CONGRESS  WELCOMES  NEW  COUNTRIES.

The 2012 TWIF Congress took place at the beautiful seaside resort of Volendam in the Netherlands.  The peaceful surroundings were much enjoyed by all in attendance as was the hospitality of our hosts.

The assembled membership endorsed the tender of Volendam to host the 2016 World Indoor Championships and I’m sure everyone is looking forward to returning to the city on that occasion.

Northern Ireland won the right to put on the 2015 European Outdoor Championships which will be their first time in hosting a major TWIF championship.  It is significant that the 2015 event will be the 50^th anniversary of the first European  Championship which was held at Crystal Palace, London in 1965.

The Congress was pleased to receive applications for membership from no less than seven new countries from a wide spread of areas throughout the world.  Hungary became the latest member from Europe whilst Thailand joined the growing number from Asia.  The Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana and Zimbabwe increased our numbers on the continent of Africa whilst the Dominican Republic and Brazil added to our foot-hold in the Carribean and South American region.

Hungary is due to attend the development  course planned for 19^th and 20^th May in Latvia, Zimbabwe played a full part in the recent Cape Town course and it is hoped that the South American countries will join the training course in Colombia later this year.

 Cathal  Mc Keever.