International collaboration at 2024 FIS Development Summer Camp in Planica

Planica was calling, and the Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined family answered, converging from all directions to Slovenia to enjoy valuable and rewarding days together. Teams from development nations including Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Georgia, Ukraine, Romania, Slovakia, and Hungary joined forces with representatives from Sweden, Finland, Canada, Switzerland, Italy, and France for a week of training, learning, and camaraderie.

The weather forecast promised a perfect week, with plenty of sunshine and ideal conditions for ski jumping and roller skiing. This was met with enthusiasm from athletes and coaches alike, and everyone was well-prepared with water and sunscreen for the fantastic summer days.

The week's programme was filled with training sessions on the ski jumps in Planica, Kranj, and Villach, as well as on the roller ski track and the training ground. Athletes honed their skills in their age groups through coordination drills, off-snow ski jumping exercises, and various forms of play. This also provided a great opportunity for athletes from different nations to bond and learn from each other.

Evenings were equally enriching, with sessions covering jump judging, aerodynamics, and media training. Highlights included direct or online dialogues with notable athletes. Former World Cup ski jumper Špela Rogelj (SLO) and ski flying World Cup winner Žiga Jelar (SLO) visited the camp, sharing insights into their careers. Ski Jumping World Cup Director Sandro Pertile also made an appearance, engaging with coaches from all participating nations. These interactions with role models were invaluable for the young athletes and coaches, leaving lasting impressions.

At the end of the week, competitions for all participants were held on various ski jumps in the "Valley of the World Champions" and on roller skis. The results reflected the intensive work on jumping and skiing skills throughout the week, showcasing significant improvements.

The final evening was a memorable culmination of the camp, fostering a sense of unity and achievement among the athletes.

The hospitality provided by Hotels Rute and Dom, along with the Tina Flat, was exceptional, contributing significantly to the camp's success.

Hvala Planica! We look forward to the 2025 camp.