Second-year in a row for a virtual Congress
The World Flying Disc Federation (WFDF) will hold its 2021 Annual Congress via a virtual format for the second year in a row, due to the ongoing impact of the coronavirus pandemic. WFDF President Robert “Nob” Rauch confirmed the decision in the official invitation for the Congress that will be held on 21 August 2021. Delegates of WFDF’s member Federations had provided positive feedback on the format used in 2020 and so the same electronic features will be applied this year.
“WFDF has decided to hold the Congress this year for a second time in a virtual format, continuing our actions to mitigate health and safety issues. This virtual format will allow all members of WFDF to be present and participate in the meeting without undue risks,” commented WFDF President Robert “Nob” Rauch.
“We know after the 2020 experience that our member Federations supported Congress to be held virtually again given that the virus is regaining strength in many countries with a fourth wave due to the Delta variant. We had debuted online attendance as an alternative means of participation at our 2019 Congress in Alataguse (EST) and therefore have had ample experience to ensure the arrangements are efficient and effective. While the virtual format has been satisfactory, our expectation is to resume in-person Congress meetings as of next year.”
“This decision is also consistent with our decision to cancel all international championships sanctioned by WFDF for the second year in a row,” Rauch continued. “We are hopeful that the ongoing global vaccination programs will reach an ever-broader population, including into the developing nations around the world, and that we will be able to resume a very active competition schedule in 2022, beginning with our WFDF World Championships of Beach Ultimate in California in April.”
In addition to the usual administrative business, this year’s Congress will feature important discussions on revisions to the Bylaws to modify the structure of Membership in WFDF and to rename important Commissions such as the Athletes’ Entourage Commission. Congress will also discuss the path to return to normal play and our further approach to events in 2022 and onwards, including Multisport Games involvement in The World Games 2022 in Birmingham, AL, USA (IWGA) and the World Masters Games in Kansai 2021 (IMGA).