August 03, 2013 – Following the FIS Council meeting on 10th June 10, 2013 in Cavtat-Dubrovnik (CRO), the Council appointed Chris Grover as the new Chairman of the Cross-Country Sub-Committee for World and Continental Cups. In today’s edition, FIS Newsflash presents his initial thoughts as he embarks on his new tasks.

“I’m thankful for the opportunity to chair this important Sub-Committee and I look forward to serving this group in any way that I can. The members of this Sub-Committee are active, passionate about our sport, and working hard to find solutions that benefit the athletes, the nations, and the popularity of the sport.

“The work that Vegard Ulvang, Erik Roste, Jurg Capol, Pierre Mignerey, Sandra Spitz, and the FIS Team have done over the past years has really shaped the direction of the sport of Cross-Country Skiing. We have strong partners in the race Organisations and in the sponsors, and together we are shaping a positive and exciting future for Cross-Country.

“The Sub-Committee for World and Continental Cups has been instrumental in creating and solidifying the race formats that have kept our sport relevant over the past decades. The innovating thinking behind the Tour de Ski, the skiathlon, the sprint and the team sprint has helped Cross-Country Skiing attract new fans while preserving the essence of the sport. These changes have kept pace with the rapidly changing demands of the media and marketing formats.  Looking forward,

“I hope to continue to work to find that balance between the needs of the athletes, the teams, the Organisers, the sponsors and the media. We want to see Cross-Country Skiing continue to grow in popularity and to attract even more participants and fans.

“I grew up ski racing in Anchorage, Alaska (USA) and began coaching in 1993. I’ve been a coach with the U.S. Ski Team for 12 years, and worked as the Head Coach for the programme since 2010. I live in the Sun Valley, Idaho area with my wife Svea and two daughters Eva and Anja.”

Read more here.