In order for Switzerland to continue producing exceptional skiers like Iouri Podladtchikov in the future, it not only needs talented children, hard work and a strong will, but also excellent support for young talent, according to the event organizers who have relocated to Bern. The freestyle.ch support association stands for precisely this promotion of young talent. It was set up at the end of 2016 to support and coach children and young people in the various freestyle sports and put them on the right path.

Promoting innovative projects

For the first time, there will be a fun park on the Bernexpo site in Bern before and during freestyle.ch, where visitors can get to know and test typical sports such as snowboarding, skiing and mountain biking, as well as parkour, skateboarding and slacklining, in an uncomplicated way. In this way, the association aims to raise awareness of freestyle sports and promote innovative projects.

With Tanja Frieden, Iouri Podladtchikov and Gian Simmen

Freestyle.ch relies on the help of generous patrons: they voluntarily make an important contribution to the promotion of young talent. Prominent representatives of the Swiss freestyle and event scene have been brought on board to give the association a face. With Tanja Frieden, Iouri Podladtchikov and Gian Simmen, three Olympic champions and pioneers of freestyle sports are on the patronage committee, which comprises a total of 15 people from the worlds of business, sport and culture. "We are delighted and proud that such famous and successful people are supporting our association," says Christoph Müller, Project Manager of freestyle.ch.

Exclusive camp in Grindelwald

The sponsorship association not only wants to raise awareness of freestyle activities, it is now also supporting up-and-coming athletes on their way. The first exclusive camp will be held in Grindelwald in mid-April together with partner Jungfrau Railways. From April 10 to 15, young people aged 16 to 25 will be coached on and off the slopes. There are 25 places available. Olympic champion Gian Simmen, among others, has agreed to coach the camp. "I'm looking forward to passing on my experience directly on the slopes and in the park to the young people," says Gian Simmen. The young skiers will receive practical tips and tricks on film production and marketing in evening workshops. They also create several short films in groups, which will be shown on the big screen during freestyle.ch in Bern in the fall.