IKF Welcomes João Pinto as New Executive Assistant with Strategic Responsibilities

The IKF is happy to announce the appointment of João Pinto as the new Executive Assistant with Strategic Responsibilities in our Lisbon office. João joins us with a background in marketing and extensive involvement in the Portuguese korfball community, making him an invaluable addition to our team.

João Pinto will be supporting the CEO and Executive Committee in driving the vision of IKF. His role will encompass strategic tasks and project management, ensuring that our goals and mission are met with excellence. With his expertise and passion for korfball, João is well-equipped to contribute significantly to the development and implementation of the IKF strategy.

João’s appointment reflects IKF commitment to strengthening our team with dedicated and skilled professionals who share our passion for korfball.

We are confident that João Pinto’s contributions will have a positive impact on IKF, and we look forward to achieving new milestones together.

 

João Pinto - New Executive Assistant with Strategic Responsibilities

João Pinto – New Executive Assistant with Strategic Responsibilities

Results of the U15 European Korfball Championship 2024 played in Poland

On July 5th and 6th, the Polish city of Jadwisin hosted the U15 European Korfball Championship 2024, with 5 participating countries that competed in 2 different modalities: Korfball 8 on Friday, and Korfball 4 on Saturday.

All countries also presented a ‘Rising stars’ K4 team, that allowed these young players to compete and feel the experience of playing more international matches, as well as improving their skills and korfball technique.

The event was organised by the Polish Korfball Association in collaboration with the City and Municipality of Serock, and patronised by the IKF.

Special thanks to Artur Borkowski, Mayor of the City and Commune of Serock, as an honorary patron, and to Serock Local Government Investments for their support in organising this youth tournament.

The matches were live-streamed on the following YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@serock-naszlakumozliwosci260/streams

More information: facebook.com/korfballpoland

FINAL RANKINGS & RESULTS

Category Korfball 8:
1. Netherlands
2. Portugal
3. Germany
4. Slovakia
5. Poland

Category Rising Stars:
1. Netherlands
2. Poland
3. Portugal
4. Germany 🇩🇪
5. Slovakia 🇸🇰

Category Korfball 4:

1. Netherlands
2. Portugal
3. Germany
4. Slovakia
5. Poland

Opening ceremony (images)

Hans Kraaijeveld, bearer of the IKF Pin of Merit, passed away

The IKF has been made aware of the passing of Mr Hans Kraaijeveld from the Netherlands, at the age of 85.

After a career as referee and korfball administrator in the Netherlands, Mr Kaaijeveld was chair of the IKF Finance Committee for many years, for which he was recognized by receiving the IKF Pin of Merit in 1995

Upon establishment of the Swan Fund by Adrie Zwaanswijk, Mr Kraaijeveld served on the board of the Swan Fund in the role of Treasurer for many years, helping to grow and govern the fund that has supported many national korfball associations with their inception

Mr Kraaijeveld will be remembered for his long-term involvement with korfball over many years, always being straight and clear about his thinking, and focused on the long-term development of our sport.

Updated Beach Korfball Rules Released to Enhance the Sport’s Appeal and Competitiveness

The IKF is pleased to announce the release of the updated rules for beach korfball. This update is part of our continuous effort to enhance the sport’s attractiveness, competitiveness, and overall image.

Beach korfball, a dynamic and engaging variant of korfball, has seen a surge in popularity worldwide. The unique blend of athleticism, teamwork, and strategic play on the sandy courts draws players and fans alike. To maintain and build upon this momentum, it is crucial to regularly review and refine the rules governing the sport.

The updated rules have been crafted with input from players, coaches, referees, and other stakeholders within the korfball community. This collaborative approach ensures that the new rules address the evolving needs of the sport while preserving its core values and principles.

Key changes in the updated rules focus on enhancing the pace of the game, promoting fair play, and ensuring the safety of all participants. By introducing these modifications, the IKF aims to make beach korfball more exciting for spectators and more enjoyable for players. The updates also strive to create a more level playing field, encouraging competitive balance.

In addition to gameplay improvements, the updated rules also place a strong emphasis on the sport’s presentation and marketability. Clearer, more consistent regulations help streamline the officiating process, reducing ambiguities and enhancing the overall viewing experience. This, in turn, boosts the sport’s appeal to new audiences, furthering its growth and development on the global stage.

