International Mixed Martial Arts Federation Founded
Democratic, non-profit federation created to further the global development and recognition of the sport of MMA
Today we announce that on the 29th of February, 2012, the sport of mixed martial arts (MMA) took a great step forward in global development as the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation (IMMAF) was founded. This governing body’s mandate will be to bring international structure, development and support to one of the world’s fastest growing sports.
The IMMAF is registered as a non-profit organization under Swedish law. It will provide a stable, professional and democratic community for all national federations and offer support to countries committed to forming new federations where none currently exist. Through the creation of these national governing bodies, the IMMAF aims to foster international amateur competition and education, which is an integral part of the continued growth of MMA. Among its initial priorities the IMMAF will seek to grow membership to 25 member countries by the end of 2012.
Selected to lead the organization is former MMA athlete, now trainer and business owner August Wallén. In his previous role as President of the Swedish Mixed Martial Arts Federation Mr. Wallén was the driving force in the successful push to establish MMA as a sanctioned sport in Sweden and was officially appointed the first President of the IMMAF.
“This is a very proud day for us,” said Wallén. “The IMMAF is committed to be at the forefront of developing MMA as an international sport, from the grassroots level to the elite level, supporting the development of regulations and best practices on health, safety, youth involvement and more.”
“Our vision is for MMA to be recognized as a sport through the full membership of IMMAF in SportAccord and for it to ultimately become an Olympic sport,” he continued. “I know many of us dedicated to MMA dream of the day that the sport has worldwide recognition and this is a first step towards making that happen.”
As an autonomous, non-profit organization the IMMAF will be funded solely on donations and initially there will be no fees for member federations. The federation will seek to work with current leaders in the world of MMA to hasten its growth and awareness, and rise among the ranks of prominent athletic governing bodies.
For further information please visit the IMMAF webpage.
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Contact information
Erika Mattsson, Director of Communications
Email: press@immaf.org
Phone: +46 736 33 50 60
www.immaf.org