The International Canoe Federation (ICF) continues to expand its portfolio of disciplines. Imprimare
Duminică, 10 Iunie 2018 17:57

Federations news for May

Federations news for May

The International Canoe Federation (ICF) continues to expand its portfolio of disciplines. It has just signed an agreement with the World Rafting Federation to jointly promote future activities, with a view to rafting being included in future multi-sport events.

Several ICF disciplines have appeared at The World Games; dragon-boat racing and canoe marathon have in the past been included as invitational sports. Canoe Polo, a game of skill and speed similar to water polo, has become a popular addition to the programme since it was introduced to The World Games in Duisburg in 2005.

 

 

Another federation experiencing growth is the World Flying Disc Federation (WFDF), which has welcomed three new members: Bahrain, Brunei and Jordan. The influx from Asia now means that the WFDF membership now comprises 80 national associations. WFDF President Robert Rauch said: “Expanding our membership in the MENA region and Southeast Asia shows how WFDF’s development programme, initiated five years ago, has proven to be successful in developing countries.” The Ultimate Frisbee tournaments have been a staple of The World Games during the 21stCentury; with the growth of the sport, could we see new nations competing in the 2021 edition in Birmingham, Alabama?

Karate has also seen an expansion of its programme: the first Para-Karate European Championships took place in Serbia, running in parallel with the established annual competition. Kata bouts took place in blind/visually impaired, intellectually impaired and wheelchair user categories. Antonio Espinos, President of the World Karate Federation, hailed the success of the tournament: “It is a source of pride for all of us members of the Karate family to see the dedication, courage and emotion that the Para-Karatekas show when they practice our sport.” In the European Championships the teams from Turkey and Spain both enjoyed their time in Novi Sad, coming away with three gold medals each.

Brian Salmon for The World Games