September 18, 2013 – As part of the FIS Development Programme, the FIS Nordic summer training camp recently concluded in Val di Fiemme, Italy. The camp started on September 9th and ran until September 14th.

Participants from 45 developing ski nations were invited to send two athletes and one coach per discipline to take part in the FIS Development Programme Nordic Camp. All athletes were required to be in the FIS junior age group (born between 1994-1998) and registered by the National Ski Association to participate in international competitions, thereby having a FIS Code.

32 athletes and 19 coaches took part in the camp from 14 nations. Cross-Country brought the largest delegation with 19 athletes and nine coaches with 20 Ski Jumping participants and ten Nordic Combined participants.

“The camp has been very well received,” said FIS President Gian Franco Kasper. “It gives a very good learning opportunity for athletes from all over the globe in a top-level training environment. Bringing together all three Nordic disciplines has been of great benefit for the athletes and coaches to share experiences.”

The 12-day programme was a full one for both athletes and coaches. Included on the agenda were naturally several training sessions in the different disciplines, but also a wide variety of dry-land training, including mountain biking, swimming, hiking and other activities in and around the extensive facilities in Val di Fiemme.

Sandro Pertile, training camp coordinator reported, “We have 14 nations represented and all the participants are very motivated. We had great weather throughout the camp, which allowed us to stage some really fun activities. We were especially excited for the motivational seminar when we welcomed Olympic Champion Cristian Zorzi to meet the participants.”