Facts and figures

Bridge

Bridge is a contract game where teams try to outwit each other based on information collected during the bidding stage. The World Bridge Federation (WBF) was formed in August 1958 by delegates from Europe, USA and South America. The WBF is recognised by the IOC as International Sports Federation in 1999. In 2000 the WBF became full member of the GAISF. The WBF has shown strong and steady growth and its membership now comprises 125 National Bridge Organisations (NBOs) with approximately 1,000,000 affiliated members who participate actively in competitive bridge events (locally, nationally and internationally). Bsed on many positive aspects of bridge the WBF promotes it as sport for young and old.

Chess

Founded in Paris on 20 July 1924, the World Chess Federation (Federation Internationale des Echecs - FIDE) is the supreme body responsible for the organisation of the game globally. There are 158 national federations in membership covering all continents. The FIDE was recognized by the IOC in June 1999 as an International Sports Federation. In 2005 the FIDE became full member of the GAISF. Apart from the organisation of World Championships, FIDE has an active programme for assistance to chess developing countries. Emphasis is also given to the benefit of chess as part of the education system.

Draughts

The FMJD, World draughts federation, was founded in 1947 by four federations, France, the Netherlands,Belgium and Switzerland. Its main purpose was to regulate the competition on the world championship.From this early start, the FMJD grew to close to fifty participating national federations it has at present, more than 25% of which are countries in Africa. Recently the FMJD has become a member of the GAISF. The FMJD membership is part of a more general movement towards integration of mind sports in the regular sports arenas, a development that in the vision of the FMJD is to be lauded.

Go

For 4000 years the sport of Go has fascinated tens of millions of people. Rooted in the culture and history of Korea, China and Japan, and recognised as a powerful educational tool, Go is now conquering the world. The International Go Federation (IGF), founded in 1981, unites the ever increasing number of Go fans in the 68 member countries. At the GAISF General Assemblee in Seoul the IGF applies for full membership.

International Mind Sports Association (IMSA)

• Uniting four federations of the traditional mind sports: Chess, Bridge, Draughts and Go
• With over 400 National Associations and close to 100 million players
• Founded under auspices of the General Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF)
• In cooperation with International Olympic Committee and other global organizations