Diversity and communication interest the students

Fiona and Shimana actively participate in the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships, helping them make the championship more sustainable and visible.

The WSC manager is delighted with the organization’s systematic cooperation with students.

“We want the Ski World Championships 2025 to be at the forefront of sustainability, so it is important to include young people from different cultures in this work. We are very grateful for the commitment and expertise the students contribute,” says Åge Skinstad, CEO of the Nordic World Ski Championships 2025.

Fiona Zoebeli is from Switzerland and grew up skiing. She has also worked for various sporting events and dreams of continuing this work after completing her master’s degree. Shimana Shikder is from Bangladesh and initially had no experience in skiing.

“I have always been very interested in European sports culture. The Ski World Championships gives me a unique opportunity to get to know the skiing culture in Norway and the professional work around a championship. I feel fortunate,” says Shimana.

Experienced ski jumping for the first time

Both students from Molde University College are analyzing the World Ski Championships in their master’s theses. Fiona will focus on how the championship can better connect internationally through multilingual communication, while Shimana will study volunteering from a diversity perspective.

“I am examining the PR work that has been done and, at the same time, trying to find answers to when the championship should change its focus towards a wider international audience. We have already concluded that a shift of focus during the World Championships in Planica is natural,” says Fiona.  

The students also participate in projects to get to know the organization better.

“It is enjoyable and educational to be involved. Among other things, we have systematized and analyzed the input the Ski World Championships received on the sustainability strategy. We also participated in the opening of the ski jumping hill at Granåsen. It was super exciting. I have never experienced a ski jump before. It was an experience of a lifetime,” says Shimana with a smile.

Works during the Planica World Championships

The students will be involved in organizing the World Championships for ten weeks and have already completed half of their internship. They have learned a lot and also experienced a few surprises along the way.

“I have become much more motivated to learn Norwegian. When I didn’t understand everything at the workshop, I realized the urgency,” says Shimana.

The next project is the Ski World Championships in Planica. Several students will contribute to the marketing and communication team.

“It will be interesting to see if the championship brings extra attention. When Planica is over, the World Ski Championships in Trondheim will be up next. That makes the work even more exciting,” Fiona concludes.