2009 UIPM CONGRESS10 October - The 2009 UIPM Congress finished today in Copenhagen. Following the IOC Olympic Congress and Session, the UIPM Executive Board and delegations from national federations representing six continents convened in Copenhagen for the annual Congress.
The introduction of laser pistol in the shooting event was the key decision taken by the consensus of the Congress following a motion presented by the Executive Board. Thelaser shooting concept will first enter a testing and transition phase in 2010. The testing will take place in a number of competitions including the 2010 World Cup Final. In addition at the first Youth Olympic Games in Singapore laser shooting will be used in the competition. Following this, the 2010 Congress will then take the decision on the introduction of the new system beginning 1 January 2011.
UIPM President, Dr h.c. Klaus Schormann stated that “the decision to introduce non-air pistol shooting was the second big step for the sport following the decision in 2008 to change to the combined run/shoot format. This is a significant development in terms of lowering the environmental impact of the sport.”
The other decisions of the Congress focussed on minor rule changes including the adoption of changes to the swimwear rules not permitting full length body suits. Each of the Executive Members presented their annual reports with significant approval of the report of the Athletes Committee Member,Ms Georgina Harland, which highlighted the new development programme for Riding Training Camps to be run by UIPM commencing in November. Additionally, the Member for Media, Ms Pernille Svarre reported significant and improved feedback from both the press and television media as a result of the combined format with figures for webcasting and television audiences having improved.
Singapore was accepted as a new member federation, while Burundi, a recent addition to the UIPM Family, reported on their development through Biathle. UIPM General Secretary, Mr Joël Bouzou (also President for Peace & Sport) commented that “the Biathle development in Burundi showed UIPMs contribution to global peace with their inspiring presentation”.
On closing the Congress President Schormann highlighted the harmony in which the member federations and the Executive worked demonstrated by the fact that all votes undertaken received total majority. In the evening the delegations were treated to a Gala dinner at the impressive Tojhusmuseet (armory museum) enjoying traditional Danish cuisine and entertainment.
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