IBU launches first-ever Biathlon for All Excellence Award: Apply until 30 June 2026

The International Biathlon Union (IBU) has announced the launch of the inaugural IBU Biathlon for All Excellence Award, marking a new step in recognising efforts to make the sport more accessible and inclusive worldwide.

Set to be awarded annually from 2026 onwards, the new accolade will honour National Federations that deliver outstanding and impactful Biathlon for All (B4A) initiatives. The award focuses on projects that increase accessibility, promote inclusion, and strengthen grassroots participation and recruitment in both biathlon and para biathlon.

Through the initiative, the IBU aims to encourage National Federations to highlight successful events or event series, demonstrate how inclusion is embedded in their strategic development plans, and share best practices across the biathlon community.

Applications are open to all Full National Federation Members, with each federation permitted to submit one application per year. Submissions must describe either a single event or a series of events that have been implemented within the previous 24 months. Federations that win the award will not be eligible to apply in the following year.

For the 2026 edition, applications must be submitted via the IBU Scope platform, with the application window running from 1 April to 30 June 2026. Full details are outlined in the IBU B4A Excellence Award Guidelines 2026.

The introduction of the award reflects the IBU’s continued commitment to developing biathlon as a sport for all, while recognising innovative approaches that expand its reach and impact at grassroots level.