Sporting for All – Bringing sports to everyone

  United Through Sports (UTS) organisers launch the official logo for the first edition of the UTS Virtual Youth Festival 2020 United Through Sports (UTS) organisers launch the official logo for the first edition of the UTS Virtual Youth Festival 2020. The logo stands to represent unity in diversity through the inclusion of all youth regardless of ability. The design uses a vibrant, bold and youthful colour palette appealing to the younger generations signifying fun and positivity. The festival logo is built upon the foundations of the UTS official logo and adapted towards the novel virtual festival concept. The centre of the logo symbolises the digital world with four different youth encircling the globe. They are connected across the world sharing the same experience, the same event at the same time. The font was chosen to give an urban, brushstroke and down-to-earth approach to demonstrate the feeling of movement and creativity. This festival encourages youth to showcase their unique talents and creativity, offering them a chance to shine bright during a difficult time. Over 60 organizations and federations have joined to participate and/or contribute towards this unique event which has been patronized by the International Olympic Committee, the International Paralympic […]

Following the initiative of Pierre de Coubertin, who wanted to combine “muscles and mind” at the Games, seven editions, from 1912 to 1948, included Olympic events in painting, sculpture, literature, music and architecture. After these were dropped, the cultural programmes created for the Games successfully continued the vision of the man who revived the Games. In an article entitled “the Roman Olympiad”, published on the front page of Le Figaro on 5 August 1904, 10 years after the revival of the Games, Pierre de Coubertin announced: “The time has come to enter a new phase, and to restore the Olympiads to their original beauty. At the time of Olympia’s splendour, and even later when Nero, the conqueror of Greece, made it his ambition to gather the ever-desired laurels along the banks of the Alphaeus, the arts and literature joined with sport to ensure the greatness of the Olympic Games. The same must be true in the future.” The reason for the title of these two newspaper columns was the recent choice by the IOC members of the Italian capital as host of the Olympic Games in 1908. Thus, Coubertin continued, it is now “possible and desirable to unite in the future celebrations, as […]

Today marks the one-year anniversary of the inaugural World Urban Games 2019, an event that blended competitive urban sport and a festival of youth music, art and culture in the heart of Budapest, Hungary. The ultimate celebration of new-generation sports forged by the spirit of youth, the Games welcomed over 50,000 spectators to the Urban Games Park to witness some of the best urban athletes in the world showcase their skill, style and power. From Misaki Katayama of Japan making history by taking home the first gold medal of the World Urban Games in World Skate’s roller freestyle competition, to the USA showcasing their prowess in flying disc, the atmosphere was phenomenal throughout all three days of competition. Meanwhile, sports like the International Basketball Federation’s (FIBA) 3×3 basketball and International Gymnastics Federation’s (FIG) parkour charmed crowds with their-fast paced and exhilarating action. “The inaugural edition of the World Urban Games was an incredible celebration of urban sports, creativity and culture. We set out to not only showcase urban sport, but to inspire a more active society. I believe we achieved this and much more. Of course, I must also thank the Budapest Local Organising Committee for its tireless efforts in […]

A very special event took place in Bangkok organised by the national reform committee on Culture, Sports labour and Human resources. It was attended by many important speakers, chaired by Prof Dr Nithi Mahanon and certainly IOC member and executive board member of the national committee of Thailand KHUNYING Patama Leesawadtrakul. Khunying Patama made a detailed presentation on sport and active society and to promote sport for all from the grassroots to elite level in all provinces of Thailand. This is very much in line with AIMS’s vision on promoting inclusion, non-discrimination in sport. AIMS was represented by President Stephan Fox at this important gathering.

In early 2018, the International Rope Skipping Federation and World Jump Rope Federation merged to form a new united organisation, the International Jump Rope Union (IJRU). Supported and overseen by GAISF, the successful merger was championed by athletes, officials and stakeholders around the world. Following the merger, IJRU was successfully granted GAISF Observer Status at SportAccord 2018 in Bangkok, Thailand. With the help and guidance of GAISF, the Alliance of Independent recognised Members of Sport (AIMS) and other International Sports Federations (IFs), IJRU boasts 60 member countries worldwide and its growth continues to accelerate. By following its mission statement and core values of diversity, inclusion, excellence and innovation, IJRU aims to develop the sport of jump rope and rope skipping globally and to become, possibly soon, part of the GAISF family. Commenting on IJRU’s global ambitions and achieving GAISF Observer Status, IJRU President Shaun Hamilton said: “GAISF Observer Status has enabled us to connect with other International Federations. The support and guidance from GAISF has not only helped us develop as an organisation, it has allowed us to improve our governance and provide our members with the resources they need to succeed. We are very grateful for GAISF’s support in […]

