On 10-11 April 2026, World Climbing President Marco Scolaris attended the General Assembly of the French National Federation (FFME), marking an important moment of engagement with one of the International Federation’s longest-standing members.

During his visit, President Scolaris met with the newly elected President of the federation, Sandra Berger, and conveyed his best wishes for her mandate at the head of the organisation. On the same occasion, he attended the opening of the new Karma La Villette Climbing Gym, a facility located in the heart of the French capital designed to accommodate climbing for all: lead, boulder, and also a small speed wall for training and children’s initiation. The inauguration provided a valuable opportunity to meet with leaders of the French federation and key stakeholders of the national climbing community, further strengthening institutional ties.

In addressing the French climbing community, President Scolaris recalled the central role played by France in the development of international climbing. He highlighted how the strength, vision, and continuity of the French community have been instrumental since the early days of the International Federation, contributing significantly to the sport’s growth and its evolution over the past two decades.

In his remarks, he also underlined the importance of the French National Federation as a valuable partner for World Climbing. This was notably illustrated by the recognition received through the World Climbing Sustainability Awards 2025, where the organisers of the Para Climbing World Cup Laval 2025 were awarded first place, acknowledging their outstanding commitment to sustainable event delivery.

The visit reaffirmed the strong and enduring relationship between World Climbing and the French climbing community, and the shared commitment to continue shaping the future of the sport at both national and international levels.