23 Mai 2024

Biathlon4All gathers pace

The IBU organised the Kids & Youth Recruitment Forum in Oestersund, Sweden - a vital part of the IBU's Biathlon4All project with the aim to increase the growth and participation of biathlon.

The Mid Sweden University hosted 50 participants from 34 National Federations. The forum revolved around global feedback sessions and first-year project outcomes presentations from the NF Project coordinators.

The forum additionally focused on talent identification and development, sustainable training and coaching for youth athletes (presented by Martina Höök, Mid Sweden University), and sharing best practices for the recruitment and development of young athletes (presented by Prof. Per Göran Fahlström, Linnaeus University, Sweden.

The event also featured presentations on laser optics rifles at the Oestersund Biathlon Stadium - provided by the IBU Supplying partners EcoAims, Larsen, Anschütz, and Kiwi Precision, engaging use of digital channels for promotional and marketing purposes, and workshops on specifications for the rifle used in different kids categories. Overall, it was a collaborative and informative event aimed at growing the sport for future generations.

Dagmara Gerasimuk, IBU Development Director

“The global feedback session for the first season of Biathlon4All brought together 34 NFs and four leading industry partners with a focus on recruiting kids and youth. The session included hands-on rifle testing, experience exchange, and brainstorming for future project development, with the goal of fostering unity and growing the sport for future generations.”