International Federation of Sport Climbing facts for kids
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| Formation | 27 January 2007 |
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| Type | Sports federation |
| Headquarters | Turin, Italy |
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Membership
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98 member federations |
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President
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Marco Maria Scolaris |
The International Federation of Sport Climbing (IFSC) is the main organization that manages and promotes competition climbing around the world. This exciting sport includes three different styles: lead climbing, bouldering, and speed climbing.
Contents
What is the IFSC?
The IFSC is like the boss of international competition climbing. It makes sure all rules are followed and that competitions are fair. They are in charge of everything related to the sport, from approving new member countries to setting the schedule for all the big events each year. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) officially recognizes the IFSC. This means the IOC sees the IFSC as the proper group to manage sport climbing.
How the IFSC Started
The IFSC was created in Frankfurt, Germany, on January 27, 2007. It was formed by 57 different climbing groups from around the world. Before the IFSC, there was a group called the International Council for Competition Climbing, which existed from 1997 to 2007. The IFSC continued its work.
Later in 2007, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) gave the IFSC temporary recognition. At that time, the IFSC had 80 member countries. On February 10, 2010, the IOC fully recognized the IFSC. This was a big step! Then, on July 4, 2011, the IOC considered adding climbing to the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. This was finally confirmed in 2016, making sport climbing an Olympic sport!
Because of the conflict in Ukraine, the IFSC stopped the climbing groups from Russia and Belarus from taking part in events. They also cancelled all competitions planned in Russia for 2022.
Exciting Competitions
The IFSC organizes many major competitions for climbers. These events bring together the best climbers from all over the world.
IFSC World Cup Series
The IFSC Climbing World Cup is a series of competitions held every year. Climbers compete in lead, bouldering, and speed climbing. The number of events and where they are held changes each year. The first World Cup for climbing was in 1989, but the IFSC started organizing them from 2007.
IFSC World Championships
The IFSC Climbing World Championships happen every two years. This is where the best male and female climbers are crowned world champions in lead, bouldering, and speed climbing. There are also competitions for para-climbing, which is for athletes with disabilities.
IFSC World Youth Championships
The IFSC Climbing World Youth Championships are held every year. This event is just for younger climbers! It decides the world youth champions in lead, speed, and bouldering. Young athletes are divided into three age groups: Youth B, Youth A, and Juniors, so they compete against others their own age.
IFSC European Championships
The IFSC Climbing European Championships also happen every two years, but in the years when the World Championships are not held. This competition crowns the male and female European champions in lead, bouldering, and speed climbing.
IFSC European Youth Cup Series
The IFSC Climbing European Youth Cup is a series of competitions held annually for young climbers in Europe. Just like the World Youth Championships, athletes compete in lead, speed, and bouldering, and are grouped into Youth B, Youth A, and Juniors categories.
Leaders of the IFSC
The current president of the IFSC is Marco Maria Scolaris. He has been the president since 2007.
- 2007- : Marco Maria Scolaris
IFSC Member Countries
The IFSC has many member federations from countries all over the world. These federations help organize climbing in their own countries and send athletes to international competitions. There are 98 member federations in total, including countries like Argentina, Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Japan, the United States, and many more!
See also
- IFSC Climbing World Championships
- IFSC Climbing World Cup
- IFSC Climbing European Championships
- Paraclimbing