We are confident that these updated rules will contribute significantly to the continued success and expansion of beach korfball.

For a detailed overview of the updated rules, please visit our website.

We encourage all players, coaches, referees, and fans to familiarise themselves with the changes and join us in celebrating the ongoing evolution of beach korfball.

IKF Announces Publication of New Korfball Rules for 2024

The IKF is pleased to announce the release of the new rules for korfball, effective from 1 September 2024. These updated rules reflect our ongoing commitment to enhancing the sport, ensuring fairness, and improving the overall experience for players, coaches, and fans alike.

The new rules can be accessed via the following link: [The Rules of Korfball 2024]. This document includes all the essential guidelines and modifications aimed at evolving the game.

For a detailed overview of the specific changes, please refer to this document: [The Rules of Korfball 2024 – Changes and Explanation]. This resource provides an in-depth explanation of the updates, highlighting the minor adjustments made to enhance the gameplay experience.

We believe these modifications will contribute positively to the sport, promoting a more dynamic and engaging environment for all participants. The IKF encourages all members of the korfball community to review the new rules and familiarise themselves with the changes.

We look forward to seeing the impact of these improvements on the court and wish everyone an exciting and competitive season ahead.

For further information and ongoing updates, please visit the IKF website.

IKF Welcomes New Team Members to Lisbon Office

In an exciting development for the global korfball community, the IKF announces the addition of two passionate individuals to its team in Lisbon. With a shared commitment to excellence and innovation, IKF looks forward to the contributions of its newest members in advancing the sport on a global scale.

Madalena Carvalho joins IKF as the newest staff member, bringing with her over two decades of experience and dedication to korfball. Having been an integral part of the korfball community in Portugal for years, Madalena’s expertise and enthusiasm make her a valuable asset to the team. In her role, she will provide administrative support and serve as a liaison for competitions, ensuring smooth operations and fostering strong relationships within the korfball community.

Accompanying Madalena is Helmer Silva, the newest addition to IKF’s internship program. Despite being new to the world of korfball, Helmer’s passion for sports and eagerness to learn make him a promising asset. With a focus on competition-related activities, he brings a fresh perspective and a determination to contribute to the growth and development of the sport.

Madalena and Helmer enthusiasm and expertise will undoubtedly enhance the organisation’s efforts to promote korfball globally, inspiring greater participation and collaboration within the community.

Join the IKF Learning Academy Committee: Shape the Future of Korfball Education!

The IKF is embarking on an exciting new venture with the launch of the Learning Academy. With a mission to spread korfball globally and elevate the sport’s standards, the IKF aims to increase athlete participation and enhance korfball knowledge worldwide. To achieve this, the IKF recognises the crucial role of education programs in supporting the development of its members.

In recent years, the IKF has conducted numerous in-person coach and referee courses across all continents, contributing to the growth of korfball worldwide. However, to further expand and improve these educational offerings, the IKF is committed to enhancing accessibility for National Organisations. The establishment of an online platform is a key solution to facilitate easier access to a variety of courses.

Collaboration lies at the heart of korfball, and the IKF is seeking dedicated volunteers to help establish the Learning Academy. Committee members will work closely with other IKF committees, including Education, Beach, Referees, Playing Rules, Governance, and Urban, among others, to ensure a comprehensive and unified approach to korfball development.

We are seeking volunteers with diverse knowledge and competencies, particularly in areas such as online education, gamification, digital content production, and managing online education platforms.

However, if you have innovative ideas or a passion for korfball education, we encourage you to join our team.

You can check all the details about this open call HERE.

To express your interest, please fill in this FORM with your details.

For further information, you can reach out to Anita Derks (Anita.derks@ikf.org), member of the IKF Executive Committee and the owner of this portfolio.

Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of this new chapter in korfball education. Join the IKF Learning Academy Committee and help shape the future of the sport’s education!

Join Our New Gender Equality & Inclusion Committee!

Are you passionate about building a world where every individual, regardless of their gender, enjoys equal opportunities, respect, and representation?

Do you believe in the power of sport to drive positive change and promote inclusivity?

The IKF is seeking dedicated volunteers to join our Gender Equality & Inclusion Committee.

