Sports Education Foundation takes top spot in awards

VERNON — The FIS Council presented the New Jersey based National Winter Sports Education Foundation, the sole U.S. candidate in the running for the 2016 FIS SnowKidz Award, with third place at the 50th International Ski Congress held in Cancun, Mexico.
As a result of winning a top spot, the NWSEF received $5,000 CHF to be put towards winter sports initiatives. In addition, NWSEF previously received $5,000 CHF as one of eight finalists for the award.
As part of the ‘Bring Children to the Snow’ campaign, the FIS Member National Ski Associations (full and associate members) were invited to submit their projects to compete for the FIS SnowKidz Award. Submissions were evaluated based on their successful initiatives, the quality of their programs, and capability of extending enthusiasm for winter sports long term extent, as well as transferability and promotional value. The top three award winners were decided by the jury from among the eight finalists. This award is presented every other year and aims to recognize and promote the best examples of bringing children to the snow, in varying national circumstances.
“We are very proud to accept this award,” said Schone Malliet, the CEO of the National Winter Sports Education Foundation/National Winter Activity Center. “Being acknowledged for our efforts on an international level confirms that we are making great strides for winter sports. We are opening the eyes of our youth to opportunity beyond where they come from and what they know and that is amazing.”
With programs that include Nordic Rocks, Ted Ligety Learn to Ski and the National Winter Activity Center, the Foundation demonstrates its long term, sustainable commitment to creating participants, competitors and fans. The Foundation is dedicated to providing the opportunity, and necessary direction and funding for children between the ages of 6 and 17 in schools, youth organizations and USSA clubs or programs, and especially those in underserved communities, to experience or compete in winter sports. With every program it is the intent of the Foundation to support and develop initiatives that provide youth with an introduction and proper instruction for competition in skiing, snowboarding and cross country skiing. In partnership with the USSA, the Foundation aims to introduce 100,000 youth to winter sports over the next few years.
Looking ahead FIS can confirm that the fifth edition of the award will take place in 2018. For more information on the NWSEF visit nwsef.org and winter4kids.org.