UIPM President’s Activities: June 2024

07.06. – 16.06.2024: Zhengzhou, CHN

During the UIPM 2024 Pentathlon and Laser Run World Championships, the UIPM Executive Board held a pivotal meeting where President Dr Schormann and colleagues made crucial decisions for the future.

New milestones were set and hosts for the UIPM 2025 and 2026 Pentathlon World Cup seasons were appointed. Additionally, all World Championships for the U15, U17, U19, Juniors, Senior, and Laser Run categories in 2025 were allocated.

UIPM is excited to welcome South Africa as another African host, organising the UIPM 2025 Pentathlon U17 World Championships. President Dr Schormann looks forward to having South Africa back as a strong partner in the Union’s future endeavours.

Beyond the selection of future hosts, important processes concerning the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games were also discussed. These will be finalized at the 73rd UIPM Congress in Riyadh (KSA) later this year and implemented at the beginning of 2025.

During the opening ceremony of the combined World Championships in Zhengzhou (CHN), President Dr Klaus Schormann delivered a poignant speech highlighting the strong ties between Modern Pentathlon and China. He expressed his delight in returning to China for its first World Championship hosting experience since 2010.

Dr Schormann reflected on the rich history of Modern Pentathlon, shared insights into its promising future, and emphasised present opportunities within the sport. He praised China as a formidable host nation, capable of organising World Cups and World Championships.

He noted their dedication, exemplified by the construction of a dedicated Modern Pentathlon Stadium named after Baron Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of Modern Pentathlon and the modern Olympic Games, in Chengdu in 2010.

This commitment to excellence was once again evident in Zhengzhou, where a flawless World Championship served as the final qualifier for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The UIPM President officially presented the certificate for 'Best Contribution to the Sport 2023' to the Chinese Modern Pentathlon President, Ji Daoming. This prestigious recognition honours his exceptional efforts and achievements in promoting and developing the sport, as demonstrated during the Asian Games. The award highlights the dedication and impact of the Chinese Modern Pentathlon community.

In a ceremony rich in tradition and forward-thinking, President Dr Schormann initiated a symbolic tree-planting event during his stay in China, reinforcing the global importance of sustainability and environmental governance.

Continuing a long-standing tradition, Dr Schormann planted ginkgo trees to honour the Coubertin legacy and to remember the establishment of the Modern Pentathlon in 1911. The ginkgo tree, known for its resilience and longevity, symbolises not only historical continuity but also a commitment to preserving nature for future generations.

This initiative highlights the UIPM’s dedication to fostering sustainable practices within the sporting community and beyond. By planting trees, Dr Schormann emphasises the importance of taking proactive steps today to ensure a healthier and more resilient planet tomorrow.

As President Dr Schormann remarked: "By planting these trees, we honour our heritage and remind ourselves of our responsibility to the environment. It is our collective duty to ensure that future generations inherit a world where nature thrives and sustainability is a guiding principle."

As these trees grow, they will serve as a lasting testament to the UIPM's dedication to safeguarding our planet, demonstrating that the spirit of sportsmanship extends to fostering the natural world.

In a symbolic ceremony, President Dr Schormann presented one of the final historical Modern Pentathlon Oak Tree Awards to China. This award celebrates China’s outstanding role in hosting the combined UIPM 2024 World Championships.

The occasion was particularly significant as it marked the last senior World Championships with horses in the competition, highlighting a pivotal moment in the sport's evolution. The Oak Tree Award stands as a tribute to China's exceptional contribution to Modern Pentathlon and its commitment to advancing the sport on the global stage.

 

18.06. – 19.06.2024: Monaco, MON

UIPM President Dr Klaus Schormann had the distinct honour of being invited by HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco, the UIPM Honorary President, to participate in the prestigious torch relay in Monaco together with IOC Member Anant Singh and UIPM Vice President and World Olympians President Joel Bouzou OLY.

His Serene Highness, along with his wife Charlene, carried the Olympic torch through Monaco, embodying the strength and spirit of the Olympic Movement.

Both HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco and Princess Charlene, who are Olympians themselves, showcased the enduring power and spirit of the Games, leading up to the upcoming Olympic Games in Paris. Their participation highlighted the unity and excitement surrounding the global celebration of sports and the Olympic legacy.

