Tärnaby is rooted in the Swedish athletes' soul with names such as Ingemar Stenmark and Anja Pärson in the forefront. Alpine skiing is largely Tärnaby.
- Alpine skiing is the heart of Tärnaby and has always been there as the biggest activity. When I lived in the village, Tärnaby flourished when these young people returned after summer breaks and the like. Should one of these schools disappear, it would be a tough blow, says Pärson about the plans to close down the Ski Academy and the alpine high school.
Pärson broke through extremely early and ran in the World Cup already during high school and at that time there was again alpine schooling in Tärnaby.
- Had there been a ski gym I would definitely have been linked to that school, Pärson states.
An alpine high school is so much more than skiing.
"It is vital that we continue to get involved"- It is vital that we continue to engage and activate young people in sports and that they are allowed to develop their dreams. A ski gym is such a big part of the countryside that if it were to disappear it would be empty. There is a huge responsibility from the municipality and also elsewhere to try and keep as much as possible.
At the same time with the message from Tärnaby, alpine sport is reaping great success in the Youth Olympics with Lausanne as the base.
- Sweden is extremely talented on the youth and juniors in alpine skiing and we hope that this new generation will gain momentum and eventually reach the top
The decision regarding the ski training is not yet in the full power of attorney.
- Hopefully, they can save the situation and that it can continue. It is an important part of Swedish alpine history and something we must cherish, ”says Pärson.