On February 25, 2025, the first meeting of the year of the World Skate Executive Board was held, bringing together the leadership of the international governing body for all sports performed on skating wheels. The conference call addressed numerous strategic topics crucial for the development and promotion of the 12 sports under the federation's umbrella.
New Appointments and Confirmations
The meeting opened with the World Skate's introduction of several new chairs to the Executive Board this year, strengthening the leadership team that oversees the strategic direction of sports globally:
- Vice President Asia: Huang Qiang
- Chair Speed: Marco Cardoso
- Chair Skateboarding: Leticia Bufoni
- Chair Downhill: Jana Hermle Borsig
- Chair Scootering: Shelby Grimnes
These new appointments join existing Executive Board members, including President Sabatino Aracu and First Vice President and Commissioner for Oceania Karen Doyle. Notably, World Skate has demonstrated its commitment to bringing more women into crucial decision-making roles within the federation, with key positions now held by Karen Doyle, Leticia Bufoni, Jana Hermle Borsig, Shelby Grimnes and Ellen French already chair for Roller Derby.
Following this, the Board ratified the appointments of the Secretary General, Roberto Marotta and Vice Secretary General, Doris Gentile.
This diverse leadership team, along with the technical commissions, plays a vital role in advancing World Skate's mission to champion the global growth, development, and inclusivity of all sports governed under the World Skate umbrella.
The meeting also marked an important step for the development of wheel sports in Oceania with the ratification of Karen Doyle's appointment as Commissioner for the region, confirming World Skate's commitment to global expansion.
Technical Commissions and Regulations
A central point on the agenda was the ratification of World Skate Technical Commissions, fundamental bodies responsible for ensuring technical excellence and development across each discipline.
The Executive Board approved numerous regulatory updates, with amendments to regulations for:
3. World Skate Marathon Tour (amendments)
4. Track Series World Final (new)
7. Scootering
World Skate Games: from the successful impact of Italia 2024, to the proposal of Paraguay 2026
A major development from the meeting was the presentation of Paraguay's candidacy to host the World Skate Games 2026. The written candidacy by Paraguay was preceded by the official visit of Paraguay's Head of State Santiago Peña, who led the delegation composed of Paraguayan Olympic Committee President and IOC member Camilo Pérez López Moreira, and Sports Minister César Ramírez and to World Skate’s President in Lausanne, underlining the strong support provided by the Republic of Paraguay to such project. The Executive Board unanimously accepted the candidacy of Paraguay.
Following this decision, the President took the opportunity to share the impressive outcomes of the recently concluded World Skate Games 2024.
An official report revealed the remarkable success of the last World Skate Games, generating an economic impact of €439 million for the host country against an investment of just €15 million in Italy. The event attracted 10,800 athletes and teams from 90 countries worldwide and generated 35 million impressions across various platforms. These impressive numbers underscore the growing global appeal of sports on wheels and the significant return on investment that host nations can expect from World Skate events.
Financial sustainability remains a priority, as demonstrated by the approval of World Skate's 2025 annual budget during the meeting.
Health and Safety
The Board also reviewed the World Skate Medical Report 2024, underscoring the federation's ongoing commitment to athlete health and safety across all disciplines.