Ukraine wins inaugural IBU Award for Excellence in Biathlon 4 All

The Ukrainian Biathlon Federation has been named the first-ever winner of the IBU Award for Excellence in Biathlon 4 All, receiving €10,000 in recognition of its outstanding work to make biathlon more accessible, inclusive and engaging at grassroots level.

The winner was announced during the Gala Dinner of the IBU Congress in Berchtesgaden, Germany, on 19 September 2026. Ivan Krulko, President of the Ukrainian Biathlon Federation, accepted the award on behalf of the federation. The award was presented by Executive Board member Nathalie Santer.

Established in 2026, the IBU Award for Excellence in Biathlon 4 All recognises National Federations for outstanding and impactful initiatives delivered as part of the Biathlon 4 All (B4A) programme. The award focuses on activities that increase accessibility, inclusion, grassroots participation and recruitment in biathlon and Para Biathlon.

Ukraine received the award for its “Expanding Opportunities Through Education, Inclusion and Sport” initiative.

Biathlon 4 All Ukraine is a nationwide project that uses biathlon to promote youth participation, education, inclusion and community resilience. Originally launched to restore opportunities to practise biathlon in war-affected Chernihiv, the project has since expanded to six regions of Ukraine, engaging 880 children, 25 coaches and 42 referees.

The initiative combines regular training sessions, regional competitions, school-based activities, coach education and inclusive programmes for children with disabilities. A key element is its connection with the nationwide “Biathlon Lesson” initiative, supported by Ivan Krulko and the Ministry of Youth and Sport of Ukraine. Implemented across 15 regions and the city of Kyiv, the initiative has significantly extended the educational reach of biathlon in the country.

National Team coaches and IBU Academy graduates provide mentoring and share modern coaching methods with regional coaches and physical education teachers. Elite athletes also act as ambassadors, meeting and inspiring young participants.

Through these activities, the project has helped create sustainable local biathlon communities, strengthen coaching capacity and increase grassroots participation while establishing pathways for future athletes.

Ukraine was shortlisted for the award alongside Denmark and Finland. Applications for the 2025/2026 season closed on 15 July 2026. The presentation of the inaugural award in Berchtesgaden marked the conclusion of the first edition of the IBU Award for Excellence in Biathlon 4 All.