Special Olympics Inc. and the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) established an official partnership in 2016 to support each other's missions. FIS, recognized by the IOC and IPC, governs Olympic disciplines like Alpine Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing, and Snowboarding, as well as Paralympic disciplines. Special Olympics offers competitions in Alpine Skiing, Cross-Country Skiing, and Snowboarding.
The FIS and Special Olympics partnership focuses on the following areas:
- Cross promotion of snow sports, encouraging athletes with and without disabilities to get active in snow sports, and celebrate World Snow Day
- Encouraging collaboration between Special Olympics programs and National Ski/Snowboard Federations
- Creation and implementation of the Special Olympics 10 – 10 tips to ensure all people are included in snow sports