Global digital platform surpasses 3.3 billion video views across all platforms From providing content surrounding the Winter Youth Olympic Games (YOG) Lausanne 2020 and creating localised coverage ahead of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 to launching worldwide digital campaigns that engage fans at home during the COVID-19 pandemic, the fourth year of operation proved to be ground-breaking for the International Olympic Committee’s Olympic Channel. In the four years since its launch on 21 August 2016, the Olympic Channel global media destination has produced more than 25,000 pieces of video content representing all Olympic sports disciplines and 206 countries, including 76 original series and films, resulting in more than 3.3 billion video views across all platforms. Average watch time on the platform is 8:05 minutes per video watched. Continuing its upward viewership trend, the global digital platform keeps users coming back, with a 65% increase over the previous 12 months in monthly returning users (MRUs), one of the key metrics for the long-term success of the Olympic Channel. On social media, the Olympic Channel community has grown to more than 10.4 million, with 74.9% of those engaging with content on social media under the age of 35. Key to the Olympic Channel’s […]

    UTS LAUNCHES THE VIRTUAL YOUTH FESTIVAL 2020  

  GAISF and SportAccord President Raffaele Chiulli marked the United Nations (UN) International Youth Day by calling on the global sports community to continue to empower and engage the world’s 1.2 billion youth aged 15-24. Observed globally, International Youth Day provides an opportunity to celebrate and recognise young people’s voices, actions and initiatives, as well as their meaningful, universal and equitable engagement. This year’s theme is “Youth Engagement for Global Action”, which is why, now more than ever, International Youth Day is vitally important. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the international sports community has an even greater responsibility to engage with young people to help enrich and develop the lifestyles of millions of people for present and future generations to come. With the number of young people in the world projected to grow to 1.3 billion by 2030, the target year for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), concerted global action, and meaningful engagement and participation of young people must be addressed effectively. In order to strengthen capacity and achieve global action, the sports community must not only continue to engage at a local, national and global level, but ensure representation is at the heart of decision making. Raffaele […]

Our statement for the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2020 On 9 August we recognise and celebrate the indigenous peoples of the world. We salute the decision of the United Nations to focus on COVID-19 and resilience at this critical juncture for the health and well-being of indigenous peoples. It is also a transcendent opportunity to share the practices and cultures of indigenous peoples which have the potential to strengthen the resilience of the entire world. Club de Madrid President, Danilo Türk, and Vice President, Laura Chinchilla sign a statement on occasion of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples 2020 on the need to take their rich perspectives and traditions into account. Read our statement Connect with us!  ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌  ‌  

To mark this year’s International Day of Friendship, International Sports Federations (IFs) took to social media to demonstrate the inherent link between friendship and teamwork, whilst encouraging fans to demonstrate how important friendship is to them. The United Nations (UN) International Day of Friendship aims to emphasise the importance of friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals in building bridges between communities and inspiring peace efforts. Of course, friendship is naturally an important part of sport and one of the three core values of Olympism. From a young age, playing sport is a way to foster lifelong friendships in a fun but competitive environment. While at elite level, friendship is often a key characteristic of a successful team. The International Netball Federation (INF), for example, launched an online competition to give two best friends the chance to win matching netball dresses. All fans had to do was tag a friend and comment their favourite thing about them to enter. This competition was a great initiative, encouraging social media engagement while spreading positive messages of friendship. Several other IFs also engaged their global fanbases via social media. The International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) encouraged volleyball and beach volleyball fans to tag their […]

The weekend of 30th and 31st May 2020 was a monumental occasion that saw IFMP conduct its flagship event in a virtual manner, responding to the global pandemic we all currently find ourselves in. 12 nations geared up for this world championship event, in a unique format since everyone was playing from the safety and comfort of their own homes. Following on from the European and Asian continental championships last year in Kyiv and Taipei respectively, we saw our 12 participants emerge. Current Nations Cup holders Ukraine, European Nations Cup winners Spain, Asian Nations Cup winners India were all joined by Germany, Ireland, Belarus, Poland, Lithuania, Australia, Singapore, Taiwan and Korea. While trying to replicate the live format as much as possible, and adding a social element, IFMP partnered with Cisco to use their Webex video conferencing platform for the Nations Cup. Every player was online on Webex, connected to each of their table opponents, while simultaneously playing Match Poker on their smartphone, tablet or PC. Each team was provided with their own private meeting room where they could conduct their team meetings and discuss strategy between sessions. PokerNews came onboard as the official media partner of the event, providing […]

