The World Karate Federation decided to officially endorse and adopt IOC Athletes’ Declaration as a way to recognise athletes’ rights and responsibilities within the discipline. The decision was taken by the WKF Executive Committee at the meeting held in Santiago (Chile) today. 

The World Karate Federation decided to officially endorse and adopt IOC Athletes’ Declaration as a way to recognise athletes’ rights and responsibilities in the discipline. The decision was taken by the WKF Executive Committee at the meeting held in Santiago (Chile) today. 

Inspired by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and other internationally recognised human rights standards, the IOC Athletes’ Declaration outlines a common set of aspirational rights and responsibilities for athletes in the Olympic Movement.  

The project is headed by the IOC Steering Committee, which s WKF Athletes’ Commission chairman Davide Benetello as a member. The Athletes’ Declaration s 12 rights and 10 responsibilities, exploring topics such as anti-doping, integrity, clean sport, career, communications, governance, discrimination, due process, and harassment and abuse.

The WKF Executive Committee was presented with this initiative by WKF Athletes’ Commission chairman Davide Benetello, who as a member of IOC’s Steering Committee stated the importance of integrating these guidelines in WKF’s procedures. 

“Athletes and their interests are crucial to our progress and our essence as a sport. Over the past years, thanks to the remarkable work led by Davide Benetello and the Athletes’ Commission, the WKF has endeavoured to further support athletes both inside and outside the tatami. Now, with the adoption of the IOC Athletes’ Declaration, the WKF will continue striving to respect athletes’ rights and responsibilities,” said WKF President Antonio Espinós. 

Please click here to read the Athletes’ Declaration and obtain more information about the project.

(Picture: WKF President Antonio Espinós (right) and WKF Athletes’ Commission chairman Davide Benetello at the WKF Executive Committee meeting)