The online sessions brought together representatives from Member Federations, athletes, coaches, officials and organisers from across all continents, marking the first major open dialogue initiative linked to the proposed integration process.
To accommodate different time zones, three separate sessions were organised throughout the day for Asia/Oceania, Europe/Africa and the Americas.
Explaining the vision and the process
The Town Halls were presented by Adam Sachs, ISSF Executive Committee Member and leader of the ISSF Working Group overseeing the transition process. He was joined by Christian Holtz and Shannon Sneade, representing the IPC, as well as Marvin Thormann, ISSF lawyer and project manager for the proposed integration.
The purpose of the Town Halls is to explain the rationale and vision for the transfer, clarify the impacts and opportunities for Member Federations, outline the next steps and timeframes, and prepare Member Federations for the formal vote scheduled for the ISSF General Assembly in December 2026.
The presentations also addressed practical matters linked to governance, athlete pathways, event organisation, classification systems and the proposed integration roadmap.
To accommodate different time zones, three separate sessions were organised throughout the day for Asia/Oceania, Europe/Africa and the Americas.
Explaining the vision and the process
The Town Halls were presented by Adam Sachs, ISSF Executive Committee Member and leader of the ISSF Working Group overseeing the transition process. He was joined by Christian Holtz and Shannon Sneade, representing the IPC, as well as Marvin Thormann, ISSF lawyer and project manager for the proposed integration.
The purpose of the Town Halls is to explain the rationale and vision for the transfer, clarify the impacts and opportunities for Member Federations, outline the next steps and timeframes, and prepare Member Federations for the formal vote scheduled for the ISSF General Assembly in December 2026.
The presentations also addressed practical matters linked to governance, athlete pathways, event organisation, classification systems and the proposed integration roadmap.
“One Family – Stronger Together”
ISSF President Luciano Rossi and ISSF Secretary General Alessandro Nicotra di San Giacomo attended the sessions and delivered opening remarks to participants.
In their speech, the ISSF leadership highlighted the wider vision behind the proposal and the importance of building a unified future for shooting sport.
“For the ISSF, Shooting Para Sport naturally belongs within the global shooting sport family. We share the same values, the same venues, the same technical culture, the same officials, the same coaches, and above all, the same passion for our sport.”
They also reaffirmed that the identity and specific needs of Para athletes would remain fully respected throughout the process and stressed that the transfer would be gradual and based on cooperation between all stakeholders.
The principle guiding the proposal — “One Family – Stronger Together” — was repeatedly highlighted throughout the presentations.
Focus on stability and opportunities for Member Federations
During the sessions, ISSF representatives explained that the proposed integration aims to create a single international federation structure for Olympic and Paralympic shooting sport, while maintaining stability for athletes and federations.
The presentations outlined several potential benefits for Member Federations, including:
- stronger alignment between Olympic and Paralympic structures;
- streamlined governance and competition systems;
- integrated education and development programmes;
- increased visibility and marketing opportunities;
- and greater opportunities for national funding and institutional support.
At the same time, the ISSF clarified that several aspects would not immediately change, including:
- athlete pathways towards LA28;
- existing competition commitments during the transition period;
- and athlete classification systems directly linked to the transfer.
ISSF also confirmed that Member Federations would not be immediately required to integrate Para sport into their national federation structures.
ISSF President Luciano Rossi and ISSF Secretary General Alessandro Nicotra di San Giacomo attended the sessions and delivered opening remarks to participants.
In their speech, the ISSF leadership highlighted the wider vision behind the proposal and the importance of building a unified future for shooting sport.
“For the ISSF, Shooting Para Sport naturally belongs within the global shooting sport family. We share the same values, the same venues, the same technical culture, the same officials, the same coaches, and above all, the same passion for our sport.”
They also reaffirmed that the identity and specific needs of Para athletes would remain fully respected throughout the process and stressed that the transfer would be gradual and based on cooperation between all stakeholders.
The principle guiding the proposal — “One Family – Stronger Together” — was repeatedly highlighted throughout the presentations.
Focus on stability and opportunities for Member Federations
During the sessions, ISSF representatives explained that the proposed integration aims to create a single international federation structure for Olympic and Paralympic shooting sport, while maintaining stability for athletes and federations.
The presentations outlined several potential benefits for Member Federations, including:
- stronger alignment between Olympic and Paralympic structures;
- streamlined governance and competition systems;
- integrated education and development programmes;
- increased visibility and marketing opportunities;
- and greater opportunities for national funding and institutional support.
At the same time, the ISSF clarified that several aspects would not immediately change, including:
- athlete pathways towards LA28;
- existing competition commitments during the transition period;
- and athlete classification systems directly linked to the transfer.
ISSF also confirmed that Member Federations would not be immediately required to integrate Para sport into their national federation structures.
Consultation process continues through 2026
The Town Hall sessions also included a dedicated questions and answers section, where participants discussed topics such as competition entries, national structures, hosting requirements and future education support for coaches and officials.
The ISSF confirmed that the consultation process will continue throughout 2026 through additional Town Halls, written guidance, updates and in-person engagement opportunities at ISSF and WSPS events.
The final decision regarding the proposed transfer of governance will be taken by ISSF Member Federations during the ISSF General Assembly in December 2026.
The Town Hall sessions also included a dedicated questions and answers section, where participants discussed topics such as competition entries, national structures, hosting requirements and future education support for coaches and officials.
The ISSF confirmed that the consultation process will continue throughout 2026 through additional Town Halls, written guidance, updates and in-person engagement opportunities at ISSF and WSPS events.
The final decision regarding the proposed transfer of governance will be taken by ISSF Member Federations during the ISSF General Assembly in December 2026.