AIMS will continue to support the International Table Soccer Federation, ITSF on its journey towards development and growth. TABLE SOCCER TARGETS DIGITAL CONNECTIVITY FOR FUTURE GROWTH Played in almost every country around the world, table soccer, table football or foosball, has continued to grow since its introduction in 1921. The sport, overseen by the International Table Soccer Federation (ITSF), has grown to 67 national members. However, each country, and even sometimes each city, has its own rules or style of play. Since its formation in 2002, as well as promoting the development of table soccer throughout the world, and uniting players globally, it has been the mission of the ITSF to bring some degree of uniformity to table soccer without altering the local practices. The recognition and preservation of those traditional or emerging styles of play is an ongoing project and remains a major focus for the ITSF. “The extension of our GAISF Observer Status is critical to improving international collaboration”, said Farid Lounas, President of the ITSF. “GAISF Observer Status provides the opportunity for the ITSF to connect, share and learn from other International Federations working towards the same goal of Olympic recognition. It also helps individual federations gain […]

GAISF PRESIDENT RAFFAELE CHIULLI: SPORT HAS SHOWN REMARKABLE RESILIENCE GAISF and SportAccord President Raffaele Chiulli addressed a letter to its Members, praising the remarkable resilience and solidarity that sport has shown during these challenging times. “We can be proud of the remarkable resilience sport has shown and continues to show in an extremely testing period for everyone,” President Chiulli said. “At GAISF, we are extremely proud to see so many of our Members demonstrating great imagination when creating innovative projects and digital campaigns involving athletes. The social, physical and mental health benefits of these online campaigns are of great value. For the fans, it is your campaigns that continue to provide an emotional connection, a sense of community and a form of escapism. “It is encouraging to see that our community is united behind the common goal of utilising the power of sport as a symbol of positivity, hope and progress.” President Chiulli also referred to the International Federation (IF) Forum 2020 which is scheduled to take place in Lausanne, Switzerland on Wednesday 4 and Thursday 5 November 2020. This is a key annual event for GAISF’s Members and President Chiulli underlined the importance of flexibility in light of the […]

The AIMS family congratulates Teqball on all their development and we are looking forward to a continued cooperation. GAISF AND SPORTACCORD PRESIDENT ATTENDS FITEQ CEREMONY IN ROME GAISF and SportAccord President Raffaele Chiulli  attended a ceremony to mark the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of Hungary and International Federation of Teqball (FITEQ),  GAISF Observer, partnering with four major Italian sports entities to grow and develop the sport globally. FITEQ donated Teq tables to the Italian Olympic Committee (CONI), world-renowned football club, AS Roma, and the prestigious Sapienza University of Rome, to help promote active and healthy lifestyles across Italy. President Chiulli, an advocate for the importance of staying active through sport,  also donated a Teq table to IIISSS (Istituto Internazionale Italiano Studi Sport Società). President Chiulli said: “As with all of GAISF’s members and observers, it is my pleasure to attend such events to support the development of sport worldwide. This event was the first of its kind since COVID-19, and it was fantastic to be able to come together in celebration of sport. “It is easy to see the true passion FITEQ has for the sport of teqball, and I am sure that their new partnerships will help […]

Join the International Olympic Committee’s 136th Session streamed live on this page. https://www.olympic.org/136th-ioc-session

AIMS AND UTS SAYS THANK YOU TO HRH PRINCE FAISEL BIN HUSSEIN                                       HRH Prince Faisel needs no introduction. He is deeply committed to peacebuilding and development through his leadership in a number of important social and economic development initiatives. His Royal Highness has long recognised the potential of sport to drive individual and community change. Apart from being President of the Jordan Olympic committee, the Founder of Generations for Peace and an IOC Executive Board Member, he is most laudably a former athlete and is still one at heart.   His Royal Highness has been an active supporter of the United Through Sports initiative since day one. He has been a keynote speaker at both opening and closing conferences of the last two editions of the United Through Sports Festivals. He has been hands on at the festival touching base and supporting the local community and youth.    AIMS and UTS would like to say thank you Your Royal Highness, for your vision and support towards a better tomorrow.   

  AIMS President Stephan fox,  sends congratulations on behalf of the AIMS family to the WBSC family and President Riccardo Fraccari which is also a GAISF council member.   Federation Focus: Bach Praises WBSC’s New Headquarters 07/08/20 (ATR) The World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC) moves into its new home near Lausanne. WBSC President Riccardo Fraccari welcomed 30 invited guests including IOC President Thomas Bach and ASOIF President Francesco Ricci Bitti to Monday’s official opening of the permanent WBSC global headquarters. Travel restrictions and Swiss regulations due to the Covid-19 pandemic limited the size of the ceremony. Bach says he is “really impressed” with the headquarters “because of its elegance, its style, its functionality and also its commitment to the environmental protection and the sustainable building”. The building, located in the Lausanne suburb of Pully, has been named “Home Plate” and is owned and operated by the WBSC. The WBSC was previously renting office space in the Maison du Sport International in Lausanne. Ricci Bitti applauded the WBSC for keeping its headquarters near the IOC. “This illustrates the strong Olympic relationship which baseball and softball has, and this is very important for a sport which does not have its roots in […]

