A few months after the governance of Para Alpine, Para Cross Country, and Para Snowboard was transferred from the IPC to FIS and that of Para Biathlon to the IBU on 1 July 2022, the Para Nordic Skiing World Championships in Oestersund, Sweden, provided a timely opportunity for FIS and IBU representatives to convene for an initial workshop. 

The FIS team - led by FIS Deputy Secretary General Niklas Carlsson - and that of the IBU - led by IBU Secretary General Max Cobb - discussed a common approach to growing and developing Para Nordic Skiing, in particular Para Biathlon, going forward. While the governance of Para Biathlon belongs to the IBU, the day-by-day competition operations are managed by FIS under a cooperation agreement as part of the overall Para Snow Sports programme.

The topics of discussion included governance, event and competition organisation, development, and education opportunities, as well as current research projects in Para Nordic Skiing.

"It was a great occasion to reconnect with the IBU at Oestersund and use this opportunity to discuss the future of Para Nordic Skiing, especially of Para Biathlon. I am convinced that Para Nordic Skiing is in the right hands and will be further developed by the two organisations, respectively," commented Niklas Carlsson on FIS’ behalf.

"It was a very constructive visit to the Para Nordic Skiing World Championships. We took the opportunity to have a meeting with the main leaders of para Nordic and Para Snowsports to begin to chart our future together. This collaborative engagement was energising and the discussions with athletes and coaches rounded out a great visit," added Max Cobb on IBU's behalf.

Both FIS and the IBU have great expertise in their respective disciplines and aim to work together to lift Para Nordic Skiing to the next level, by providing an enhanced platform to showcase amazing athletic performances to global audiences, increase public awareness, and grow the number of participants at all levels.

The FIS and IBU Para Nordic working group will be meeting on a regular basis in the coming months to further define the key areas of focus following the current competition season.

Photo: Kurt Nilsson/Parasport Sverige