Espen Lund, World Association of Kicking Organizations vice-president, with International Committee Fair Play Committee President Jenö Kamuti helped launch the new awards ©WAKO

A new fair play award has been launched by the World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO), it has been announced.

The prize will consist of two plaques, one for organisations promoting the values defined in the policy and one award yearly to an individual that have made extraordinary contribution within the fair play rules defined.

Special plaquets will be produced for the occasion and the International Committee Fair Play Committee (CIFP) President Jenö Kamuti will be invited to the yearly award session.

Since its foundation by UNESCO and a number of international sports governing bodies in Paris in 1963 the goal of the CIFP is the worldwide defence and promotion of fair play.

The CIPF is recognised by the International Olympic Committee. 

"WAKO want to focus on bringing on the surface all the good things happening all around the world and how our sport contribute in the society," Borislav Pelevic, President of the WAKO, said.

"We want to create enthusiasm, pride and to use such opportunities to inspire each other and others. 

"It is all about learn and share and to support each other, always reminding each other of fair play in everything we do, athletes as well as the total entourage. 

"The educational aspect is as well important and will strengthen our work within the field of integrity as one of many activities."

Kickboxing is due to be part of the World Games in Wroclaw in 2017 ©WAKO
Kickboxing is due to be part of the World Games in Wroclaw in 2017 ©WAKO

The WAKO was founded in 1977 and is the governing body of kickboxing in the world. 

The governing body, which is recognised by SportAccord, have over 120 affiliated countries representing all five continents.

WAKO is due participate in World Games in Wroclaw 2017 as an invitational sport.

"It is with pride we launch such activity within WAKO and we will also exploit this momentum to start educational activities," said Espen Lund, vice-president and chairman of integrity and fair play at WAKO. 

"During our next cadets and junior World Championship in Dublin in 27 August-3 September, including over 2.000 cadets and youth where we plan various activities for athletes as well as for the entourage present. 

"In addition to this we have launched an integrity e-learning module for which will strengthen this field and the way we work. 

"The focus from our side are strong."