AIMS Federation Online Meeting All AIMS members convened virtually to discuss issues related to the pandemic and post pandemic planning. AIMS President, Stephan Fox opened the meeting stating the multitude of challenges associated with the Covid-19 pandemic and how it has affected us all. The president further stated that, “We are all in the same boat, all our lives are affected”. The president also congratulated each and every AIMS member for adapting to the situation and for continuing to inspire and motivate their members. Over the last weeks many personal calls have been made with the AIMS council and the individual IF’s for AIMS to support to the best of its abilities. Detailed updates were given by the council in regards to post pandemic planning, Multi-Sport Games, IF Forum and 2021 conventions. An important project presentation was also done by UTS CEO, Julia Govinden, towards the upcoming Youth Festival. One further important discussion was the upcoming plan for this year’s general assembly and to ensure that the safety, health and travel restrictions are taken into consideration before a final decision is made.  

The Global Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF), supported by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), has today launched sustainability.sport, a web portal devoted to sustainability issues such as climate change, economic inequality and social injustice. The portal has been created to help further sport’s sustainability goals, by providing a free tool where sustainability resources from the entire sports community can be grouped together on one dedicated platform. “Today, we can see a growing momentum across the sports community to help the world build a more sustainable future,” said IOC Sports Director Kit McConnell. “With sustainability being one of the three pillars of Olympic Agenda 2020, the strategic roadmap for the future of the Olympic Movement, our aim is to support sports organisations big and small in their sustainability journey. This platform will form an important part of these efforts. We look forward to our continued cooperation with GAISF to ensure that sport is an impactful player in today’s global sustainability efforts.” The content, which will be regularly updated, ranges from sustainability initiatives from International Sports Federations (IFs) to resources from outside the sports ecosystem, such as guidelines and reports. In addition, a wide range of best practice case studies from sports […]

THINK PEACE THROUGH OLYMPIC VALUES AND SPORTS                                                                       In the current geopolitical and socio-cultural landscape with so much violence, hate, and intolerance, the world is finding it hard to be peaceful. The fundamental principles of Olympism and the importance of learning Olympic values are required more than ever before. One of the seven fundamental principles of Olympism states, “The goal of Olympism is to place sport at the service of the harmonious development of man, with a view to promoting a peaceful society concerned with the preservation of human dignity”. From the tradition of ‘ekecheiria’ during the ancient Olympic Games to the modern concept of the Olympic Truce, the Olympic movement has always tried to promote peace in society. The Olympic Movement gives us so much hope, that a better world is possible through sports and global interaction in sporting events. The incredible stories of Olympic Games have inspired life beyond sports, whether it the great friendship of Luz Long and Jessie Owens which went much beyond just […]

2020 Macau International Dragon Boat Races The Macau International Dragon Boat Races is celebrating its 20th year on 25 June 2020. Co-organised by the Macau China Dragon Boat Association and the Macau Sports Bureau since 2000, the live streaming of the event will bring action into the homes of dragon boat fans from across the world that are unable to participate due to COVID-19 government restrictions. The Dragon Boat Festival (端午節 or 龍舟節) is celebrated annually on the fifth day of the fifth month of the lunar calendar. Also known as the ‘double fifth’, it is a traditional festival with over 2,500 years of history. This year, the Dragon Boat Festival falls on Thursday 25 of June. The Macau International Dragon Boat Races usually celebrates the festival by inviting elite clubs and national teams from all around the world to compete head to head in some fast and furious sprint racing. Teams from China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Italy, Portugal, Russia and the US have all competed in the past at this prestigious event. Due to COVID-19, international teams were unable to particpate this year. Although the COVID-19 situation in Macau is relatively stable, the Macau […]

The GAISF Council today convened virtually for the first time in the organisation’s history, as several key decisions were agreed to help sport through the global coronavirus pandemic and beyond. GAISF’s continuous provision of services to members throughout the pandemic was welcomed by the Council, with progress having been achieved across a range of initiatives.

                                        AIMS and UTS Would Like to Thank The International Paralympic Committee.                            Diversity and inclusion are some of the key elements of the IPC movement aside from their core values of determination, inspiration, courage and equality. We are proud and honoured to have the support of the IPC across our events and initiatives.                                   It is vital that we support the IPC in all their mission towards social inclusion and there is much we can learn from Parasports both on and off the field of play. UTS President Stephan Fox stated “With the current global state of affairs, it is clear that now is a pivotal moment for the international sport community to not only stand united towards global inclusion, but to also take action towards addressing how we can work together to ensure critical changes are made.”                             […]

                                                               AIMS as an IOC umbrella organisation, stands united against racism and discrimination, which is deeply rooted in the AIMS philosophy. Respect is one of the pillars of sport and from the moment you enter the AIMS family, there is a zero-tolerance policy for racial discrimination and harassment. Our IFs stand united and our athletes serve as role models for the youth. Every stakeholder within the sport pyramid lives by this ideal. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to be involved in our family in whatever capacity they choose.   As per the Olympic Charter, Fundamental Principle 6: “The enjoyment of the rights and freedoms set forth in this Olympic Charter shall be secured without discrimination of any kind, such as race, colour, sex, sexual orientation, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status.”   We encourage our athletes to express their views, and their unity towards these human rights. The value brought to the community through sporting and cultural exchange, […]

