Year in review and outlook to 2026

As 2025 draws to a close, the Biathlon 4 All project celebrates its third year of progress in making biathlon and para biathlon more fun, accessible and inclusive worldwide. Since its launch in 2023, the initiative has continued to grow steadily, with 645 laser rifles distributed and 48 National Federations now participating in the programme.

Growing reach in 2025

Two application calls were held during the year. In spring, 13 National Federations received equipment, followed by eight more in winter. In addition, nine federations have already been pre-selected to receive their equipment in spring 2026, underlining the continued interest in and impact of the project.

International Biathlon Day: A new annual highlight

A key milestone in 2025 was the launch of the first International Biathlon Day, celebrated on 24 May in more than 20 countries. Designed as an annual event, the day brought together try-outs, challenges, competitions and a wide range of interactive activities aimed at introducing new audiences to the sport. International Biathlon Day will return every year on the last weekend of May as a central moment in the Biathlon 4 All calendar.

A new face for Biathlon 4 All

In 2025, the project also welcomed its official mascot, Shibu, adding a recognisable character and a playful identity to Biathlon 4 All. Shibu was created to strengthen the project’s appeal to children, helping to introduce the sport in a friendly and engaging way, and supporting organisers in creating welcoming, child-focused activities at events and festivals.

Knowledge sharing and community support

To further support National Federations and project coordinators, the IBU hosted two online meetings on 9 April and 25 November. These sessions provided updates, best practices and opportunities for exchange. All related materials are available on the IBU Learning Suite.

Another highlight was the Loop One Festival, which featured the largest-ever Biathlon 4 All zone. Located in the iconic Olympic Park, the zone was spread across three shooting ranges with 10 lanes each and welcomed around 5,000 participants. The event offered an exciting experience for newcomers and was made possible thanks to the strong support of suppliers and instructors from BSV clubs.

From equipment to community engagement

The true impact of the project, however, is delivered on site, where National Federations, together with their clubs and local event organisers, bring Biathlon 4 All to life. By making active use of the laser rifles and tailoring activities to their local environments, they create meaningful, engaging experiences that best serve their communities and introduce biathlon to new audiences in a practical and sustainable way.

Looking ahead to 2026

Looking forward, a call for applications for International Biathlon Day 2026 (scheduled for 30 May 2026) will open in late January. In addition, a fourth call for applications for the Biathlon 4 All project will open in spring 2026, inviting National Federations to apply for laser and optical biathlon rifles.

The IBU Development Department, together with the entire IBU team, wishes all Biathlon 4 Friends — athletes, participants, suppliers, National Federations, event organisers and clubs — a successful and inspiring year in 2026.