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The 14th IFSC Plenary Assembly Took Place in Tokyo

The 14th annual IFSC Plenary Assembly took place this week in Tokyo, Japan, and the agenda consisted of updates on Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, gender equality, Paraclimbing development and more.

“2019 is a milestone period for Sport Climbing and the IFSC family: we signed an historic contract with Dentsu and Synca which opens new heights for our sport; Sport Climbing was proposed for the Olympic Games Paris 2024; and next month the qualification process begins for our first Olympic Games in Tokyo. The future is here,” opens Marco Scolaris, President of the IFSC.

500 Days Until Olympic Games Tokyo 2020

Personalised workshops and meetings for National Federations on Thursday and Friday preceded the IFSC Plenary Assembly, including a seminar which detailed the Tokyo 2020 qualification process and guidelines for athletes. The Olympic test event for Sport Climbing has been confirmed by the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee of the Olympic & Paralympic Games for 6-8th March 2020 and will take place at the Aomi Urban Sports Park, visited this week by IFSC representatives.

“The Olympics seminar focused on further equipping our Member Federations to fully assume their roles in supporting the National Olympic Committees, less than 500 days before the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020,” says Jérôme Meyer, IFSC Head of Olympic Coordination.

Female Athlete Added to Executive Board

The proposal to add a female athlete representative to the IFSC Executive Board was approved during the IFSC Plenary Assembly on Saturday. The representative will be elected at the upcoming IFSC World Championships in Hachioji in August, alongside other members of the Athletes’ Commission. A new career path is also being put into place to include more women on the routesetting and officiating teams for IFSC events.

“Gender equality is a distinctive reality of climbing, and our sport has reflected this value since its foundation. There is a long way to go, though, and we are setting new goals for 2019,” says President Scolaris.

Paraclimbing Development Plan Approved

Following the Paraclimbing report presented by Paraclimbing Development Officer Daniel Torchia on Friday, a Paraclimbing development plan was approved during the IFSC Plenary Assembly. The plan includes the allocation of additional funds to Paraclimbing activities this season, creation of a Paraclimbing Committee and appointment of a Paraclimbing Officer.

“We are committed to expanding the development of Paraclimbing events worldwide, starting with the addition of a dedicated Paraclimbing Officer to our staff at home in Torino,” continues President Scolaris.

Moscow Elected World Championships 2021 Host

After hosting three international Sport Climbing events in 2018, Moscow was confirmed yesterday as the host of the IFSC World Championships in 2021. CISM also presented on the success of the first World Military Championships for Sport Climbing in Moscow last year.

Membership Expanded in Oceania

The Fiji Mountaineering and Climbing Association was ratified as IFSC Continental Member yesterday, expanding representation in Oceania ahead of the 2019 season and increasing the total number of IFSC Members to 91.

“Our mission is to develop Sport Climbing on all five continents, from Asia to Oceania. We are welcoming the future together, and every one of our stakeholders plays an essential role,” concludes President Scolaris.

The next IFSC Plenary Assembly will take place in Limassol, Cyprus, on March 13-14th 2020. In 2021, the IFSC Plenary Assembly will be hosted in Paris, France.

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