UIPM / World Obstacle joint statement

12 January 2026

Ever since the UIPM Obstacle Task Force (OTF) released its most recent statement on 25 October 2025, integration talks have taken place on a regular basis between representatives of UIPM and FISO (World Obstacle).

Both Federations remain fully committed to the proposed integration of FISO within UIPM, following the approval in principle provided by FISO’s member federations at the 2025 World Obstacle Congress in Sweden. Subsequent meetings have reinforced the two organisations’ shared commitment to concluding this integration for the mutual benefit of all member federations and their communities.

All National Federations of UIPM and FISO received a written update on the integration process today. On March 15, the Obstacle NFs will gather in Nice, France, for the 12th FISO and World Obstacle General Assembly, where they will vote on the dissolution of FISO. The General Assembly will be preceded by a meeting of the OTF, also in Nice, on March 14.

For any questions or to share feedback, please contact your regional representative within the OTF:

Africa

• Frans van Nieckert (RSA) – President of integrated South Africa Modern Pentathlon Association; business owner and former pentathlete

Americas

• Bob Clark (USA) – CEO of UNAA, a driving force in Ninja sport worldwide
• Ian Adamson (USA/AUS) – President of World Obstacle, USA Pentathlon executive board member, 3x Games medallist and former professional multisport athlete, BS Engineering, MS Sports Medicine, legal forensic expert
• Jen Miller (USA) – Co-Chair of the Ninja Standing Committee and Ninja Chair of Officials Committee at World Obstacle, Development Chair & Board Member of USA Ninja Association, Co-Owner of Federation of International Ninja Athletics
• Rodolfo Villalobos (CRC) – President of OCR Costa Rica; organiser of UIPM World Obstacle 2024 OCR World Championships

Asia

• Al Agra (PHI) – President of Obstacle Sports Federation Asia Pacific and Pilipinas Obstacle Sports Federation; law professor 
• Cassandra Choh (SGP) – President of Singapore Modern Pentathlon Association; Vice President of Asian Modern Pentathlon Confederation; fitness business owner

Europe

• James Burton (GBR) – British Obstacle Sports President, Pentathlon GB Board Member, and active OCR athlete
• Marco Tomasini (MLT) – CEO of International Dart Federation; Secretary General of Malta Modern Pentathlon Association; President of Malta Sport For All; insurance and governance specialist
• Nayibe Statia (NED) – OCR Chair of World Obstacle Officials Committee; neuroscientist and psychologist
• Stefano Zappa (ITA) – President of the European Obstacle Sports Federation, Chair of the World Obstacle OCR Standing Committee

Oceania

• Andrew Collings (NZL) – President of the Oceania Modern Pentathlon Confederation and Secretary General of Modern Pentathlon New Zealand; Para sport expert; international social impact consultant

 12 January 2026

The Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne (UIPM), in full collaboration with the Federation Internationale de Sports d’Obstacles (FISO), has reaffirmed its commitment to recognising and respecting the identity of obstacle sports as independent sports within the UIPM family. 

UIPM fully acknowledges that obstacle sports, including OCR and ninja-style disciplines, are established sports in their own right, each with distinct cultures, communities, competition formats and development pathways. As with Laser Run, Biathle and Triathle, UIPM views obstacle sports as standalone sports that can exist and grow independently while sitting within a wider multisport framework, each playing its role in creating pathways to the Olympic sport of Pentathlon at the top of the UIPM pyramid. 

UIPM’s engagement with obstacle sports is driven by a strong belief in their global growth, accessibility and appeal. Collaboration is intended to support opportunity and long-term development, while respecting the unique characteristics that define each obstacle sport community. 

UIPM acknowledges that obstacle sports extend beyond the Pentathlon Obstacle discipline, encompassing a wide range of disciplines, formats and categories. Integration will prioritise understanding and preserving these identities, ensuring obstacle sports continue to develop in their own right alongside other UIPM sports. 

We look forward to building a positive and respectful relationship with the global obstacle sports communities. The passion, creativity and commitment of athletes, organisers, volunteers, followers and officials are what make obstacle sports special, and UIPM is excited to work alongside these communities to support participation, innovation and long-term growth. Together, UIPM and the obstacle sports communities share an ambition to see obstacle sports continue to thrive, reach new audiences and take their place confidently within the wider international sporting landscape. 

Statement pdf can be dowloaded below

FISO Congress Vote for Integration

On 12 September 2025, the 11th FISO Congress and general assembly voted 37 to 3 (2 abstentions) to approve the proposed integration model.

The Vote Text states, in part:

The World Obstacle Congress recognises the importance of a transparent and collaborative integration process between UIPM and World Obstacle. As part of this effort, World Obstacle proposes the establishment of standing committees within UIPM to represent and manage the various sports under its governance, ensuring that each sport retains its autonomy while working within the UIPM structure. 

The World Obstacle Congress therefore proposes to vote on the phased approach to establish this standing committee structure, alongside Executive Board and independent sport representation, as the foundational step in the integration process. This vote will not confirm the full integration of World Obstacle into UIPM, but rather, if UIPM moves towards this model, it will represent a significant step toward integration. National Federations will support integration if an agreed structure is implemented alongside other requirements, with a final vote on dissolution to be taken by World Obstacle once these conditions are met. 

Full Integration Vote Text pdf can be downloaded below.