UIM earns IOC recognition ahead of Malta general assembly

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has just approved its Executive Board's decision to give the Union Internationale Motonautique (UIM) "full recognition".

The news, emanating from the Winter Games in Vancouver, was greeted with delight by UIM president Raffaelle Chiulli.

"The UIM is extremely proud and honoured of the recognition given by the IOC to our sport," he said.

"This is a significant acknowledgement and appreciation and will strengthen the UIM position as an active and loyal member of the Olympic family."

The Malta Powerboat Federation has already congratulated the UIM and Chiulli for his efforts to pursue this defining moment which will eventually open opportunities for more sporting recognition to all UIM members.

This year, more than 250 UIM delegates from 50 countries will attend the UIM general assembly in Malta on October 10-17.

To be recognised by the IOC, an international sports federation must comply with a stringent set of criteria. These criteria comprise universality, popularity, governance, athlete welfare and development.

Before an international federation can be considered by the IOC, the sport it governs must be practised and organised in more than 50 countries worldwide.

Furthermore, the federation must have an anti-doping policy which is compliant with the World Anti-doping Agency, stage regular world and continental championships, be committed to youth development and have robust and independent governance structures.