The World Flying Disc Federation (WFDF) is pleased to announce that its President, Robert “Nob” Rauch, has been elected to the Executive Committee of the International World Games Association (IWGA) during its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held on 25 April 2026 at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Switzerland.
The IWGA, founded in 1980, is the sole administrator of The World Games (TWG), an 11-day global multi-sport event held every four years. Recognised and supported by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the IWGA is a not-for-profit, independent international organisation comprising 40 International Sports Federations.
During the AGM, Anna Arzhanova was elected as the new IWGA President for the 2026–2030 term, becoming the fourth President in the Association’s history. She and Rauch are joined on the ExCo by IWGA’s new Vice President Jan Fransoo (NED), Treasurer John Liljelund (FIN), as well as newly elected ExCo members Espen Lund (NOR), José Antonio Pérez Priego (MEX), and Joachim Thumfart (GER), along with Athletes Commission chair Sandra Sanchez.
Speaking in the context of his candidacy, Rauch stated:
“I sought the role because I believe deeply in the promise of The World Games. They are not a copy of the Olympic Games, they are a distinct and essential platform for outstanding sports and disciplines outside the Olympic program, creating value for athletes, international federations, hosts, and fans. They are the pinnacle of competition for Flying Disc sports. My four top priorities are: greater global visibility, an excellent athlete and member IF experience, gold standard governance, and coordination across the sports movement. Through my dual roles on the IWGA ExCo and ARISF board, I hope I can help strengthen communication and alignment between IWGA and the wider family of IOC-recognized federations.”
“I thank all my fellow IWGA members for their trust and support. And I am deeply honored and grateful to follow in the footprints of my friend and colleague, the late Volker Bernardi, and dear friend Fumio Morooka before him, who established the tradition of WFDF supporting and contributing to the oversight of The World Games!”
WFDF acknowledges the 12 years of outstanding service and leadership by outgoing President José “Patxi” Perurena (ESP) and Vice President Tom Dielen (BEL/SWI), and for 30 years of faithful commitment by previous Treasurer Lukas Hinder (SUI). Their contributions have laid a strong foundation for the future of The World Games.
In addition to the elections for a new 4-year term and the normal business, the AGM featured a recap of the successful Chengdu 2025 Games by Mr. Wang of the Chengdu LOC and external consultant, Quantum, and an update by the Karlsruhe 2029 organizers. TWG 2029 disciplines and events will be announced on the 1st of July. WFDF looks forward to continuing its collaboration with the IWGA and participating in the next edition in Karlsruhe, Germany, from 19–29 July 2029, marking the first time a city hosts the event twice since its inception. A proven host with a strong track record, Germany previously organised The World Games in Karlsruhe in 1989 and in Duisburg in 2005.
For more information, contact:
Robert “Nob” Rauch
President
World Flying Disc Federation (WFDF)
email: [email protected]