i just recieved the following email:
Hi there,
OVER 2000 NAMES ON THE PETITION!
So far so good! Thanks for your help in smashing through the initial target of 2000 names on the petition to have Skiing Halfpipe included in the Olympic Games. Thanks too for all the messages of support and ideas on how to “win friends and influence people”!
We are already making progress, encouraged by the response to the petition, Snowsport GB have put a motion to FIS for inclusion of Skiing Halfpipe in the Vancouver Games. As a result the FIS Freestyle Committee are going to ask the FIS Council to consider requesting to the IOC that the Skiing Halfpipe event be included in the 2014 Olympic Winter Games.
This IS a step forward... but in 8 years we’re going to be... nearly 3000 days older! Pro skiers we know and love for the halfpipe will be growing mohicans and heading for the backcountry by then!
So we need to step things up... we need Skiing Halfpipe to be an demonstration sport at Vancouver and to start getting our voice heard we need enough names on the petition to have a real impact on FIS and, more importantly, the IOC and the broadcasters who have such influence.
Our feeling is that we need to break 10,000 names... in doing this we will create a momentum that will lead to success, no question. Getting there will involve thousands more, get everyone thinking and talking about it, but the only way we can achieve this is if we all work together to:
1) Spread the word online through snowsports/travel/adventure related websites, chat rooms, email lists etc... asking people to add their name to the petition and spread the word further.
2) Ensure that friends and family who support the cause do actually put their names to the petition!
With all the distractions around it’s easy to forget to sign up, however good the intent. People need reminding and a bit of encouragement! So please pick the phone up to people you know would be keen to see skiing halfpipe in the next Olympics and get them involved, drop emails to webmasters of sites that can help spread the word, post info on noticeboards and in chat rooms, ask clubs to email their members etc.
With your help we might even see some of today’s halfpipe masters get a chance to fight it out for Olympic gold, without needing a zimmer frame!
WANT TO GET INVOLVED IN THE FREESPORTS WORLD WEBSITE?
We are looking for people passionate about different Freesports (from snowboarding to skateboarding, climbing to mountain biking, surfing to triathalon) to help improve our links library, the information we have on each sport etc. Also to contribute to the Freesports Awards and Film & Photography Festival. If you are interested please email us!
PLANNING YOUR NEXT SKI HOLIDAY?
LINE Skis UK, one of our sponsors, have just run a very successful Freeride & Freestyle Camp in the French Alpes (read all about it and see the pics etc at: http://www.lineskis.co.uk/h/n/RIDE/events/ALL/348//). They are planning more holidays and Camps in December 2006 and April 2007. They have special flexible package arranged for individuals of all ages, families and groups with something for everyone... even snowboarders are welcome too!
It doesn’t matter where you are in the world, if you fancy a great week’s skiing in the French Alpes next season, whether on your own or with friends or family, check out what they have planned and get your places reserved... it’s going to be brilliant... better than the average anyway! Check out all the info at: http://www.lineskis.co.uk/h/n/RIDE/events/ALL/176//
Thanks!
Matthew
Skiing Halfpipe Campaign
http://www.freesportsworld.com
sign it yo!!!