World Rowing and International School Sport Federation Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Grow Rowing in Schools

World Rowing and the International School Sport Federation (ISF) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marking a new step in strengthening cooperation between the organisations in the fields of education and school sport.

The agreement was signed in the presence of Jean-Christophe Rolland, President of World Rowing, and Vincent Gaillard, World Rowing Executive Director, alongside ISF President Željko Tanasković, Vice Presidents Youssef Belqasmi and Antônio Hora Filho, Executive Director Hasnae El Ayoubi, and Sport Director Marko Petrič. The MoU was formally signed by the Presidents and Executive Directors of both organisations.

Both ISF and World Rowing are International Federations recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), sharing a common vision of sport as a powerful tool for education, personal development and international exchange.

Supporting schools to introduce and develop Rowing

Within the framework of this agreement, ISF and World Rowing will collaborate to promote Rowing within school systems worldwide, with a particular focus on:

• the development of international school Rowing competitions
• educational initiatives
• PE teacher and coach training
• tailored educational resources to support the integration of Rowing into physical education programmes

By combining World Rowing’s technical expertise with ISF’s global school sport network, both organisations aim to expand access to Rowing for students worldwide, while reinforcing the educational dimension of sport.

About World Rowing

World Rowing is the governing body of the sport of Rowing. It is empowered by its 158-member National Rowing Federations. World Rowing sets the rules and regulations for the practice of the sport in all its forms, including Classic Rowing, Coastal Rowing, and Indoor/Connected Rowing. World Rowing oversees sanctioned events and provides advice and expertise for the organisation of Rowing regattas. The Federation also works on coaching education and other matters relating to the sport and its development.

About International School Sport Federation (ISF)

Founded in 1972, the International School Sport Federation (ISF) is an international non-profit sport organisation, acting as the umbrella organisation and governing body for national school sport organisations around the world, organising sport and educational events for youth from 11 to 18 years old.

Recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) since 1995, the ISF currently consists of 126 members over the five continents organising over 5–7 events per year and has more than 30 different sports included in its competition programme.

Besides its sport events, ISF also creates and delivers quality education and capacity-building activities for physical education teachers, national school sport representatives, coaches, officials and students around the world. More information: isfsports.org