2027 FISU Winter World University Games Team

Dreams Ignited, Youth United: 

Representing Canada on the World Stage

Four dedicated Canadian freestyle park and pipe skiers from Ontario have earned a landmark invitation: representing Canada at the 2027 FISU Winter World University Games in Changchun, China, from January 15–25, 2027.

Meet the Athletes

All four athletes are juggling rigorous university academics while training at an elite athletic level:

• George Freidman (18) – University of Guelph, Bachelor of Environmental Science.
  • Signature Trick: Misty Seven Blunt
• Joseph Hutchins (17) – University of Ottawa, Bachelor of Arts, Communications / Sociology.
  • Signature Trick: Double Rodeo 9 Japan
• Fox Heaps (18) – Carleton University, Bachelor of Industrial Design.
  • Signature Trick: Cork 3 Nose
• Josef Burkhardt (19) – University of Ottawa, Bachelor of Science,  Human Kinetics.
  • Signature Trick: Switch Bio 9
     

About the Event

As the largest international multi-sport event for student-athletes outside of the Olympic Games, the Winter World University Games bring together over 3,000 elite competitors from more than 50 countries across 12 winter disciplines. Competing under the event motto "Dreams Ignited, Youth United," these four student-athletes have spent years sacrificing, training, and competing at provincial and national levels to earn the privilege of wearing the maple leaf on a global stage.

The Challenge: 100% Self-Funded

Unlike traditional national teams, participation in the World University Games is 100% self-funded. Each athlete faces an estimated cost of $10,000 (a $40,000 total campaign goal for the four-person team) to cover:

• Round-trip international travel and specialized ski equipment transportation
• Accommodation, venue fees, and ground logistics in China
• Shared, qualified freestyle coaching support critical for athlete safety and peak performance

In judged freestyle skiing—where scores are decided by fractions of a point—on-site access to professional coaching is essential to bridge the gap between basic participation and podium potential. To make this trip possible, the four athletes are pooling their resources to fund their travel and hire certified coaching support.

How You Can Help

By supporting these student-athletes, you are directly investing in the future of Canadian freestyle skiing. Your support ensures these four skiers arrive in Changchun fully prepared to compete safely and represent Canada with pride and excellence.

To learn more about the event, visit the official FISU Winter World University Games page.