International ski federation confirm they'll recognise British Olympic team

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Posted: Thursday 11th February 2010 | 1:29

SKIING's world governing body have formally confirmed they will recognise British skiers and snowboarders when the Winter Olympics gets under way in Vancouver this weekend.

NEW ROLE: BOA chairman Colin Moynihan will also become the chairman of the newly-formed British Ski and Snowboarding (Getty Images)

The status of 14-strong team - including snowboard cross medal hopeful Zoe Gillings - was uncertain after SnowsportGB, the British governing body, went into administration last week with six-figure debts.

But the British Olympic Association have moved hastily to ensure their team fulfill the entry requirements of Fis, the international ski federation.

And they have now confirmed they will recognise Team GB Limited, which will trade as British Ski and Snowboarding, with ‘immediate effect'.

BOA chairman Lord Colin Moynihan also confirmed he would work to ensure the British Championships, scheduled for Meribel in late March, will go ahead.

"BSS will ensure that Fis registration and Fis race entries continue for all accredited athletes without undue disruption and that we will take on all Fis responsibilities for the British governing body," he said.

"We will also continue to work with stakeholders to see whether the British Championships can be held this year. We very much hope so.

"Following the end of the season Fis has welcomed our commitment to carry out the most comprehensive consultation process with British skiers and snowboarders in the history of our sport.

"Our goal is to make sure the interests of the athletes are best served as BSS transitions to represent all British skiers and snowboarders with a strongly funded British governing body securing the interests of our best athletes."

Keen skier Lord Moynihan - whose children have been part of the junior British set up - will take on role of chairman of the new governing body and will be supported by newly-appointed chief executive Dave Edwards.