NATIONAL BROTHERHOOD OF SKIERS, INC
2012 ANNUAL MEETING AND CHALLENGE CUP MINI-SUMMIT IN SUN VALLEY, IDAHO
 
AFRICAN AMERICAN SKIERS GATHER TO PARTICIPATE
IN WINTER SPORTS AND SUPPORT FOUNDATION 
 
 
February 15, 2012 -- Chicago, IL – Black skiers and snowboarders across the nation will converge in Sun Valley, Idaho to attend the National Brotherhood of Skiers, Inc. (“NBS”) Annual Meeting and Challenge Cup, also known as the Black Ski Mini-Summit” (“Summit”), during the week of February 25 through March 3, 2012. 
 
This biennial meeting and event brings together hundreds of African-American winter sports enthusiasts.  “We are excited to return to Sun Valley after 14 years.  Our members have fond memories of the resort’s beautiful scenic surroundings and wide range of ski terrain.  We are excited to see what Sun Valley has to offer,” said Haymon Jahi, NBS President. 
 
Over the years, the NBS has partnered with many corporate sponsors in support of its youth athletic program. The NBS is proud to announce the return of Diageo America as its 2012 Presenting Sponsor of the Summit.  Diageo and several of its leading brands will play visible roles in NBS events.  
 
The NBS other strategic partners include REI and the U.S. Forest Service.  Upscale magazine serves as the Summit’s primary media partner.
 
The NBS plans a non-stop schedule of events during the Summit.  Beyond the skiing, riding and social events, the organization will host leadership meetings and elect national officers.  Summit week’s most popular events will include Opening Ceremonies (Sunday, February 26 – Ketchum Town Square), Avalanche Awareness Seminar (Tuesday, February 28 – River Run Day Lodge – hosted jointly with the U.S. Forest Service), Picnic-On-The-Hill/ Club Races, (Wednesday, Feb. 29 – Sun Valley’s Warm Springs Parking Lot) and numerous après ski gatherings (Sun Valley’s River Run Day Lodge).   
 
Continued Jahi, “In 2012, the NBS will celebrate its 39th anniversary.  Sun Valley’s long and fabled history make it an ideal location to reflect on our past and plan for the future.  We would like to extend our thanks to the people and businesses that worked with us to plan this special event.  Their support and insight have been instrumental in our Summit planning.
 
In 2011, the NBS and a number of other partners launched the National Winter Sports Education Foundation (“NWSEF”). The NWSEF mission is to improve the lives, health and fitness of youth in the United States through winter sports. Its leaders consist of mostly ski industry and private sector executives.  “We are pleased with the accomplishments of the foundation over the last year.  Our goal is to facilitate the introduction of 100,000 youth to winter sports each year through collaborative efforts of youth serving agencies such as the YMCA, local retail and winter environments and ski clubs”, shared Schone Malliet, NBS Olympic Scholarship Administrator.   From recreational to competitive activities, through NBS clubs, the Foundation provides support for outreach programs as well as athletes to prepare them as prospective candidates for the U.S. Ski Team development program.  
 
As the NBS moves closer to its milestone of 40 years in existence, commitment continues to its mission to identify, develop and support athletes of color who will WIN Olympic and international winter sports competitions representing the United States and to increase participation in winter sports. The NBS is supported by 60 clubs nationwide representing more than 3,000 members.  Support of the Summit enables the NBS to fund its youth athletic programs.  Many NBS clubs have youth program that put athletes on track for national competition and development.   
 
NBS Summits are held at selected ski resorts throughout the United States. With an attendance of approximately 1000 attendees, the Summit provides a significant economic impact to the host ski resort, the surrounding communities and a wide range of resort and ski industry partners.  
 
The NBS Black Ski Summit is a fun-filled and exciting event designed for all ages including family friendly fun.  NBS members are expected to spend more than $500,000.00 during the week the event is held in Sun Valley. 
 
The NBS welcomes media inquiries.  For photos or more information about the NBS, please visit www.nbs.org or call 305-525-0338.