At IKF, we fully support the principle of gender equality on and off the pitch. Korfball, by design, is gender balanced and equal, and we vigorously advocate for this principle, demonstrating that equal collaboration can indeed create a brighter future for all. Our vision extends beyond the boundaries of sports; we aspire for people worldwide to personally experience the values of gender equality through korfball, at every level and in every function.

The IKF’s commitment to gender equality and inclusion is embedded in our new strategy, announced at the IKF Korfball Congress in October 2023 in Taipei. Now, we are seeking volunteers to help operationalise this vision and implement it within our organisation and sport. Our focus areas include:

1. Gender Equality:
– Establishing partnerships with leading organisations focused on gender equality.
– Harnessing IKF events to drive the gender equality agenda and supporting the IKF Events Committee in doing so.

2. Inclusion:
– Assisting National Organisations in implementing korfball for special needs.
– Supporting National Organisations in adopting inclusive volunteer policies during events.

As a committee member, you will play a vital role in supporting the IKF in defining the Gender Equality & Inclusion plans and facilitating their implementation within the unique context of our sport.

We are looking for volunteers who:
– Are passionate about gender equality and inclusion.
– Are culturally sensitive and embrace diversity.
– Bring a positive and enthusiastic attitude to their work.

If you are eager to promote Gender Equality and Inclusion through korfball globally, if you have innovative ideas to share, and if you’re ready to be part of a new team, we want to hear from you.

You can find all the details regarding this open call HERE.

Please apply via this FORM.

For further information, you can reach out to Anita Derks (Anita.derks@ikf.org), member of the IKF ExCo and the owner of this portfolio.

Together, let’s make a difference!

 

Header image: Marco Spelten

IKF Announces Committee Restructuring Aligned with Strategic Vision

The International Korfball Federation (IKF) is happy to announce significant changes in its committee structure, accompanied by key appointments for the upcoming term. The IKF Executive Committee has orchestrated a comprehensive realignment of committees, aligning them with the organisation’s new portfolios and strategic direction as delineated in the Strategy Plan presented at the IKF World Congress in October 2023.

This restructuring initiative aims to optimise the effectiveness of each committee, foster collaboration, and ensure alignment with the IKF’s evolving objectives. Under the guidance of CEO Joana Faria, committee members will play a crucial role in driving the IKF’s mission forward, supported by their professionalism and dedication.

Despite their voluntary status, these committee members demonstrate remarkable commitment to the IKF and the tasks inherent to their roles. Their unwavering dedication exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism that is fundamental to the IKF community’s success.

While some committee positions have been filled through internal appointments, the IKF is pleased to announce forthcoming opportunities for individuals to join specific committees. Details regarding these vacancies will be available online shortly.

As the IKF continues to pursue its mission of promoting and developing korfball worldwide, stay tuned for further updates on the progress driven by the collaborative efforts across its restructured committees.

It is possible to consult the IKF committee structure here.

IKF President Gabi Kool and Secretary General Joana Faria Attend IWGA AGM in Esslingen, Germany

 

On 1 May 2024, the President of the IKF, Gabi Kool, along with the Secretary General, Joana Faria, participated in the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the International World Games Association (IWGA) in Esslingen, Germany. The gathering marked a pivotal moment for the global sports community.

The presence of President Kool and Secretary General Faria underscores the significance IKF places on its engagement with the broader sporting community. At the heart of the AGM lies the strategic deliberations and policy formations that shape the future of international sports. Through active participation in such forums, IKF aims to amplify the voice of korfball and advocate for its continued growth and recognition on the world stage.

Beyond the formal agenda, the AGM provides invaluable opportunities for IKF delegates to cultivate relationships with fellow federations and NOCs. These interactions lay the groundwork for collaborative initiatives, knowledge sharing, and mutual support, all of which are essential for the advancement of korfball and the broader sporting landscape.

Secretary General Joana Faria emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation among sports organizations. “Our presence at the IWGA AGM signifies our commitment to working closely with fellow federations and NOCs to promote inclusivity and excellence in sports worldwide,” stated Faria.

During this AGM, several significant decisions were reached, including the selection of Karlsruhe, Germany, as the host city for The World Games 2029.