CHILL kick-off in Germany
On June 12, 2022, Burton teamed up with Mannheim-based snowboard core store S'Brett to host the first CHILL event. The non-profit organization has been part of the Burton snowboard family since 1995 and is active in ten countries and 24 cities worldwide. This event marks CHILL’s introduction in Germany; a huge success with lots of fun. 50 youngsters between the ages of 9 and 18 had the opportunity to get on a board at the SnowWorld ski hall in Landgraaf. Divided into five groups, they were actively supported and accompanied by teachers from the Ski & Snowboard School Landgraaf, Burton employees and the store staff of S'Brett. After initial exercises and lines on the beginner slope, several participants managed to conquer the first kicker. "My son was totally thrilled by the snowboarding experience - he hasn't stopped talking about it. Thank you very much for this great experience!", said the mother of one of the participants.
The event is the successful result of the collaboration between Burton and Simon Sander with his snowboard core store S'Brett. Last year in November, the two board pros designed a S'Brett x Burton collection together with friend and designer Andi Schiefer. Under the maxim The Civilized Misfits, a range of styles were created that celebrate "being different" as much as cohesion and are aimed at the wild, the unadjusted, the big- hearted rebels who treat all people with respect and compassion. A main part of the collection was sold at an auction in Mannheim in November 2021, the rest of the collection could be bought in stores afterwards. In the process, the team collected a sum of €3,500. Burton used these proceeds for the CHILL event last month. The goal of the NGO is to support young people in difficult life situations or from marginalized communities in their personal growth with the help of boardsports. "I am insanely proud when I see what we can put together as a small retailer. We gave the youth an unforgettable day and that's what snowboarding is all about: Having fun!", says Simon Sander, owner of S'Brett.
The first CHILL projects in Switzerland as well as in Italy have shown that there is a high demand and need for similar projects - and now Germany is also an integral part of the global CHILL rollout. Burton Country Manager Germany, Benjamin Schwarz will act as Managing Director of CHILL gUG together with Dr. Katja Middelhoff and will successively build up the implementation of local programs. "The day showed us all how easy it is to get people excited about something and forget everything else. The ambition of these kids was almost contagious. Now we are in the process of setting up a sustainable program for the winter, with the goal of leaving a lasting impact on the young people and their lives," said Benjamin Schwarz. At first, the activity will be carried out on a volunteer basis using the resources of the Burton team to establish the seasonal and multi-day CHILL program with a partner in Winterberg in winter 22/23. The planning has already begun, and Benjamin can already reveal what the youths at the CHILL Core Snowboard Program can await so far: 6 days of free snowboard lessons, equipment (such as: snowwear, board, boots, helmet), transportation, lift ticket and food. Each day has a specific motto, under which core values such as respect, courage or patience are to be taught.
via CHILL