SnowSports Industries America and the United States Ski and Snowboard Association are partnering to bring the world of snow sports directly to physical education professionals, coaches and athletic directors in schools throughout the United States. Leveraging SIA’s “Winter Feels Good” program and USSA’s snow sports training expertise, the two organizations will deliver information and curricula to K-12 educators and administrators that are designed to get youth actively engaged in snow sports and provide training programs that will enhance athletic performance.
USSA will make available to public and private school coaches and athletic directors a series of CD-ROMs containing the latest information on snow sport training gained from developing world and Olympic champions. The “Elite Performance Series” CDs cover topics such as the role proper hydration and nutrition play for athletic success, setting goals and tracking progress, and building a customized training program. The “Sport Performance Series” provides cutting-edge resources and information on sport-specific topics. The first three CDs in the series look at alpine ski racing. Future topics will address freestyle, Nordic and snowboard fundamentals and techniques. Coaches and teachers can then use these tools to create snow sports programs in physical education classes and training programs for their ski and snowboard teams.
“This new CD series offers the essential information that all coaches and athletes need to master to ensure success,” said Dave McCann, director of educational services for USSA. “Our approach is the perfect compliment to SIA’s Winter Feels Good initiative. We both are targeting the education community but, from different perspectives.”
While USSA is focusing on competitive athletes and their coaches, SIA is pursuing a recreation-level audience by providing curriculum-based information that help physical education teachers introduce snow sports to students in a school setting. A new education information section recently was added to the “Winter Feels Good” Web site and the two USSA Performance Series programs are now a key element of the section. For additional information on the USSA CDs or to order, go to http://educationshop.ussa.org
This month, SIA launched a pilot program with Tubbs Snowshoes to introduce students to snow sports via snowshoeing. The association also recently announced that it is working with the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports to encourage children and adults to earn a President’s Challenge Award by combining snow sports with other activities. The President’s Challenge is used by physical education teachers throughout the United States to encourage development of a consistent physical activity program among their students. However, anyone – whether individually or in groups – can participate in the President’s Challenge.
USSA and SIA will promote their respective products this winter through media outreach efforts and at professional conferences attended by physical education teachers, coaches and athletic directors. A joint “Winter Feels Good” exhibit is planned for the SIA Show January 24-27 in Las Vegas.
“The reception to Winter Feels Good by educators has been extremely positive,” said Mary Jo Tarallo, director of education and special projects for SIA. “This exciting partnership with USSA will bring a whole new element to our efforts and provide a platform for our world class athletes as role models. “