With sadness we have heard the news on the passing of Don Porter. We would like to send our deepest condolences to his wife Jean and the Porter family. We all know Don was a man of sport, serving as the president of the International Softball Federation for 26 years and his vision and his dedication Softball becoming an Olympic sport for the first time in 1996. He played an instrumental part in the merger of ISF and IBAF in establishing the World Baseball Softball Confederation which under your leadership has grown into one of the leading sports federations in the world. Don had a special talent for leadership and had courage, he was a family man, being married for 71 years and so our heart really goes out to his lifelong partner Jean. Don played an instrumental part of the development of GAISF and he has helped many other sports to develop to become an GAISF member. The AIMS family is saddened by the passing. We honour his life and the opportunities he has given to our own youth. On behalf of the AIMS family, we say farewell and thank you to a true man in sport and human […]

Syria’s Sanda Aldass “cannot have imagined” getting through the trauma of fleeing civil war, being separated from her husband and infant child and forging a new life in a foreign country without the solace of sport. A lifelong judoka, she is now fervently hoping to be part of the Refugee Olympic Team at Tokyo 2020. https://www.olympic.org/news/judo-central-to-mental-health-for-refugee-olympic-team-wannabe

LAUSANNE, Switzerland – The 2019 edition of the SportAccord World Sport & Business Summit in Gold Coast has been recognised at a prestigious annual award show for the Australian events sector. SportAccord 2019 was selected as Platinum Award winner for Best Event in Australia at the 2019 Meeting & Events Australia (MEA) and also scooped the overall Government Event of the Year and Queensland’s Event Legacy Award. The winners were announced at the MEALIVE 2019 Award virtual event held at ICC Sydney Studios. Coming just a year after Gold Coast became the focus of the sporting world when it staged the 2018 Commonwealth Games to great acclaim, SportAccord 2019 benefited from receiving the full support of the Queensland Government via Tourism and Events Queensland (TEQ) as it welcomed over 1700 delegates to the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre last May. The 2019 edition of sport’s most important annual gathering featured multiple high-profile networking events, a three-day exhibition, and more than 50 conference sessions with over 100 speakers and panellists from the worlds of sport, business and politics, including H.E. Ban Ki-moon, the former United Nations (UN) Secretary General. SportAccord and GAISF President Raffaele Chiulli said: “We are grateful that […]

  Sport is a powerful platform for the empowerment of woman, girls and gender equality. Gender equality, must be a basic human right, and, a fundamental principle of any recognised sport. Over that last years we have all been part in promoting gender equality for all our athletes and within the international federation rightfully more women have taken active roles in the leadership. We must continue to give greater access, and above all opportunity for everybody to be part and participate in sport. United Through Sports is an important vehicle to address these challenges and AIMS, the founder of United Through Sports, is a great example of gender equality having 2 female presidents sitting in the council. Thursday 4th June 2020 4pm we will see some leading women in sports live on Facebook interviewed by UTS CEO Julia Govinden. Let’s be inspired by these outstanding athletes.    

Teqball The World is Curved Today, we take you to a sport which has been recently given observer status in GAISF and is one of the fastest growing new sports. Fédération Internationale de Teqball or FITEQ, is the governing body over Teqball and Para-Teqball, led by President, GÁBOR BORSÁNYI and Chairman, VIKTOR HUSZÁR both of which are the cofounders of Teqball. FITEQ, has over 55 established national federation and is recognised by 2 continental Olympic associations namely, OCA and ANOCA. Teqball, is a sport for any age, ability, gender or culture, and is offering a useful and innovative sporting world. Built on important values of respect, integrity, passion, inclusion and ambition. Under General Secretary, MARIUS VIZER JR, Teqball seeks to unite, foster, promote and develop the international Teqball community, allowing every athlete to reach their full potential whatever level that might be. Today, we will take you to the world of Teqball. AIMS President, Stephan Fox stated that, at the recent World Urban Games and Regional Sportaccord Convention, he had a chance to play and fell in love with the excitement of the game.

