IFSC LEADERSHIP ATTENDS IFSC EUROPE PLENARY ASSEMBLY IN LEUVEN

24 November 2025

The meeting took place in the Belgian city on 21 and 22 November

IFSC Secretary General Piero Rebaudengo and IFSC Research & Development Director Silvia Verdolini took part in the IFSC Europe Plenary Assembly, hosted in Leuven over two days with workshops, discussions, and strategic updates involving European National Federations.

The programme began on Friday with welcome remarks, workshops, and an evening reception. The event was formally opened that evening by Mayor of Leuven, Mohamed Ridouani, highlighting the city’s strong commitment to sport and inclusion.

The Plenary Assembly included official business, reports, and decisions. IFSC Europe President Tijl Smitz delivered his President’s Report, highlighting ongoing initiatives and the continued growth of IFSC Europe. IFSC Secretary General Piero Rebaudengo followed with an address that reinforced the importance of cooperation between IFSC and its continental structures and provided an update on activities.

Updates were provided across all areas of activity, including finance by Treasurer Josselin Cazaux, sport by Vice President Sport Heiko Wilhelm, and athletes’ representation by Michael Piccolruaz, IFSC Europe Athletes’ Representative, who presented his report on athlete engagement and 2026 priorities.

A notable moment of the Assembly was the address by Ellen van Camp, President of the Belgian Paralympic Committee, who emphasised Leuven’s sporting culture and the importance of fully integrating para athletes within climbing structures. “You are an excellent example of what inclusion can mean,” she said, thanking IFSC, IFSC Europe and the Federation for the opportunity to speak, and praising the Belgian Climbing and Mountaineering Federation for its model of integrated pathways from grassroots to elite sport.

Van Camp also encouraged all federations to embrace para climbing ahead of its Paralympic debut at LA28, adding: “I hope you will go home with a backpack full of ideas to put para climbing on the agenda in your country—and that we will see many of your para-athletes in action in Los Angeles.”

The Assembly concluded with discussions on future planning, host guidelines, and elections for new IFSC Europe Board members Kristiina Toots and Margarita Smirnoviene.

The IFSC extends its thanks to IFSC Europe, the Belgian Climbing and Mountaineering Federation, and the city of Leuven for their warm welcome and excellent organisation of this year’s Assembly.

IFSC EUROPE SUSTAINABILITY AWARDS

As part of the Plenary Assembly the Continental Council celebrated and recognised the dedication of several member federations and local event organisers in creating sustainable events and competitions, presenting six with IFSC Europe Sustainability Awards.

The awards are part of a broader initiative promoted by the IFSC Europe Sustainability Commission, which continues to support organisers and provide the resources they need to reach their goals.Eleven recipients were presented with three levels of awards - Gold, Silver, and Bronze. 2025 marked the first-ever Gold Award in the European Council.

Kristina Toots, chair of the sustainability commission and Europe's new board member, referred to this year's awards saying: "Four years ago, IFSC Europe introduced the Sustainability Award to recognise event organisers who commit to making our sport more responsible and future-focused. What began with a few bronze awards has grown into a powerful movement. Today, organisers are pushing harder than ever—working thoughtfully across areas ranging from food and transportation to finances, equality, and beyond.

"Achieving a Sustainability Award requires careful planning, dedicated management, and a genuine commitment to doing better. Our commission is incredibly proud to see this progress. This year, for the first time ever, gold awards were given out—and several other events came impressively close.

"But most importantly, we want to congratulate every organiser who has put in the time, creativity, and heart to make our events more sustainable. Every step forward matters. Thank you for helping us move the needle. Together, we are setting a new standard for our sport and our community."

Gold Awards: