FIS-CUP Coordinator Ueli Forrer retires

The two FIS Cup competitions last weekend in Villach (AUT) were not only the last ones this season, but it was also the final event for the very popular and esteemed FIS official Ueli Forrer of Switzerland. It was the final event for Forrer as FIS Coordinator.

Forrer was not only coordinator
From 1994 - 1998, Forrer represented the Swiss Ski Association in the sub-committee for judges and technical delegates. In 1998, the sub-committee for judges and TD's and the sub-committee for control were merged, Forrer became the chairman of this new sub-committee and he will hold this position until May 2020.

Coordinator since 2012
Since 2012, Forrer was the coordinator of the FIS Cup. "Back then, the level of organisation and infrastructure of the FIS Cups was not really high. Over the past nine years, the organizers made good progress with our support and today many of the venues are on a World Cup level", says Forrer.

"This FIS Cup is not very well known, but still it's very important. It's the lowest level of our Cup system within the International Ski Federation FIS. The high number of participants proves the high demand, in Villach we had a new record number of competitors with over 90 men and almost 60 women. The goal of this series is the give young male and female jumpers, who are struggling with their shape, the possibility to gain experience in international competitions and help them get closer to the top."

Task similar to that of a Race Director
Forrer has a simple explanation for the job of a coordinator: "The tasks of a coordinator of such a competition series are similar to those of a Race Director in the World Cup, plus the equipment control."

And of course, Forrer also has some good stories to tell: "It was at the FIS Cup in Winterberg a few years ago. Everything started with the parking lot. The closest parking lot to the hill, which is still kind of far away, was reserved for the Dutch Ski Association with no exceptions. I had to carry all my equipment through the deep snow. The entire organizing committee consisted of about six people, including the hill crew. But still, everything worked out fine and we had some exciting competitions. But this is only possible if everyone is working together.

"After all these years I will definitely miss meeting all the different kinds of people, organizers, coaches, and athletes. We were all a big family and, with some small exceptions, we always got along well", Forrer concluded.

All the best, Ueli!