Season's Greetings

Dear TAFISA members, colleagues and friends,

As we embrace the arrival of a new year and bid farewell to 2023, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for your contribution towards a year that has been both exciting and unforgettable. With your support, TAFISA has been able to thrive and develop in many different directions.

Throughout 2023, the Sport for All Movement flourished, and once again showed that we are better together. We have expanded our reach on all continents, working together with our members to pursue Sport for All efforts in Europe and Asia and further expanded to Africa, the Americas and Oceania, developing new partnerships, implementing dynamic projects, and look forward to future opportunities. During the TAFISA World Congress and the TAFISA General Assembly in Düsseldorf, Germany, our membership reached 391 members across 170 countries. We have continued developing our partnership and collaboartion with global organisations like IOC, UNESCO, WHO, EU, Ibero-American Sports Council, AUSC Region 5, Nike, or ASEAN among others. We have furthered our Mission 2030 goals in alignment with our strategic roadmap and see a bright future for the Sport for All movement.

Particularly bright was the incredible success of World Walking Day on October 1st. With over 380,000 participants representing 91 countries across all time zones, the symbolic passing of the baton echoed unity and support for cherished causes. We also enjoyed an exciting and engaging week at the 28th TAFISA World Congress in Düsseldorf, Germany. It was an absolute pleasure to meet and work side by side with our members and host speakers with unique insights from around the world. We had over 350 participants from 70 countries, growing from our previous World Congress in Slovenia.

Looking ahead to 2024 we anticipate a year of transition, opportunities, and new beginnings for TAFISA, marked by the implementation of the TAFISA Strategic Roadmap 2023 – 2025. This signifies a transformative phase for TAFISA, with an emphasis on reshaping our global outreach. Designated as the "TAFISA Regional Outreach Year," 2024 aims to tailor our approaches, activities, and services to your specific global regions. By providing a platform for your voices to be heard and fostering connections among members, we aim to facilitate conversations, discussions, and the sharing of best practices in promoting Sport for All in your respective areas. 

I take immense pride and humility in being part of the leadership team of such an outstanding organisation. I express my gratitude to both current and past TAFISA Board Members for their dedicated volunteer engagement. I would also like to extend my thanks to the TAFISA Office staff for their passion, commitment, and hard work. I eagerly anticipate the opportunities and challenges that 2024 and the future will bring. We are better together.

On behalf of the TAFISA Board of Directors and the entire office team, I extend warm wishes for a joyous, healthy, and rejuvenating holiday season. I eagerly anticipate joining you next year as we continue our collective mission towards a better world through Sport for All. 

Warm regards, 

Wolfgang Baumann
TAFISA President