The IBU hosted a Best Practice Sharing Webinar on Sustainability and Development Projects on 01 April, providing National Federations with valuable insights and inspiration for their applications in the ongoing Development Support Call. The webinar showcased successful projects and strategic initiatives undertaken by various NFs, demonstrating innovative approaches to sustainability, successful partnerships, athlete development, and gender equality.

Showcasing National Federation Initiatives

The webinar featured presentations from several NFs, each highlighting different focus areas:

• Swedish Biathlon Federation: Martin Ohlsson presented the federation’s comprehensive Sustainability Strategy, which evolved from sustainable practices at World Cup events in Östersund to an organization-wide approach. The strategy, shaped by workshops with stakeholders and aligned with the UN SDGs, focuses on four priority areas: successful events, athletic success, sustainable economy and organization, and strong regions and clubs.

• Finnish Biathlon Federation: Lauri Elo discussed the environmental impacts of shooting ranges, covering key challenges such as harmful substance management, regulatory compliance, and mitigation strategies to prevent contamination.

• Norwegian Biathlon Association: Knut Kuvas Brevik presented partnership programs with Estonia, Poland, and Greenland. These collaborations focus on joint training camps, administrative exchanges, and performance development, illustrating how partnerships can enhance the sport's reach and competitiveness.

• British Biathlon Union: Elizabeth Winfield presented the development of biathlon in the UK, detailing a multi-year strategy that has significantly increased athlete participation. Through targeted funding, the UK has been able to grow its biathlon program, leading to notable successes at international competitions.

• Latvian Biathlon Federation: Juris Pipkalejs showcased a Gender Equality and Diversity project, highlighting support for Baiba Bendika’s return to elite biathlon post-pregnancy. This initiative, funded with €150,000 over two years, ensured Baiba had access to training, childcare, and travel support, enabling a successful return to international competition.

• IBU Development Support for Athlete Career Transitions: Anna Kitzbichler, IBU Education Manager, shared examples of federations utilizing IBU’s Athlete Recruitment After Sport funding to integrate former athletes into key roles, such as coaching, communications, and event logistics.

The webinar underscored the importance of strategic planning and resource optimization for NF-led development projects. Key recommendations included:

• National Federations are encouraged to apply for sustainability and development project funding and consult IBU Staff for guidance.

• Project proposals should align with long-term strategic goals and consider co-funding opportunities, such as Olympic Solidarity programs.

Webinar recordings, presentations, and supporting materials can be found on the Development Hub in the Learning Suite for further reference. National Federations are encouraged to integrate these insights into their projects and take advantage of available support to drive impactful change in the sport.