AIMS would like to congratulate Savate. Over the last months, more than ever, we have come to realise how fragile our world is. Being a recognised sports federation also comes with important responsibility. We all know that global warming and the change of our climate is felt around the world, regardless from rising temperatures, the Antarctic breaking off, reefs disappearing and the list goes on. Mostly we, the humans, are responsible for these changes. The UNFCCC has been inviting sport organisations to join this action for sport movement, to engage together and collaborate with one another. The IOC is also contributing to key areas of action and many organisations have joined the climate action agenda and sport. Savate, Federation Internationale de Savate (FISav) is a proud member of GAISF and AIMS family. Through the energetic leadership of, Julie Gabriel, Savate has become an even more recognised combat sport and international federation. Dr. Gabriel, is also a member of the AIMS council. Savate is a sport with ancient traditions and values. We would like to congratulate FISav, which has joined the UNFCCC Sports for Climate Action initiative, as a signatory to the Sports for Climate Action Framework. Dr. Gabriel stated, “We […]

AIMS Congratulates World Games The AIMS President sends a special congratulation message to IWGA Honorary Life President, Ron Froehlich and President, Jose Perurena, for their 40th years anniversary IWGA, founded by the late Dr. Un Yong kim, with 11 sports trying to synergize for inclusion in the Olympic sports programme.  A dream which has come true for Taekwondo and has also come true for many others, just look at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics Games, where 5 World Games members have been included in the sports programme. At present, 37 international sports federations are recognized by IWGA which is fully recognized by the IOC. In order to become a member of IWGA you must be a GAISF member.                                            President Perurena, is also a GAISF Council member as the Representative of the GAISF associate members. The AIMS family congratulates IWGA Honorary Life President Ron Froehlich, President Jose Perurena, CEO Joachim Gossow, the IWGA executives, the team and certainly all the members. We are all looking forward to post covid-19 where we all can be physical once again. The 3600 athletes from […]

Today we take you back to the International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness where, President Rafael Santonja, only a while ago has shown us that age is defiantly only a number and how you can turn basically any house hold item into exercise equipment. He also showcased to us the benefits of a Bodybuilding and Fitness lifestyle for our overall health. Today, IFBB takes us into a couple’s workout. While some may say that the pandemic and quarantine have put strains on their relationships but exercising together at home, can keep the relationships happy and healthy, as we see in this amazing workout. So, team up with your other half or your children and do a joint workout and then curl up together and watch some tv. Let’s, continue to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle under these tough lockdown conditions and keep aligned with a healthy diet. Thank you to this perfect example of staying healthy and fit at home.

  Powerlifting, is fast growing in popularity, with IPF being the sole world recognised organisation in the world of sport. Powerlifting is a sport for all, in which the athletes take centre stage in every part of the pyramid, regardless if you chose do it as a way of life or at elite competitive levels. Inclusivity and non-discrimination are not just the slogan for the International Powerlifting Federation. Under the leadership of President, Gaston Parage, Secretary General Robert Keller, General Manager Emanuel Scheiber, the Executives and all the hard-working National Federation, IPF has grown from strength to strength as a world recognised sporting federation. IPF is a member of GAISF and was included in the World Games, through the General Secretary and AIMS Council member. IPF has been one of the backbones on the recognition process of AIMS, becoming an IOC recognised umbrella organisation. All this has been done for the betterment of the athletes. The progress of Powerlifting as a sport has come from equality and access for all rules, the standards, ethics and fair play on all levels. GAISF President, Raffaele Chiulli and AIMS President, Stephan Fox had the honour to be invited to the World Powerlifting Championships […]

Today we will take you to another former AIMS member, Sambo and the International Sambo Federation, FIAS. FIAS, is the only International Organisation which has been recognised by the IOC, that manages the development of Sambo in the world. Sambo is an international sport, a unique synthesis of single combat and martial arts of the world. There are 3 disciplines of competitive Sambo: Sport Sambo, Combat Sambo and Beach Sambo. Sambo has so many different faces and it is a sport for all, regardless of fitness, ability or age. Sambo is led by, the energetic President, Vasily Shestakov. It is a member of GAISF and has been one of the driving forces in the AIMS development and is represented through their CEO Michal Buchel, in the council. Sambo has now moved from AIMS to the ARISF family. Today, Mattia Galbiati will share with us his experience during the pandemic and how Sambo has helped him to stay calm and focused. Click here for Link: http://: https://sambo.sport/en/news/mattia-galbiati-ya-mogu-spravitsya-s-tekushchimi-problemami-sambo-nauchilo-menya-ostavatsya-spokoyny/

Today we will go back to the world of Dragon Boat. A sport and a culture, which dates back over 2000 years. It has evolved into a modern world sport and recreation. Dragon Boat has huge popularity, in China alone, it has over 50 million participants. Dragon Boat is a full member of GAISF and AIMS and has a seat in the AIMS Council. Let us enjoy the Newsletter and the GAISF President, Raffaele Chiulli’s, congratulatory speech on the 30th Anniversary Celebration of the European Dragon Boat Federation. Congratulations to the World Dragon Boat family.   For the Dragon Boat Newsletter click this Link: https://0471ca54-276c-4c11-8f24-79273f2e52aa.filesusr.com/ugd/81bcd4_4775ec72153e4c06b071664459f462a6.pdf

