The first FIS Seminar highlights the intersection of snow sports and human rights

The discussions and presentations during the event were led by invited experts, including individuals such as Adam Hall, Mathilde Grenet, Eddie Marshbaum, and Ken Read. Adam Hall, a New Zealand Paralympic alpine skiing World Cup athlete, Mathilde Grenet, the founder of “En Garde,” a organization that advises sports organizations on safeguarding, Eddie Marshbaum, the Head of Sport at Quest, a company specializing in investigations, security, and integrity, and Ken Read, a former Canadian alpine skiing legend.

During the first session, FIS specialists joined the external speakers to lead the discussions. The team of specialists included individuals like Alexandra Blum, Andrea Rinaldi, Sandra Spitz, and Dimitrije Lazarovski from FIS, along with Cornelia Blank, FIS Education Project Manager, and Daniela Lux from UMIT Tirol. Additionally, David Grevemberg from the Centre for Sport and Human Rights, and Gabriela Mueller Mendoza, a specialist in Diversity and Inclusion in sports, also shared their insights with the participants.

The idea to organize such an event emerged from a survey conducted by FIS with the NSAs, which highlighted the need to address human rights issues in snow sports. The event, held during the Spring Meetings, aimed to raise awareness, exchange ideas, and foster collaboration across all snow sports disciplines. The collaboration across various FIS departments, as evidenced by the participation of individuals like Fiona Stevens, Michel Vion, and Susanna Sieff, made the seminar a valuable opportunity for stakeholders in the snow sports community.