Bring Children to the Snow By Andrew Cholinski
Key programmes continue to thrive Prior to the 2020/21 season, FIS sent a clear message to all SnowKidz and World Snow Day organisers: “If in doubt, wait it out.” Although the message was not the normal positive information the Bring Children to the Snow campaign seeks to deliver, it was by far the best decision to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of the general public. The decision to instruct organisers to postpone events had subsequent consequences, with the most obvious being a reduction in the number of events and activities. In total, 231 events and activities took place over the course of 12 months, which was down from an average of 1,006. But the news was not all bad. The past 12 months allowed more time for those involved in programmes to focus on areas such as public communications. And the focus yielded results. Over the past 12 months, 38 new organisers and two new countries – Mexico and the United Arab Emirates – joined the Bring Children to the Snow campaign. In addition, four new partners were added: the Special Olympics, World Para Snow Sports, the International Federation for Ski Patrollers, and the International Ski Instructors Association. Each of these organisations brings a wealth of knowledge, which over coming years will be integrated into the Bring Children to the Snow programmes in the form of events and support for all organisers.
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