  Today, we take you to the world of Fistball. IFA is the world governing body for all the Fistball sports and is a proud member of GAISF and AIMS. The former President Mr. Karl Weiss, is an AIMS Council member and has taken Fistball to a record number of Member countries The newly elected Mr. Jörn Verleger represents the next generation of Fistball continue to build the Vision of a united Fistball Family being and building the next and even bigger Fistball family. Fistball is included in many Multi-sport Games, World Games and TAFISA. The AIMS President was part of the last Fistball World Championships in Switzerland which he described as, “an awesome experience of sport”. Today we take you to Fistball, great initiative “Fistball at home” which showcases a sport for everybody and all generations. Let’s get hooked on Fistball!! http://youtu.be/uTxF_pdouM4

Dear Sport Colleagues and Friends, I trust each and everyone is in good health and a safe environment. As is customary, we should have all come together in Lausanne for the 2020 SportAccord, which was moved from the original location in Beijing, China. I would like to give a special thanks to our friends from BODA and Beijing LOC where we had planned a spectacular Sports Festival involving youth from over 60 sports. Certainly, the health and well-being of everybody is at the centre of all our thoughts during these uncertain times. We may not be able to meet in person, but we face an unprecedented time where the world of sport, the Olympic family stand in solidarity with the Olympic values of unity, solidarity, respect and non-discrimination symbolising the unifying power of sports. Through social media platforms we are more connected than ever before and with reflection of our past events, we created a newsletter. This newsletter reminds us all of the positivity and solidarity we have shared, created, contributed and participated towards over the last few years. We would like to thank each and everybody who has contributed and supported the vision and mission to create smiles, give hope and provide […]

Meggie Ochoa A True Champion Meggie Ochoa needs no introduction in the World of Sport. She stamped her name in the Philippines and sport history by becoming the first Philippine Ju-Jitsu World Champion. She is a Sea Games Gold medal winner and an Asian Games Bronze medallist but more than an athlete. The Founder of, Fight to Protect Movement, to raise awareness on child sexual violence platform. Meggie is a Board Member of the International Ju-Jitsu Federation. Under the Presidency of Panagiotis Theodoropoulos, which is also the GAISF Vice President. Meggie stands firm in promoting and protecting the Olympic values of non-discrimination. We would like to encourage you to support this movement and support Meggie please check out her Facebook ‘Meggie Ochoa’. Today she gives us a personal message of encouragement and invites us to her home for a workout. Thank you to IJJF and to Meggie, which has been one of the keynote speakers at the last United Through Sport’s Conference and at the Olympics Unleashed Youth initiative at the last Sportaccord at Gold Coast, Australia.

https://gaisf.sport/sport-demonstrates-commitment-to-sustainability-on-earth-day/

Today we take you to world of Minigolf, a sport enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. The WMF is the umbrella organisation of Minigolf sports and is a member of GAISF and AIMS. The president of the World Minigolf Federation Mr. Gerhard Zimmerman, is also the General Secretary of AIMS. The core values of WMF are integrity, teamwork, respect, passion and connecting generations. The World Minigolf Federation promotes and supports the Olympic values and under the leadership of Mr. Zimmerman, Minigolf has reached every corner of the world, both as a leisure activity by millions and also as a serious top-level sport. Minigolf is involved in many initiatives, especially safe guarding athletes from harassments and abuse in sports. Today WMF’s video is inspirational and shows us how easy it is to play and have fun at home in these challenging times. Let’s play Minigolf.  

AIMS Family Inspires We are all affected by the pandemic, many have lost loved ones, some in critical or recovering conditions while others are in quarantine and are under daily life altering restrictions. Everyone is affected, including our World of Sport. The Olympic and the AIMS family as an IOC recognised umbrella organisation stands in solidarity, and now more than ever the Olympic values shine bright. The unity of AIMS showcases the strength of AIMS, and our diversity is our power. Where we may not be able to meet physically, we will continue to inspire one another and showcase the respective sports of the AIMS family. Today, we will take you to the home of the President of IFBB, DR. Rafael Santonja, the authority IF in the sport of Bodybuilding and Fitness. The President has taken IFBB to this leading role, whilst showcasing that he stays as much an athlete, as he is President, and also that age is only just a number. Respect to the IFBB President and also for showing to us how easy it is to create a fitness workout using household items.

