the Olympics best fit the long-term needs and objectives of the host cities. That includes incorporating sustainability in all aspects of planning for and delivering the Olympic Games. By signing this MOU, we will be able to better assist current and future host cities of the Olympics in achieving their climate change goals by utilising the expertise and experience of the C40, and for both parties to showcase related initiatives and results.”
The host cities for the next three Olympic Games – Tokyo (in 2020), Paris (in 2024) and Los Angeles (in 2028) – are members of the C40 Steering Committee. The host of the next Olympic Winter Games, Beijing (in 2022), is also a key member of the C40 network, which groups together 96 cities committed to leading the way towards a healthier and more sustainable future.
Nordic Combined Summer Grand Prix Info Booklet released
The Summer Grand Prix 2018 is only seven weeks away and detailed information for teams, as well as fans looking to visit the events is now available both for the men's and the inaugural ladies version of the Summer Grand Prix.
Spectators can find useful information regarding ticket sales, parking, VIP options and side events next to the official schedules.
For teams there is the necessary information about entry deadlines and other practical information about the three first competition venues of Oberwiesenthal (GER), Villach (AUT) and Oberstdorf (GER). Updated information about the Summer Grand Prix finals in Planica (SLO) in mid-September will follow in due time.
Alpine TD Seminar in Argentina
The first Alpine Technical Delegate update of the season in the Southern Hemisphere was held in Bariloche (ARG) on 29th June, 2018.
All of the TD's from Argentina and Chile attended the update with Janez Flere, FIS Alpine Technical and Administrative Coordinator as the inspector. The participants totalled more than 50 with TD's, coaches and organisers taking part.
The main topics of the update were the analysis of practical cases, FIS points calculations, rules changes, etc. Two Technical Delegate applicants from Chile passed the TD Exam and became official TD Candidates. Special thanks to the Argentinian Ski Federation for the excellent organisation of the update and to all the participants for their interaction during the seminar.
Paavo Petaja passes away
FIS was saddened to hear of the passing of Finland's Paavo Petaja. Petaja was the former Vice Chairman and Chairman of the Finnish Ski Association and was named honorary Chairman when he retired. He was the Chairman of the Finnish Ski Association during the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships 2001 and a jury member for Cross Country Skiing at the Olympic Winter Games 1980 in Lake Placid. He was also the mayor of his hometown, Haapajärvi, from 1972-1984.
”During his years as the Chairman, Paavo felt the ups and downs of snow sports in Finland. We will miss the tough leader and send our condolences to his family,” said Markku Haapasalmi, Chairman of Finnish Ski Association.
FIS would also like to express its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Paavo Petaja
