“Ski Club Of Austrian Journalists” Accepted Into World Association

At the international meeting of the “Ski Club International des Journalistes (SCIJ)” in Bardoneccia, Italy, the newly founded Austrian branch SCÖJ was welcomed into the illustrious circle of 1000 journalists from – now – 32 countries.

At the the 70th international meeting of the "Ski Club International des Journalistes (SCIJ)" took place in Bardoneccia in Piedmont on the French border - as always with the aim of enabling ski-loving journalists from all over the world to exchange experiences and think outside the box in a pleasant, friendly atmosphere. In addition to sporting activities such as a giant slalom, a mixed team competition and a cross-country race, cultural and gastronomic events, the annual SCIJ general assembly was also on the program at the Villaggio Olimpico. And at this, the "Ski Club of Austrian Journalists" (SCÖJ), founded the previous year, was accepted into the world association as the 32nd nation. “ SCIJ without the winter sports country Austria, that is simply not possible, ” said SCIJ President Frederick Wallace and Vice President Gamze Düsmez at the induction ceremony and, like the numerous industry colleagues present and applauding loudly, were visibly happy about the new association member.

The founders of the SCÖJ are Dr. Günter Fritz and Fred Fettner, editors and authors of the Ski Guide Austria, the standard work on winter sports in Austria on and off the slopes, which has been published for 16 years. The first members of the association include colleagues from Standard, ATV, Krone, Die Presse, Salzburger Nachrichten and Kurier. Ordinary members must derive most of their income from journalistic work and either hold a journalist's card or have proven relevant industry experience. The SCÖJ is also open to supporting extraordinary members from the industry.

The non-profit association is not only the representative of Austria in the "Ski Club International des Journalistes" registered in Brussels, but also serves to maintain friendly relations among journalistic colleagues with a focus on winter sports activities. It also serves as a platform for fact-based and unbiased discussions about skiing and winter sports, including their socio-political and economic implications in Austria, through regular events. The international ski club SCIJ was founded in 1955 and now comprises around 1,000 journalists from 32 countries.