Day 5 - 51st FIS Congress in Costa Navarino (Greece)

World Championships as opportunities and showcases

The 51st FIS Congress ends today, Friday, in Costa Navarino (Greece), and the takeaway for my company could not be more positive. The Image Film, which was shown to experts, did not miss its impact. Before and after, I had important conversations in which existing collaborations were deepened and possibly new partnerships considered. And I met new faces from the winter sports world — networking may not be everything, but it is an important building block on the path to potential collaborations.

What made me especially happy is that what had already been set in motion is now official. In Vikersund (the sole candidate) the Ski Flying World Championships will take place in 2022, and OK Chair Tone K. Kristiansen puts the significance of this event into words. “We have shown in the past that we can host such events,” she says. “And even though we already admire ski jumpers at our hill every winter, it is important to have a longer-term goal to motivate employees, question and possibly improve organizational and event-related processes. The 2022 WM will be a celebration for all of us, including around 1000 volunteers we can rely on.” Also important are partners and sponsors, Kristiansen continues. “We are very pleased that companies remain loyal to us and work with us, as, for example, Peter Riedel in the area of the hill run-up tracks.” Thank you!, I can only respond.
Two years before the Ski Flying WM in Vikersund, the Nordic Junior World Championship will take place in my closest homeland, Oberwiesenthal. That is great, because Oberwiesenthal has in the past shown that it is quite capable of hosting successful events, think only of the Summer Grand Prix of the Nordic combined. Yet a WM is a different caliber, where from opening to closing ceremonies, on many levels everything must fit: sporting, organizational, logistical, media. A World Championship offers the opportunity to present itself in the showcase. It also carries the risk for the organizer of ending up in the closet.

The Free State of Saxony funds the junior titles with a substantial amount, but if money is not used purposefully, millions will soon be too little. Also, by 2020, well: not a lot of time left. Rolling up sleeves and starting work as soon as possible is the best wish I can give the responsible people. And if my expertise is needed, I am, as in the past, happy to help.

Gian Franco Kasper is expected to be confirmed today as FIS President. For some he is outdated, others feel younger people should have their turn. But certain competencies cannot be bought or learned. What Kasper carries in terms of life experience and sport-political know-how should be valued, respected – and also utilized.