WAKO & ISF

TO ALL WAKO MEMBERS

PRESS RELEASE

WAKO and ISF Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Strengthen Global School Sport Cooperation

World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO) and International School Sport Federation (ISF) are proud to announce the signing of aMemorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 22 April 2026, marking the beginning of a new strategic partnership focused on the development of kickboxing within the international school sport movement.

This agreement reflects the shared vision of both organizations to promote education through sport, strengthen youth participation, and create new opportunities for student-athletes worldwide.

As an organization recognized by the International Olympic Committee, ISF is dedicated to organizing major international school sport events, including the Gymnasiades and worldwide school competitions, while promoting the educational values of sport.

WAKO is the sport organization recognized by the International Olympic Committee and is the world governing body regulating, promoting, and developing kickboxing across all continents, with a strong commitment to youth engagement and sporting excellence.

Through this Memorandum of Understanding, both parties have agreed to cooperate in several key areas:

• Supporting the organization of school sport events that include kickboxing

• Ensuring technically high-level competitions through WAKO expertise

• Appointing qualified referees and officials for kickboxing events

• Developing educational programs for young athletes

• Promoting integrity, fair play, and safeguarding in school sport

• Strengthening collaboration between the memberships of both organizations worldwide

This partnership represents an important milestone for the continued growth of kickboxing among younger generations and further recognition of the sport within the international educational sports community.

Both WAKO and ISF look forward to building a successful and long-lasting cooperation that will inspire youth around the world through sport, discipline, and shared values.