ISU plans future at Congress in Las Vegas

The 59th Congress of the International Skating Union (ISU) begins today, 10 June, in Las Vegas. More than 350 participants are expected. The focus of this year's congress is the ISU Vision 2030, which was launched a year ago by the ISU Council.

The ISU Vision 2030 is a strategic roadmap based on five different thematic priorities that are to be implemented step by step by 2030. The aim is to improve fan engagement and get more people excited about the sports under the auspices of the ISU (Figure Skating, Speed Skating, Short Track und Synchonized Skating). This is intended to generate long-term economic growth.

The aim is to strengthen ice sports worldwide. This should enable smaller figure skating nations to be internationally competitive through improved training eduction and technical support.

Figure skating products are to be further developed under the keyword innovation. The increased fight against doping is just as much a part of the ISU Vision 2030 as closer cooperation with internal and external interest groups.

During the ISU Congress, concrete plans will now be presented and discussed in order to be able to implement the first measures in near future. This includes, among other things, new competition formats to reach more people worldwide.

The 59th Congress of the International Skating Union (ISU) begins today, 10 June, in Las Vegas. GETTY IMAGES

The implementation of an ISU Short Track World Tour has been announced, a merger of six World Cups per season, for which an elaborate show will be produced to entertain the fans during the competition weekends.

Improvements to television broadcasts are also planned. The latest technologies are to be used, as well as more modern graphics. Another building block will be improved external communication in order to make Figure Skating, Speed Skating and Short Track more visible worldwide and to market them better. Fans are to be increasingly involved through digital media.

ISU President Jae Youl kim said before the start of the ISU Congress, “This 59th Congress is a milestone for the ISU and the wider sports community. We look forward to shaping the future of the skating disciplines together by integrating more entertainment, innovation, inclusivity and sustainability.

"It is our mission to take new initiatives while preserving our proud traditions in order to remain relevant to current audiences and appeal to young generations of figure skaters and fans.” The ISU Congress takes place every two years and ends on 14 June.