On 26 October 2026, the TAFISA Knowledge Exchange Commission (KEC) met online for its first meeting under the new mandate. Chaired by Prof. Aurélie Van Hoye, the meeting brought together researchers and practitioners from across the globe, and TAFISA was happy to welcome seven new members to the Commission, which now counts 24 members.
The new members are David Blough (Res Sportiva, France), Robert "Nob" Rauch (World Flying Disc Federation, Germany), Dr. Karen Petry (German Sport University Cologne, Germany), Prof. David Legg (Mount Royal University, Canada), Hariom Agarwal (Pro Sport Development, India), Maxime Leblanc (French Ministry of Sports, France) and Natalicio Serrano (International Society for Physical Activity and Health, USA).
In his welcome words, TAFISA President Janez Sodržnik underlined the central role of the Knowledge Exchange Commission for TAFISA and the wider movement. "I strongly believe that knowledge is essential for the future of TAFISA and the global Sport for All movement. The KEC helps us build a research-driven culture across our members and the wider Sport for All community," he said.
He stressed that, with its unique network, TAFISA has a key role to play in building bridges between sport, governments, academia and civil society. "The KEC is exactly this bridge between research and practice," he added. "This works in both directions: bringing research to the people who make Sport for All happen in their communities and bringing their experience back to inform research."
Members looked back at the successful TAFISA World Congress 2026 in Prague, where the KEC was involved for the first time, and looked ahead to the 30th TAFISA World Congress in Gaborone, Botswana, from 18 to 20 October 2027, sharing ideas on how to make it even more attractive for researchers. Prof. Tshepang Tshube (University of Kentucky) then presented his research on youth sport policy and programmes in sub-Saharan Africa, which sparked a lively discussion.
The meeting was a fruitful exchange and a good kickoff for the KEC subgroups, which will now come to life, including a new subgroup on the social return on investment of Sport for All. Their work will be supported by KESCAB, TAFISA's new online hub for sharing resources and collaboration (sportforallhub.com).
TAFISA thanks all KEC members for their commitment and looks forward to the next meeting in March 2027.
