WKF Strengthens Commitment to Paralympic movement at IPC Open Days in Bonn

The World Karate Federation (WKF) reinforced its commitment to the development of Para Karate during the International Paralympic Committee Open Days, held from 4–6 May at the International Paralympic Committee headquarters in Bonn. Representing the WKF were Vice President and Commissioner for Para Karate Wolfgang Weigert and CEO Sara Wolff.

The IPC Open Days are an annual event bringing together International Federations (IFs), Recognised International Federations (RIFs) and International Organisations of Sport for the Disabled (IOSDs). The event aims to strengthen cooperation, expand networks and encourage shared learning among members of the Paralympic Movement.

During the meetings, WKF officials met with Robyn Smith, President of Virtus, IPC Governing Board member and Brisbane 2032 Board member. Discussions focused on the continued partnership between WKF and Virtus for the development of Karate for athletes with intellectual impairment, future cooperation and the Virtus Games.

WKF and Virtus have worked closely since 2020 to promote Karate for athletes with intellectual impairment. Since 2023, Para Karate has been included in the sports programme of the Virtus Games, the world’s leading multi-sport event for athletes with intellectual impairment.

The WKF delegation also held meetings with IPC CEO Mike Peters and IPC Deputy CEO Kristina Molloy regarding the mid and long-term objectives for the continued growth of Para Karate and broader participation in the Paralympic Movement.

Additional meetings covered key areas, including discussions with Paralympic Games Sport and NPC Services Senior Manager Jürgen Padberg on the Brisbane 2032 Paralympic Games sports inclusion process for Para Karate, Head of Anti-Doping Jude Ellis, and Head of Classification Tea Cisic. WKF also participated in the RIF breakout session to explore future areas of cooperation among Regional International Federations.

WKF Vice President and Commissioner for Para Karate Wolfgang Weigert said: “The WKF has invested tremendous effort into the development of Para Karate over the last 14 years. Today, Para Karate is one of the core elements of our federation and a clear example of the inclusivity and values of Karate. As one of the few sports with Para disciplines included in its major events, we remain fully committed to creating more opportunities for para athletes worldwide.”

WKF CEO Sara Wolff added: “We believe that Para Karate brings tremendous added value to the Paralympic Movement, and our participation at the IPC’s Open Days comes to attest especially our commitment to further develop the Para sports movement. As a recognised International Federation, the WKF has been a strong partner of the IPC in the promotion and development of para sports. With our Paralympic inclusion in mind, the progress of Para Karate reflects the legacy of Karate and the WKF strategy to contribute positively to society through sport.”

(Top picture: From left to right: IPC CEO Mike Peters, IPC Deputy CEO Kristina Molloy, WKF CEO Sara Wolff and WKF Vice President and Commissioner for Para Karate Wolfgang Weigert.

The WKF officials pose with Virtus representatives at the IPC’s Open Days

Group picture at the IPC's Open Days (Credit: IPC)