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World Sailing strengthens
kiteboarding governance
World Sailing,
the world governing body for the sport, the International Kiteboarding
Association (IKA) and the Global Kitesports Association (GKA) have today
signed an important memorandum of understanding to record a new governance
structure for Kiteboarding.
Kiteboarding on water is a discipline of sailing, and as such falls under the
jurisdiction of World Sailing, which is the International Federation for
sailing in all of its forms recognised by the International Olympic Committee
(IOC), Associations of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF) and
Sport Accord.
As part of World Sailing's responsibilities, it seeks to protect the rights
of all Kiteboarding stakeholders by ensuring that events take place within
the structure of the rules are run to the appropriate standards for the
benefit and protection of riders.
The IKA will under World Sailing's Constitution and Regulations remain fully
responsible for the racing, first past the post, disciplines of Kiteboarding.
The GKA will be sanctioned by World Sailing to run World Championships and
World Cup events in the Kiteboarding expression performance disciplines of
wave, strapless freestyle, big air and twintip-freestyle and slider/obstacle
events. As part of the Special Events Agreement between World Sailing and the
GKA, World Sailing can authorise the GKA to allow other professional event
organisations to run events in the expression disciplines on its behalf.
Under the MOU, the IKA agrees not to run, organise or sanction world level
expression performance events or competitions now governed by the GKA but
remains responsible for the pathway and development as well as events on
continental level and below.
World Sailing, the IKA and GKA will work together and fully co-operate to
actively promote the united disciplines of Kiteboarding under World Sailings
umbrella, avoid calendar conflicts and further develop the various disciplines
within World Sailing.
Andy Hunt, CEO of World Sailing said, "I am delighted that the IKA and
GKA have come together to agree a new united structure for the governance of
Kiteboarding. We look forward to working with both organisations to support
the growth and development of this exciting and dynamic part of our Sport”.
Mirco Babini, IKA President added that "establishing a strong and
healthy partnership between IKA on behalf of its national member class
associations and the GKA under World Sailings umbrella finally unites the
sport to the benefit of the competition riders worldwide. With clear
responsibilities and the pathway provided for all disciplines of our
wonderful sport.”
Dr. Jörgen Vogt, Secretary General of the GKA was emphasising "the GKAs'
objective will always remain the long-term growth and best interests of the
sport. The GKA looks forward to work in harmony and good faith together with
all kitesport stakeholders - especially with the athletes - to build a
positive and inclusive culture.”
By Daniel Smith - World
Sailing
Attention Sailing Organizations & PR Agencies:
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