AIMS President Stephan Fox stated, “This has been an important gathering especially for the non-Olympic sports. We all find ourselves in challenging times, where we can use social media, not only to stand in solidarity but also through physical distancing we are able to train together. We should also continue to use it for educational purposes and this seminar is a perfect example. We all must continue to work together and plan for the after crisis, for the protection of clean athletes and the unified fight against doping. Everyone benefitted from this important initiative.” https://gaisf.sport/international-federations-learn-best-practice-for-updating-anti-doping-rules-via-videoconference/

On behalf of the AIMS Family we would like to share our concern and best wishes to everyone affected by the global Covid 19. The Corona Virus does not know boarders, religions or nationalities. The world is suffering and we are all affected by this pandemic. We must stand in solidarity and unity against the pandemic. Now, more than ever we must foster and promote the Olympic values of respect and friendship and as President Bach recently said the “THE OLYMPIC FLAME CAN BECOME THE LIGHT AT THE END OF THIS DARK TUNNEL”. More than ever now our athletes are connected through the use of digital platforms and channels. Where they are inviting each other, through social distancing and through their living rooms to exercise together and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Through discipline and following the guidance and advise of our Governments and the WHO.  We will overcome this pandemic. With the help of the frontline healthcare workers and science, we will overcome this crisis and will again be united more than ever before. We must especially thank and express our appreciation to all the medical staff, the ‘modern day heroes’ for their commitment and resilience. We, the world of […]

World Health Day 2020 The World Health Day is a global health awareness day celebrated every year on April 7th. Under the sponsorship of the World Health Organisation. The first World Health Assembly held in 1948 was to raise global awareness on specific themes related to health. Today the global health workers are at the forefront of Covid-19 in the fight against this horrendous pandemic. First of all, let us listen to all advice and instruction of WHO. Let us do our best to maintain a healthy and active life style under these tough conditions. Let us join together as one in the Olympic family to promote via digital platforms, proper exercises at home and a healthy lifestyle. We must stay healthy, to support and help the ones affected and also to get ready for the after crisis. I believe that we are all waiting for the day when we can hug our loved ones again and when we can all meet together in the field of play. As we pray for each other’s health and well-being, today we also must stand in solidarity and show our gratitude towards all the doctors, nurses, medical staff and all the healthcare workers, […]

https://www.theworldgames.org/news/The-World-Games-2021-32/The-World-Games-in-Birmingham-Alabama-moves-to-JULY-2022-2010

https://www.olympic.org/news/joint-statement-from-the-international-olympic-committee-and-the-tokyo-2020-organising-committee

On behalf of all of our International Federation Members, GAISF expresses its full support of the decision that was made by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee, and Japan’s Prime Minister Abe Shinzo, to postpone the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games until no later than the summer of 2021. GAISF understands that this was an incredibly difficult decision, but one that was necessitated by the rapidly evolving situation regarding the ongoing global COVID-19 pandemic. This decision will protect the health, wellbeing, and safety of every single person involved, which shall remain our shared priority. GAISF understands that flexibility around competition dates for 2021 may now be required and we will work closely with the stakeholders and local organisers of our multi-sport events in 2021 in this regard. I remain fully committed to maximising opportunities for our Members to promote grassroots and elite sport around the world. Our hearts go out to the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee and the people of Japan. GAISF is completely confident that Japan will still be home to a truly global celebration of sport and humanity. GAISF looks forward to working with the IOC, the IPC, International Federations and Tokyo 2020, to ensure […]

UNESCO has a long-standing history of supporting youth in a proactive manner that places them right where they should be, at the centre. The uniqueness and vast array of qualities martial arts and combat sports have was given acknowledgement by UNESCO particularly towards the positive development of youth. The GAISF family has 15 IOC and/or GAISF recognised martial art members. All of them implementing the potential of martial arts as a positive force to improve the lives of young women and men around the world. With the recent UNESCO publication exemplifying an extensive body of research, it stands to illustrate the diversity of martial art programs and gives data-driven examples of sports practices and martial arts as an empowering tool for youth development. AIMS President Mr Stephan Fox and AIMS Council member Mr Michal Büchel, both contributed and supported this crucial research and publication. Appreciation, gratitude and thanks must be given to UNESCO for their ongoing partnership, contribution and vision towards the future of our youth. AIMS Contribution To UNESCO Publication: Youth Development Through Martial Arts.    

LAUSANNE, Switzerland – SportAccord has announced with regret the cancellation of the SportAccord World Sport & Business Summit 2020, which had been due to take place from 19-24 April in Lausanne, Switzerland. On 28 February, the Swiss Federal Government imposed a ban on large-scale events involving more than 1000 people. The ban came into immediate effect and was set to apply until at least 15 March 2020. On 11 March 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) moved to declare the COVID-19 outbreak as an official Pandemic. Yesterday at 14:30 CET in a press conference, the Canton of Vaud under emergency measures imposed a ban on events involving more than 50 people until 30 April 2020. SportAccord, which brings together nearly 2,000 delegates, has taken the necessary step of cancelling SportAccord 2020 to give International Sport Federations, stakeholders, partners and attendees as much time as possible to make arrangements in light of the cancellation. “Our priority is the health and welfare of our International Federations and delegates attending our event, so this decision has been taken with the utmost consideration for those who were planning to attend SportAccord 2020 in Lausanne.” SportAccord President Raffaele Chiulli said. “This is obviously an extremely unfortunate […]