 

21.06. – 23.06.2024: Paris, FRA

UIPM President Dr Klaus Schormann was one of many distinguished guests in Paris (FRA) at a series of commemorative events celebrating the legacy of Baron Pierre de Coubertin on Olympic Day, 23 June 2024.

President Dr Schormann was invited by the Coubertin family, along with fellow global sporting leaders such as IOC President Dr Thomas Bach, French Olympic Committee President David Lappartient and fellow IOC Members, and Paris 2024 Olympic Games Organising Committee President Tony Estanguet.

Coubertin created Modern Pentathlon and introduced it to the world during the Olympic Games Stockholm 1912 – to this day it remains the only sport conceived especially for the Olympic Games. UIPM plays an important role in the preservation of the Coubertin legacy, upholding his founding values as guardian of the Pentathlon movement. Alexandra de Navacelle de Coubertin, a family descendant who is President of the Pierre de Coubertin Family Association (AFPC), has sat on the UIPM Pierre de Coubertin Commission since it was created in 1993.

The Baron is also credited with being the driving force behind the modern resurrection of the Olympic movement.

The revival of the Games was announced during the first Olympic Congress in 1894, which took place in the Sorbonne University in Paris (FRA). This is where guests assembled on Sunday to mark the 130th anniversary of this historic moment, and where IOC President Dr Bach paid a lavish tribute to the visionary Coubertin and urged his critics to judge him in the context of his time.

Earlier, the IOC President inaugurated a new exhibition, entitled ‘Coubertin, Genius of Sport’, curated by renowned Coubertin historian George Hirthler, with President Dr Schormann also in attendance.

UIPM President Dr Schormann commented: “I was delighted to accept an invitation from Alexandra de Navacelle de Coubertin and her whole family to represent UIPM at all ceremonies celebrating the vision and legacy of Baron Pierre de Coubertin last weekend.

“The highlight was the 130th anniversary celebration of the 1st Olympic Congress in the Sorbonne, and the special role played by Coubertin in this historic moment.

“We know that Coubertin cared passionately about the heritage of the ancient Pentathlon, which was born in 708 BC in Olympia, and he therefore created the Modern Pentathlon as a multi-sport for the Olympic programme starting in 1912 in Stockholm.

“He is the only IOC President who created a sport for the Olympic Movement. I was delighted in my role as President of our Union to join all ceremonies, which provided opportunities to underline the philosophy of UIPM in taking care of the legacy and heritage of Baron Pierre de Coubertin.”

 

27.06. – 30.06.2024: Alexandria, EGY

During the Junior World Championships in Alexandria, the Executive Board of the African Confederation met for an extraordinary hybrid Congress, including on-site representatives from present National Federations and others who joined online.

Discussions centred around new frameworks for the future of Modern Pentathlon in Africa. While the development of programs for the future and upcoming competitions in Africa were voted on, a consensus on Statutes was reached. Legal parameters must be reviewed before any final decisions can be made before UIPM Congress in November.

The prevailing goal is to advance African participation and see more African federations represented in competitions. The introduction of Obstacle discipline presents a promising avenue, as it makes the sport more accessible, affordable and appealing.

In addition to the Congress, UIPM President Dr Schormann held several meetings with the Dr Abdulaziz Konsoua, President of the Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transport hosting the World Championships.

Their discussions focused on the sport's future and the continued development of the Egyptian Federation. As a distinguished guest, the Egyptian Minister of Youth & Sports, Dr Ashraf Sobhy, attended the Men’s Final. He engaged with Dr Schormann on topics including the future of UIPM, the upcoming elections in November and the forthcoming Olympic Games in Paris.

In addition to the official meetings with the University President and Minister Sobhy, Dr Schormann held several other discussions with National Federations. These meetings provided a valuable opportunity for those who wished to speak with him personally, especially given the typically tight schedule.

Peter Vizkeleti, the newly appointed Secretary General of the Hungarian Modern Pentathlon Association, met with President Dr Schormann, as did Frans van Niekerk, President of the South African Modern Pentathlon Association, which will host a UIPM competition in South Africa next year after a long absence.

Their discussions included Vice President of the African Modern Pentathlon Confederation, Jenny O’Hanlon, reflecting the collaborative spirit and forward-looking agenda for our sport’s development.