Strategic Plan of the the International Go Federation

In line with the GAISF mission, the IGF has made cooperation between Mind Sports and with GAISF the top priority in our mid-term plan.

From the moment the IGF was accepted as member of the GAISF, we have actively participated in the establishment of the International Mind Sport Association (initially known as the World Mind Sports Federation or Confederation). The IGF is proud that the declaration on founding the IMSA was signed at the SportAccord in Berlin on 19th April 2005 by:

• The World Bridge Federation (Mr. Damiani),
• The Federation Internationale des Echecs (Mr. Makropoulos),
• The Federation Mondiale de Jeux de Dames (Mr. van Beek),
• The International Go Federation (Mr. Puyt),
• The General Association of International Mind Sport Federations (Mrs Dominguez and Mr. Verbruggen).

The cooperation within IMSA focuses on exchanging experiences and join forces to reach our two main targets:

• Realising the World Mind Sports Games
  The IGF actively contributes by finding partners in East Asia that have an interest in this project. As a result, one of the largest media companies in Japan has expressed a serious interest in this project. The realisation of these games will be the central target in our communication strategy.
• Recognition of Mind Sports on a National level
  The IGF has developed a strategy for our members to use the momentum on the global scene within each country. Our members are encouraged to contact the NOC and Sport Authorities and to seek cooperation with the Mind Sports Associations. Letters that have been prepared by the IGF to support this strategy are available on request.

The cooperation within the IMSA is instrumental in realising long-term goals of the IGF:

• Promoting the sport of Go around the world
• Increasing the number of members of the IGF
• Strengthening the organisation and administration of the IGF and our members, e.g. by distributing promotion and teaching materials
• Increasing the playing level by sending coaches to instruct players and developing the Internet as an opportunity to play and promote Go worldwide.

The IGF helps promote Go in countries where it has not been played before, or not been played on an organised level.
Here we see Shigeno Yuki, IGF Secretary General and professional player, surrounded by a crowd of eager participants during a lesson on a teaching tour, a few years ago.
Several countries have had promotional visits but have yet to join the IGF.

Last updated 2007-06-21