Newly established International Federation to serve as the Standalone Governing Body for OCR!

Starting March 3rd, 2024, World OCR - registered under the legal name Federation Internationale de Course á Obstacle (FICO) - will serve as an authoritative regulatory body guiding the development and recognition process of a distinct version of obstacle sports: Obstacle Course [Running], also referred to as OCR.

Drawing inspiration from the success of Teqball
World OCR was established under the guidance of the legal advisory team behind FIVT, one of the five TeqSports of FITEQ. Their expertise and commitment have paved the way for OCR's independent future as a standalone sport.

Legal representation
Nicolas F. Krauer, recognized for his involvement in recent formation of the IF for one of the 5 TEQSPORTS, the FÉDÉRATION INTERNATIONALE DE VOLLEYBALL DE TABLE (FIVT), has been appointed as the official representative of World OCR in Switzerland.

A concise 3-year Sports Strategy
Over the next three years, World OCR aims to pave a definitive path for the sport, leading to its rightful recognition. The strategy will be presented within the 2024 OCR GLOBAL SUMMIT.

Why the identity of World OCR?
The decision of registering as World OCR was made after careful evaluation, considering possible legal challenges. An extensive investigation was conducted by the organization in the United States and Switzerland, prior to registration, all the way back to 2016. Based on the information and documents obtained, it was found that the organization identifying under the identity of 'World OCR' in the United States was dissolved in 2017, and the current identity of World Obstacle, under which it assumably operates from Switzerland, is different.
Empowering the National OCR Organizations
The objective of World OCR is not to create division within the Obstacle Sports community. Efforts to integrate OCR organizations into Modern Pentathlon did not yield conducive outcomes for OCR's development. The decision to establish World OCR was prompted by the need to protect OCR associations and federations worldwide from being forcefully absorbed by another sport. In fact, the establishment of World OCR represents a strategic and necessary move that provides OCR organizations with the option to continue working independently towards the recognition of OCR as a standalone and authorized sport in their country.

A Word from the President:
"With the announced dissolution of the Federation Internationale de Sports d'Obstacle (FISO) due to its scheduled merger with the UIPM (Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne), the sport of OCR as we know it, would have disappeared. We salute the inclusion of the Obstacle discipline within Modern Pentathlon - because it will also increase exposure to the sport of OCR on a global stage - but, we remain steadfast in our belief that OCR has its own story to write. Sometimes, progress requires us to take a step back in order to move forward."

Raul Fodor, former Chair of the Strategic Development Committee, European Obstacle Sports Federation, and acting President of the newly founded World OCR.

Closing statement
As World OCR paves the way for Sport's independent future, athletes, organizations, and fans can look forward to exciting advancements and opportunities within the sport.

Headquarters:
Rue Centrale, Nr. 29, Lausanne, Canton de Vaud, Switzerland

Contact information:
Raul Fodor, President
contact [at] wocr.org

World OCR, the newly established International Governing Body for Obstacle Course Running (OCR), is dedicated to advancing the recognition and development of the sport worldwide. Headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, World OCR's primary mission is to get the sport of OCR globally recognized as a athletic discipline.

With a commitment to fostering unity and collaboration among OCR organizations worldwide, World OCR aims to provide support for the growth and legitimacy of OCR on the international stage.

This release was published on openPR.