“The SKIDS Festival reminds me of the good old days”.
In a few weeks, one of the biggest children’s ski events in South Tyrol will take place at Monte Cavallo near Sterzing. Children from different nations will be able to experience sports, games and fun and create memories that will last a lifetime. The testimonial for the children’s ski festival is former World Cup athlete Manfred Mölgg from Val Badia. In an interview, he explains why he is committed to young people and ‘his’ sport, skiing.
Manfred, from 31 March to 2 April the ‘Skids – The Snow Festival’ will take place for the first time on Monte Cavallo. Young people from different nations are offered experiences of competition, but also of play and fun. You are the testimonial for the event. What motivated you to do this?
“I believe in the youth, in young people, and I want nothing more than skiing, ‘my’ sport, brings joy to teh children. They should be moving outdoors, having fun and practising sport in a playful way. Many kids with the same passion will come together during the three days of SKIDS, get to know each other and create memories that will remain in their minds for a lifetime. I have participated in many competitions, but the ones I remember are the ones where I had fun, and ‘SKIDS’ reminds me of the past. The focus is simply on having fun”.
The event is taking place for the first time this year. What can the young participants expect?
“The programme includes a giant slalom, a parallel slalom and many other entertainment activities, such as tug-of-war, a parade and many games. In addition, some World Cup athletes, whom the children look up to as idols, will also participate. Participation will be international, which also serves to forge friendships. Clubs and athletes will be able to win spectacular prizes – away from materialism and towards experiences. For example, you can take part in a multi-day ski retreat with a World Cup athlete in Monte Cavallo, or get a behind-the-scenes look at a World Cup race and much more. There is also a rich programme for parents, such as a panel discussion with interesting personalities from the world of sport, to which all interested parties are cordially invited.”
Will you yourself be present at ‘SKIDS – The Snow Festival’?
Of course I will be there. I will be rooting for the young participants and encouraging them with advice and support. We have set ourselves the goal of organising an event that has the potential to grow steadily and become a permanent fixture in the ski calendar, where the ski heroes of tomorrow will take part. But what is most important to me are the moments that the children experience during these three days in Sterzing, because they will remain imprinted in their memories for a lifetime”.