From 29 June to 1 July 2026, the IBU Development Department is hosting a meeting in Salzburg for the National Coordinators of the Biathlon 4 All programme. Representatives from 38 National Federations have gathered to exchange ideas, share best practices, and discuss the programme's future needs and objectives. Held under the motto "Grow as We Do," the meeting is designed to encourage direct exchange, strengthen collaboration, and foster mutual support among participating federations.

The meeting took place at Sportzentrum Rif, whose excellent facilities provided the ideal setting for working sessions.

The programme began on Monday, 29 June, with a City Orienteering Tour through Salzburg's historic city centre. Participants were divided into five groups and challenged to complete a route that included nine of the city's most famous landmarks. At each location, the teams took a group photo and shared it with the other participants. More than just a sightseeing activity, the orienteering tour served as an engaging team-building exercise, helping the coordinators get to know one another, build connections, and establish a collaborative atmosphere for the days ahead.

The official meeting opened the following day, on 30 June, with welcoming remarks from IBU President Olle Dahlin, who underlined the importance of supporting National Federations in their efforts to grow biathlon at the grassroots level.

IBU Development Director Dagmara Gerasimuk presented an overview of the current status of the Biathlon 4 All programme. Since its launch in 2023, the IBU has distributed more than 700 laser and optical rifles to National Federations and invested almost EUR 2 million into the programme, demonstrating its long-term commitment to developing biathlon and para biathlon worldwide.

IBU Development Project Coordinator Maxim Berdnikov presented the results of International Biathlon Day 2026, highlighting another successful global celebration of the sport. This year's edition saw 36 National Federations organise more than 50 events, engaging approximately 16,000 participants and 500 staff members, around half of whom were volunteers.

Lorenzo Giovacchini, IBU Digital Marketing Manager, shared the results of the paid social media campaign supporting International Biathlon Day and explained how the IBU is increasingly working with content creators and influencers to engage younger audiences and expand the sport's digital reach.

A keynote presentation was delivered by Gary Hodgson, Secretary of iCoachKids and Research Fellow at the Leeds Beckett University. Focusing on the needs and motivations of today's young people, he offered practical advice on creating positive sporting experiences for children.

Two representatives of the International School Sport Federation, Marko Petric and Romain Fermon shared information about the federation and its networks of sports schools as well as some examples of coach education programmes.

Innovation was another important topic of the meeting, with the programme's three suppliers - Anschütz, Kiwi Precision, and EcoAims - introducing their latest products and technological developments supporting grassroots biathlon activities.

Participants also heard inspiring examples from six National Federations, which presented successful Biathlon 4 All initiatives from their respective countries. The presentations included the Biathlon Run National Tour in France, Biathloppet in Great Britain, school biathlon programmes in Ukraine, three grassroots initiatives in Switzerland, the first-ever International Biathlon Day celebration in China, and a para biathlon development programme in Canada.

The third day, 1 July, focused on interactive workshops, giving participants the opportunity to exchange ideas and develop recommendations for the future of the programme. Five parallel sessions addressed key areas of Biathlon 4 All development:

• Biathlon 4 All mobile app – structure and future features

• Standardised rules for Biathlon 4 All events

• Integration of para biathlon into the programme

• Review and development of the Kids Course

• Communication and merchandise for the Biathlon 4 All programme

The workshop format encouraged active participation and generated valuable feedback, which will help shape the next phase of the programme's development.

Over the course of three days, the meeting strengthened the growing Biathlon 4 All community by creating opportunities for National Federations to learn from one another, build new partnerships, and share innovative approaches to increasing participation in biathlon and para biathlon.

Photos: Wukits, IBU