STATE COLLEGE, PA – As the world’s premier sporting showcase, the Olympics celebrate athleticism, skill and global unity. USAngling, America’s official governing body of sportfishing, and the world sportfishing Confederation Internationale de Peche Sportive (CIPS) are championing a cause that blends tradition with sport: the inclusion of fishing in the Olympic Games. With its rich history, growing global participation and alignment with the Olympic spirit, fishing is a sport deserving of a place on the Olympic stage.
Fishing is one of humanity’s oldest activities, dating back thousands of years. From the ancient Egyptians and Greeks to modern cultures worldwide, fishing has been a fundamental part of life and culture. It’s not just a pastime, but a practice that embodies patience, skill and a profound connection to nature.
Fishing is a universal sport with millions of enthusiasts across every continent. CIPS estimates that over 300 million people engage in fishing activities globally and over 50 million anglers from 78 nations fish competitively. This widespread participation highlights the sport’s accessibility and appeal. By adding fishing to the Olympics, the Games would validate this passion of people around the world and foster inclusivity to outdoor enthusiasts.
How does the sport make it to the Olympic stage? The process involves several key players:
> USAngling – Represents the national governing body for competitive angling in the United States. It's directly involved in national fishing activities and contributes to international fishing organizations.
> Confederation Internationale de Peche Sportive (CIPS) – An international federation that oversees and promotes sport fishing worldwide. It acts as an umbrella organization connecting national fishing bodies like USAngling.
> SportAccord – A global sports federation that brings together various international sports federations, including those for niche sports. It's a platform for sports organizations to collaborate and share resources.
> AIMS (Association of IOC Recognized International Sports Federations) – Represents international sports federations that are seeking recognition by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). AIMS supports the development and recognition of sports worldwide.
> ARISF (Association of Recognized International Sports Federations) – Similar to AIMS, ARISF supports and represents international sports federations that are recognized by the IOC. It advocates for and supports the inclusion of various sports in the Olympic movement.
Through CIPS, fishing has been accepted by SportAccord and AIMS. The next step is Olympic recognition through ARISF. The application has been submitted to ARISF. One step away from Olympic recognition! Once recognized by the IOC, then fishing is eligible for the Summer and Winter Games.
Whether you are an angler, industry stakeholder, tournament organization, writer or social media influencer, you can do your part by supporting USAngling, a 501c3 charitable organization. A concentrated and determined effort by all parties will make this possible. America’s top anglers are competing on the global stage and winning world championships, including three consecutive world titles by our Bass Fishing team, several world titles for our USA Fly Fishing Youth Team and a recent Pan Am gold medal by our USA Kayak Fishing Saltwater Team.
Inclusion in the Olympics would provide a global platform for fishing, inspiring new generations to engage with the sport and appreciate its values. It would also create opportunities for cultural exchange and dialogue, uniting people from diverse backgrounds through a shared passion. The Olympic stage would elevate fishing from a personal or regional activity to a celebrated global sport.
For complete details and information on how to support, sponsor or volunteer for USAngling, its tournaments and teams, visit usangling.org.
