I’ve just been contacted by KT Coates, someone I’ve known for a good few years now in the pole world, who’s also the founder of Vertical Dance.
She’s passionate about increasing the popularity of pole for both men and women, and has been working hard to get pole recognised as an Olympic Sport too. Personally, although I think we’re still a good few years away from that yet, with the way the strength and technique of performers in the pole world has increased exponentially over the last few years, and the number of people now joining in the activity from a wide variety of backgrounds (particularly those with professional gymnastic styles), it’s certainly one of the routes things could take pretty soon. What the IPSF are trying to do with improving the consistency of judging should also make a big difference.
It certainly looks as though the IPSF could certainly help in those directions, so she’s asked me to republish the following media realise here on PoleMen, as they’re really keen to get more male pole performers involved. If you are interested, just following the links below:
International Pole Sports Federation
About us
The International Pole Sports Federation was created specifically to work towards gaining entry to the Olympic Games. After a great deal of interest generated by the online petition and Facebook www.polesports.org was created using the Olympic Charter as a foundation for the federation. It is dedicated to uniting pole sport athletes of the world and their countries, creating a new technically advanced from of athletic sport using a vertical apparatus, making it accessible to all ages, races and genders.The Federation is non-profit organisation dedicated to developing education, judging criteria and standards in Pole Sports. The IPSF is a collection of national federations working together to agree on how the federation should be run and is not any one person, giving everyone the opportunity to have their say on how things should progress.
Why the Olympics?
Over the years pole dancing has moved in many different directions with different genres of pole- fitness, gymnastic, dance, erotic and empowering – which has seen original and inspiring styles for all of those who participate, giving participants the choice to select styles they prefer. The IPSF celebrates and respects all forms of pole, but feels that taking pole to another level of acceptance would be best suited with the tried and tested methods of IOC. We feel that an organisation with strict guidelines and a formal committee would be better recognised as a serious contender for the world’s greatest sporting event and we believe that Pole Sports has a place amongst the gymnastic events of the Olympic Games.We feel that by taking Pole Sports to the Olympics we are helping to spread the physical and mental benefits of this wonderful form of gymnastics, creating a new breed of athletes and helping to keep pole sports alive for generations to come.
What better competition to be part of!
How we will do this
We have created a formal constitution, bylaws and a world congress by the people of Pole Sports for the people of Poles Sport. A dedicated committee of volunteers will vote on policies such as names of moves, judging criteria, safety, medical, accreditations and much more.We will then create national and international competitions for men, women, single, tandem and team events. All events will have strict criteria and judges will be trained so that there is continuity in judging
We currently have a President, Tim Trautman (USA), and Executive Vice-President, KT Coates (UK) but we need you!
We are now looking for the following from any country:
- Secretary General
- Eight Committee Chairs and three committee members for each committee – Technical, safety, accreditation, medical, ethics, marketing, athletics
- Six Regional Vice-President Chairs
- Treasurer
- Two elite athletes – Champions that represent the athletic experience.
Those who can offer even the minimal amount of support but not commit to a position are also welcome. If you wish to have your say you need to be part of the organisation. Help us create a new athletic sport and be part of pole sports history!
Please visit www.polesports.org and apply for a position today.
