The International Biathlon Union
is the international umbrella organization of all organizations representing the sport of biathlon and those who have an interest in the sport. The IBU was founded in 1993 as independent association under the umbrella of the UIPMB alongside the UIPM (Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne). The IBU separated from UIPMB in 1998. Since that time, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has recognized the IBU and the UIPM as two International Olympic Sports Organizations. National Federations are the members of the IBU with their non-profi t purposes represented internationally by the IBU.
The IBU is a Non-Government and Not-For-Profi t organization with its Headquarters in Salzburg, Austria. The IBU also represents the sport of Biathlon in other international organizations. Since 1999, the IBU has a working partnership with UNESCO in which the IBU contributes to the International Fund for the Development of Physical Education and Sport (FIDEPS) via UNESCO Development Camps. By way of friendly cooperation of all the athletes, offi cials, and organizations from all over the world, the IBU also contributes to a more peaceful world. In accordance with the principles of the United Nations, no discrimination on the grounds of race, gender, religion, or political affi liation is allowed within the IBU.
Biathlon is a sport that combines the endurance of free-technique crosscountry skiing with precision small-bore rifl e marksmanship. Other endurance activities partnered with shooting are rollerskiing (Rollerski-Biathlon), cross-country running (Cross Biathlon), or mountain biking (Mountain Bikedetails regarding these are found in the IBU Constitution and the IBU Rules.
The IBU is responsible for promoting the sport of biathlon by supporting and developing it in both competitive sports and popular recreational sports, with special emphasis on the development of youth.
The IBU holds all rights pertaining to Biathlon World Championships (senior, junior, and youth), Biathlon World Cups, Biathlon Continental Championships, and Biathlon Continental Cups.
In exercising these rights, the IBU has marketing and sponsor partnerships, and cooperates with the European Broadcasting Union. Apart from organizing the biathlon competitions at the Olympic Winter Games, the IBU organizes Biathlon World Championships each year, and an annual series of nine World Cups in different countries, along with numerous other competitions with international participation.
The IBU aims to combine development of the techniques and materials for practicing biathlon with respect for the health of the athletes, the integrity of nature, and human surroundings. The IBU attempts to achieve harmony through the IBU Constitution and Rules, especially through the IBU Event and Competition Rules, the IBU Anti-Doping Rules, the IBU Disciplinary Rules, and their respective practice, as well as through licenses and inspections of biathlon event sites. The IBU proudly offers a dynamic and evermore attractive sport, which combines total physical exertion over an extended period of time when running or skiing with the extremely fi ne control and calm necessary when shooting.
