Obstacle Australia and Modern Pentathlon Australia work towards merger

Modern Pentathlon Australia (MPA) has advised of the recent signing of a memorandum of understanding with and Obstacle Australia - the body representing mass participation, adventure and ninja events and races - with a view to merging as a single national sporting body.

Obstacle Australia partners with event producers and other organisations to assist in the promotion and development of events in the fast growing obstacle sport sector

The MoU follows the international governing body for modern pentathlon, UIPM, and the international governing body for obstacle sports, FISO, entered into an MOU outlining the key terms under which FISO could be integrated into UIPM as of last August.

Noting this, MPA advised "since then, we have been advised that only one national federation will be recognised in each country for both UIPM sports and obstacle sports after integration at the international level occurs.

"In countries like Australia, where separate national federations already exist, UIPM and FISO recommended that the federations determine the optimal structure going forward, with integration of one federation into the other being one option.

In a statement, MPA advised that the MoU documents "our shared commitment to work towards integrating obstacle sports and pentathlon sports under a single national sporting body, consistent with the direction being taken at the international level between UIPM and FISO.

"The MOU recognises our common goals of increasing the number of active participants, expanding the range and number of events, and improving governance in our respective sports."

The two Australian organisations have now set up a small, dedicated working group to help us define the optimal structure for an integrated model.

The working group comprises Maki Takken, MPA President; Nicole Nicholls, MPA Vice-President; Kitty Chiller, President, Modern Pentathlon Oceania; Emma Teede, OA President;  Trevor Mullens, OA Vice-President - Adventure Racing; Tania Sewell, OA Secretary and Tamara Cox, OA Treasurer which will be working closely with the Australian Sports Commission, which has supported a number of NSOs through similar integrations in the past.

MPA add "ultimately, integration will be a decision for the members of each organisation. We are looking forward to sharing the working group’s recommendations and obtaining member feedback over the next few months, ahead of putting the matter to a formal vote (targeted for October 2024)."

Image credit: True Grit.