BC – PSO ZOOM Information Session

January 27, 2023

For Immediate Release

WAKO BC now recognized by VIA Sport –

Kickboxing moves into a new Era in BC

The landscape of combative sport is evolving incredibly fast globally and in Canada. On the international scene,

the international federation for the sport (WAKO – World Association of Kickboxing Organizations) was granted

full recognition by the IOC (International Olympic Committee) on July 21 2021.

The excitement of the sport is gaining new fans as WAKO is now a full member of multisport events such as the

European Olympics, the World Games, The Asian Games, the World University Games and the World Combat

Games.

WAKO Kickboxing is also on the footsteps of the OLYMPICS having been shortlisted to three new sports to be

added to the 2028 Olympic Games in LA.

The Canadian association of WAKO was first established in 2003.

WAKO-Canada has been working with local clubs and provincial/territorial governments to create recognized

associations that are provided Ministry of Sport support as well as more opportunities for athletes to compete.

To date there are 10 WAKO Canada associations in 10 provinces and territories. The activity of WAKO Canada is

focused on sport development. The following is a snap shot of the association –

• 4000 + registered athletes

• 3000 coaches certified through Sport Canada’s recognized Coaching Certification Program (NCCP)

• Longest running National Championship (75 + clubs and over 400 athletes annually)

• Opportunities for National Teams participation at World Championship each year

• Regular professional development courses for instructors, coaches, athletes, parents

• Regular National Team training camp opportunities for coaches and athletes

WAKO BC was the most recent government approved association gaining recognition in January 2023. This in an

incredible time for athletes in the province but also our clubs that are looking for more opportunities.

WAKO BC is hosting a ZOO information session on February 15 at 2 pm – Pacific Time.

This session will provide information to any club, coach, instructor or on the roll out of WAKO BC. This is also a

chance to provide feedback to the inaugural WAKO BC Board and more importantly to get involved! WAKO BC is

looking to involve as many clubs in the growth and development of our new association. Together we can create

an open association that benefits all martial arts and combative clubs across our province.

WAKO BC Executive Committee Members

Farinaz Lari & Greg Lamothe

For more information please contact – Farinaz (farinazlari@gmail.com) or

Greg (greg@martialartsunlimited.ca)

For Club distribution:

Information Document