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Jan Fransoo nominated for IWGA Executive Committee Vice-President

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The International World Games Association (IWGA) has officially announced its candidates for the 2026–2030 Executive Committee. Among the nominees for Vice-President is Jan Fransoo, Honorary Life President of the International Korfball Federation (IKF) and a leading figure in international sports governance.

The election will take place during the IWGA Annual General Meeting on 25 April 2026 in Lausanne, Switzerland.

Proven Leadership

Jan’s candidacy is built on a foundation of significant leadership. First elected to the IKF Executive Committee in 1995, he served as IKF President for two decades (2003–2023). His era as President was defined by the global expansion of korfball, leading to his appointment as Honorary Life President in late 2023.

Impact within the IWGA

Since 2018, Jan has been an active member of the IWGA Executive Committee. Currently completing his second term, he has  led the strategic development of the IWGA. He developed a quota mechanism through which all member International Federations could take part in The World Games once their proposal meets a set of clear criteria.  

Further, he initiated a process of closer and more regulated collaboration with National Olympic Committees and National Sports Associations. The latter is envisioned to provide more support to athletes at the national level.  

In support of the athletes, and in close collaboration with IWGA Athletes Committee chair, Sandra Sanchez, he also set up the first IWGA Athletes Committee, which about 1000 athletes that participated in Chengdu voting for their representative voice on the IWGA Executive Committee. 

His contributions to sport and society were notably recognized in November 2024, when he was appointed a Knight in the Order of Orange-Nassau by King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands, a prestigious royal honor initiated by the IKF and the Royal Dutch Korfball Federation.

As the IWGA prepares to shape its strategy through 2030, Jan’s extensive expertise and diplomatic track record makes him an ideal candidate for the Vice-Presidency. The IKF fully supports his nomination and wishes him every success in the upcoming elections.

Knight of the Order of Orange-Nassau distinction for Jan Fransoo

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On Monday (18 November 2024) Honorary Life President of the International Korfball Federation, and Executive Committee Member of the International World Games Association, Jan Fransoo, was appointed Knight in the Order of Orange-Nassau. The order is awarded on behalf of King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands to individuals who have performed acts of special merit for society. 

The International Korfball Federation (IKF) and the Royal Dutch Korfball Federation (KNKV) jointly nominated Jan for this prestigious award. 

The award ceremony took place at the home of the Dutch Olympic Sports Federation (NOC*NSF) in Papendal in the Netherlands. Jan was delivering a presentation to the General Members’ Meeting of NOC*NSF about The World Games, immediately after Jan’s presentation finished, he was surprised by Mayor Jack Mikkers of the city of ‘s-Hertogenbosch who gave a speech and presented Jan with the order. 

The IWGA said: “This recognition highlights Fransoo’s outstanding contributions to the sport, both in the Netherlands and on a global scale.”  

During the presentation IKF President Gabi Kool said: “Today we honor not only your accomplishments, but also your character, your dedication and the indelible legacy you leave behind. Congratulations, Jan. You truly have been korfball’s best teammate, and the best is yet to come. Ladies and gentlemen, let us celebrate together a life’s work that has touched so many and will continue to inspire generations. Jan, thank you for everything.” 

Jan served on the International Korfball Federation (IKF) board from 1995 to 2023, chairing the organization from 2003 to 2023. During his tenure, the IKF experienced significant growth, with the number of affiliated national associations rising from 33 to 72. 

Under his leadership, the international competition calendar expanded significantly, offering a diverse range of competitions to suit different levels of play. Notably, Jan championed the development of beach korfball, culminating in the inaugural European Championship in 2017. He also established the IKF Korfball Champions League, elevating club competition to a new level. 

To foster the growth of national korfball associations, Jan implemented and funded IKF Development and Education Grants. In 2021, he played a pivotal role in formulating the Olympic Pledge, a framework that empowers national korfball associations to set clear development goals aligned with Olympic aspirations. This initiative, signed by 51 national korfball associations, has further propelled the sport’s global reach. 

The entire korfball community extends its heartfelt congratulations to Jan Fransoo on receiving this prestigious honor. Jan’s tireless dedication and visionary leadership have significantly shaped the global landscape of korfball. We are truly grateful for his invaluable contributions to the sport. 

Photos: Anne van Vegchel