Declaration to European countries on participation in the World Fire and Rescue Championships «Riyadh-2025»

Dear colleagues, friends, firefighting athletes in the European Union.

I am writing to you with an explanation of the situation surrounding the relationship between some European firefighters and sports organizations and their former representatives in the International Sport Federation of Firefighters and Rescuers.

Taking into account the geopolitical situation related to the events in Ukraine, some European politicians who are involved in fire and rescue sport are trying to impose their political opinion on the International Sport Federation of Firefighters and Rescuers (hereinafter – ISFFR).

However, such statements contradict the spirit of the Olympic movement, which is designed to unite rather than divide, especially when it comes to athletes and the equal rights of participants in the world Championships and other international competitions in fire and rescue sport held under the auspices of the ISFFR.

More than a hundred years ago, the French sports personality Pierre de Coubertin first uttered his great phrase: "Sport is beyond politics." For many years, the ISFFR adheres to this principle and considers it unacceptable to use fire and rescue sport as an instrument of political pressure.

ISFFR is out of politics today! We unite countries by holding world championships among men, women, boys and juniors, girls and juniors. One example is the grandiose XIX World Championship among men and the X World Championship among women in fire and rescue sport, which took place from 5 to 11 September 2024 in Harbin, People's Republic of China.

Look at the results of the World Championships – they are magnificent!

Five world records were set at the World Championships in the People's Republic of China in Harbin. This indicates the development of fire and rescue sport on a global scale.

We are very sorry that the teams of some European Union countries did not participate in these World Championships, especially the Czech Republic team – a traditional participant in the World Championships – one of the leaders of the world championship in fire and rescue sport.

One example is Klvana Daniel, who forever entered the history of world record holders, like other athletes from the Czech Republic.

Being a common denominator and an object of universal worship, sport is designed to build bridges between nations, despite their cultural differences or political differences.

Dear colleagues, we ask you, when making further decisions on the non-participation of a number of European countries and athletes in the activities and events of the ISFFR, to be guided primarily by the interests of athletes for whom international sporting events are the main sporting event in their lives.

We invite all European countries to participate in the XX Anniversary World Championship among men and the XI World Championship among women in fire and rescue sport, which will be held in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Riyadh from October 26 to November 1, 2025.

I appeal to all athletes from European countries, we are waiting for you in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh!

With respect,
Director A.P. Kalinin