UESpT President İrfan Kurudirek Appointed to the World Sport for All Board

World Sport for All – Fédération Internationale du Sport pour Tous (FISpT) announces the appointment of Associate Professor Dr Muhammet İrfan Kurudirek, President of the European Sport for All Union (UESpT), as a member of its Board.

Following amendments to the FISpT Statutes, the Board decided to co-opt Dr Kurudirek in accordance with the provisions of the amended Statutes. The General Assembly subsequently approved his appointment.

His appointment brings together extensive experience in European sport governance, national federation management, international sporting events, and academic research, further strengthening the connection between European and global Sport for All initiatives.

As President of UESpT since January 2026, Dr Kurudirek has focused on strengthening institutional cooperation, expanding international partnerships, and advancing opportunities for inclusive participation in sport and physical activity across Europe.

His leadership places particular emphasis on making sport more accessible, promoting active and healthy lifestyles, supporting disadvantaged communities, and developing sustainable cooperation between national and international organisations.

His participation in the FISpT Board offers an opportunity to deepen collaboration between European and international Sport for All stakeholders, encourage knowledge exchange, and support initiatives that translate shared objectives into practical opportunities for communities.

Alongside his European responsibilities, Dr Kurudirek serves as General Coordinator of the Turkish Sport for All Federation, a position he has held since 2023.

In this capacity, he has contributed to national and international programme development, institutional planning, strategic partnerships, and the coordination of initiatives involving public authorities, universities, municipalities, and international sporting organisations.

His work includes coordinating Türkiye’s implementation of the European Week of Sport (#BeActive), managing Erasmus+ Sport projects, and contributing to international initiatives addressing physical activity, sustainability, youth participation, and social inclusion.

Between 2018 and 2026, he also served on the Executive Board of the Turkish Ice Hockey Federation, contributing to the development of the sport, international relations, strategic planning, and institutional cooperation.

His experience in major international sporting events includes management responsibilities at the Winter Universiade, Mediterranean Games, and European Youth Olympic Festival.

Dr Kurudirek is also an Associate Professor at Artvin Çoruh University, specialising in sport management, sport governance, organisational behaviour, and international sport policy.

He holds a PhD in Sport Sciences from Atatürk University and has undertaken academic and administrative responsibilities involving higher education, international cooperation, and research development.

His combined academic and professional background supports an evidence-informed approach to sport governance, with particular attention to the role of physical activity in public health, social inclusion, and sustainable development.

The appointment reflects the importance of cooperation among international federations, continental organisations, national stakeholders, and academic institutions in addressing common challenges related to physical inactivity and unequal access to sport.

Through his new role, Dr Kurudirek is expected to contribute to FISpT’s institutional development, international partnerships, and efforts to promote accessible and inclusive opportunities for participation in sport.

World Sport for All warmly welcomes Dr Muhammet İrfan Kurudirek to its Board and looks forward to working together to strengthen international cooperation and advance the shared vision of Sport for All, everywhere and for everyone.