Aligned with this year’s theme set by the United Nations — “Sport: Building Bridges, Breaking Barriers” — the ISSF is supporting Member Federations around the world through its Development Fund, with a particular focus on strengthening structures and opportunities in Africa.
Supporting growth and opportunity in Africa
Through targeted financial support, the ISSF Development Fund is helping federations across Africa to build sustainable foundations for shooting sport.
This support enables:
• The creation and upgrading of shooting ranges, allowing athletes to train in safe and regulated environments
• Access to modern equipment, essential for both grassroots and high-performance development
• The organisation of national competitions and training programmes, strengthening local sporting ecosystems
• The development of technical officials and coaches, ensuring long-term sustainability
For many federations, these resources represent a transformational step forward, allowing them to move from limited activity to structured, consistent programmes.
Building bridges through sport
Beyond infrastructure and performance, these initiatives contribute to a broader mission: using sport to bring people together and foster mutual understanding.
In regions where opportunities can be limited, shooting sport offers a platform for youth engagement, promoting discipline, focus and respect; a neutral space for cooperation, where athletes from different backgrounds come together under shared rules and values; and a pathway to international participation, connecting local communities with the global sporting movement
By strengthening federations and expanding access, the ISSF is helping to break down barriers and create bridges between communities, in line with the vision of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
The positive effects of these initiatives extend far beyond sport itself. Stronger national federations contribute to social inclusion, by creating opportunities for participation regardless of background; education and personal development, particularly among young athletes; and peacebuilding, by promoting dialogue, respect and shared experiences through sport.
As Africa prepares to host the Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026, these efforts take on even greater significance. Shooting sport will be represented in Dakar through the Engagement Programme, further highlighting its role in connecting and inspiring young people worldwide.
Through its continued investment in Member Federations, the ISSF is not only developing shooting sport, but also contributing to a more inclusive, connected and peaceful world.
As part of the Olympic Movement, the ISSF proudly supports this global message under the hashtag #SportForABetterWorld.
Supporting growth and opportunity in Africa
Through targeted financial support, the ISSF Development Fund is helping federations across Africa to build sustainable foundations for shooting sport.
This support enables:
• The creation and upgrading of shooting ranges, allowing athletes to train in safe and regulated environments
• Access to modern equipment, essential for both grassroots and high-performance development
• The organisation of national competitions and training programmes, strengthening local sporting ecosystems
• The development of technical officials and coaches, ensuring long-term sustainability
For many federations, these resources represent a transformational step forward, allowing them to move from limited activity to structured, consistent programmes.
Building bridges through sport
Beyond infrastructure and performance, these initiatives contribute to a broader mission: using sport to bring people together and foster mutual understanding.
In regions where opportunities can be limited, shooting sport offers a platform for youth engagement, promoting discipline, focus and respect; a neutral space for cooperation, where athletes from different backgrounds come together under shared rules and values; and a pathway to international participation, connecting local communities with the global sporting movement
By strengthening federations and expanding access, the ISSF is helping to break down barriers and create bridges between communities, in line with the vision of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
The positive effects of these initiatives extend far beyond sport itself. Stronger national federations contribute to social inclusion, by creating opportunities for participation regardless of background; education and personal development, particularly among young athletes; and peacebuilding, by promoting dialogue, respect and shared experiences through sport.
As Africa prepares to host the Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026, these efforts take on even greater significance. Shooting sport will be represented in Dakar through the Engagement Programme, further highlighting its role in connecting and inspiring young people worldwide.
Through its continued investment in Member Federations, the ISSF is not only developing shooting sport, but also contributing to a more inclusive, connected and peaceful world.
As part of the Olympic Movement, the ISSF proudly supports this global message under the hashtag #SportForABetterWorld.