We – the ski training community of Meran – participated in the first edition of the “SKIDS – The Snow Festival” in April 2023. The kids were enthusiastic about the race, the organization, and the fantastic games. That we in the end even won an adventure prize due to the good results was the best thing that could happen. Today we could finally redeem the voucher, a ski test with VÖLKL and an unforgettable day with World Cup athlete Sam Maes.
The anticipatory excitement of the entire team was huge. Sam Maes was an approachable star; he took the time to answer the kids’ questions and was on hand for selfies and autographs. All the kids really drew a lesson from this day, moreover there was incredible group dynamics that could be felt. Sam Maes is a charismatic, friendly guy who taught the kids important values. This day will stick in the kids’ – as well as us coaches’ – memory for a long time, because it’s exactly such emotions and moments that are needed in skiing in the youth sector. The kids could experience a World Cup athlete from up close, that allows them to realize the World Cup world and to wake a passion. Their enthusiasm for their favourite sport has grown a lot since this day.
Thanks a lot to the entire SKIDS-Team for this unforgettable day! We are already looking forward to the second edition of SKIDS in March 2024!
Roland Alber, responsible of the Trainingsgemeinschaft Meran 2000