SQLDataSource - Select Parameter Drawn From A Variable

I have been using a workaround because i think I don't understand something about sqldatasource select parameters.

I am using control parameters as a workaround for when i want to use a variable at runtime. i assign the value to the control - then use that as my select parameter. is there another way?

here's what i do:

<asp:Literal runat="server" ID="litCurrentYear" Text="" Visible="False"></asp:Literal>

<asp:SqlDataSource runat="server" ID="dsSummaryTable" ConnectionString="***"
SelectCommand="spReportSummary" SelectCommandType="StoredProcedure">
<SelectParameters>
<asp:ControlParameter Name="CurrentYear" ControlID="litCurrentYear" PropertyName="Text" />
</SelectParameters>
</asp:SqlDataSource>

On PageLoad I assign litCurrentYear.Text whatever value I want. It works fine. But there must be a more elegant way - I just don't know it yet :)