The IWUF marked its inaugural appearance at the 12th International Athletes' Forum (IAF) from June 11-12, with Mr. Tang Shaobo, member of the IWUF Athletes' Committee and Chair of the Wushu Kungfu Federation of Europe Athletes' Commission, representing the federation among over 400 global athlete delegates at this premier global communication platform for athletes worldwide.
Hosted by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Athletes' Commission (AC) , athlete representatives from 200 National Olympic Committees (NOCs), 54 International Federations (IFs), the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), the International Paralympic Committee, Organising Committees for the upcoming Olympic Games and Continental Associations of NOCs, and members of the Athletes' Declaration Steering Committee attended to discuss some of the most pressing athlete-related topics including financial support programs, safe sport, mental health, and career transition. IOC President Thomas Bach and IOC President-elect Kirsty Coventry joined for discussions on the forums.
Mr. Tang Shaobo actively participated in discussions on strengthening the voice of athletes in sports governance and social media strategies. "This forum has provided an invaluable platform to share perspectives from the wushu community and integrate the voices of wushu athletes into the global dialogue on sports development," he stated in his concluding remarks. "We are committed to translating these forum outcomes into concrete initiatives that will benefit wushu athletes worldwide."
During her visit to Switzerland, IWUF Secretary General Ms. Zhang Yuping held a meeting with Mr. Tang Shaobo. She emphasized that the federation's deep participation in this forum demonstrates the growing influence of wushu in international sports. She encourages the IWUF Athletes' Committee to continue playing its vital role, learn from best practices of other sports, and further enhance services for the global wushu athlete community.
The International Athletes' Forum (IAF), held biennially, serves as a crucial platform for advancing athlete engagement in global sports development and governance. The IWUF's landmark participation at this edition reflects its commitment to the "athlete-centered" development philosophy and its proactive efforts to integrate wushu athletes more closely into the international sports community, significantly advancing the global development of the sport of wushu.
