World Sport for All Strengthens Its Governance and Expands Its Global Network at Antalya Meetings

The World Sport for All (WSFA) Executive Council (EC) Meeting and General Assembly took place in Antalya, Türkiye, from 30 October to 1 November 2026, bringing together representatives of the organisation to discuss its strategic direction, governance, international cooperation and future development.

The meetings addressed a wide range of important matters, including reports on cooperation with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and other international organisations, updates on the WSFA Strategic Plan and policies, ongoing and future projects, and the organisation's growing international membership.

Strengthening Governance and International Cooperation

A major outcome of the General Assembly was the approval of amended WSFA Statutes, reflecting the organisation's commitment to modern governance principles and closer alignment with the standards and practices of the Olympic Movement.

The amendments also provide greater clarity on membership categories, recognising International Federations and International Organisations as separate membership categories and granting them voting rights.

The Executive Council also reviewed the organisation's cooperation with the IOC and other international partners, alongside progress on the implementation of its Strategic Plan and the development of various organisational policies.

New Appointments to the Executive Council

Following the earlier co-option of Filomen Fortes (CPV), IOC Member and President of the Cape Verdean Olympic Committee, the Executive Council appointed four additional co-opted members, further strengthening the organisation's international expertise and representation:

• Gwenda Stevens (BEL): President of the International Federation for Sports Officials and Vice President of the Belgian Olympic Committee.

• Julia Govinden (GBR/MTN): Chief Executive Officer of United Through Sport.

• Dionysios Karakasis (GRE): Special Advisor to the Ministry of Education, Religious Affairs and Sport / Secretariat General of Sport of Greece, and National Coordinator of the #BEACTIVE Sport for All programme.

• Dr. Irfan Kurudirek (TUR): President of European Sport For All and General Coordinator of the Turkish Sport For All Federation.

Furthermore, Leonardo Cunha (CPV), Secretary General of the Social Development Hub and Executive Director of ACOLOP, was appointed Deputy General Secretary of WSFA.

The General Assembly and Executive Council also approved the appointment of the respective Commissions and their members, contributing to the further development of the organisation's operational structure and professional capacities.

Belgrade to Host the 2027 World Sport for All Congress

Another important decision was the ratification of the arrangements for the 2027 World Sport for All Congress, which will take place in Belgrade, Serbia, from 27 to 30 May 2027.

Registration is scheduled to open in early November 2026. The Congress will provide an important international platform for bringing together stakeholders from across the Sport for All movement to exchange experiences, discuss challenges and explore opportunities for the future development of sport and physical activity for all.

3 April Proclaimed World Sport for All Day

In recognition of the organisation's history and legacy, the General Assembly approved 3 April as World Sport for All Day.

The date commemorates the establishment of the International Sport for All Federation in 1982 and will serve as an annual opportunity to celebrate the values of Sport for All, promote participation in physical activity and raise awareness of the importance of making sport accessible to everyone.

Global Membership Reaches 140

With the approval of new members, the World Sport for All network has reached 140 members, representing an important milestone in the organisation's continued international development and outreach.

Appreciation to the Host Federation

World Sport for All expressed its sincere gratitude to the Turkish Sport for All Federation for hosting the meetings and for its outstanding hospitality.

Special appreciation was extended to Dr. Kurudirek, President of European Sport For All and General Coordinator of the Turkish Sport for All Federation, for his personal contribution to the successful organisation of the Antalya meetings.

The decisions taken in Antalya mark an important step in WSFA's organisational development, reinforcing its governance framework, expanding its international network and setting the direction for its next phase of growth.