Leading officials from the Fédération Internationale de Roller Sports (FIRS) are confident over roller speed skating’s inclusion in the 2016 Olympics following their fact-finding mission to the Beijing Games. Roller speed skating, a candidate as a new discipline from 2016 along with six other sports, is currently present at events like The World Games, the Pan-American Games, the Asian Games and the Mediterranean Games. “Roller sports will bring a young new wave to the Olympic Games,” said FIRS President Sabatino Aracu. “Roller speed skating is a young sport practised by men and women in the five continents. It is an athletic sport with right results fixed by timekeeping and a photo finish.”

During the Games, FIRS Secretary General Roberto Marotta and President Aracu met several International Olympic Committee (IOC) members to detail their proposal of a programme of participation with 80 athletes from across the world competing for eight medals over two days. The Secretary General and the President also met representatives from the IOC Sports Department to receive more information about the steps that will lead to the selection of the new disciplines for the 2016 Olympic Programme in Copenhagen next year.

Marotta said: “Having the opportunity to attend the World Roller Speed Skating Championships in Gijon (Spain) scheduled for next September 4-12, IOC members and observers will be fascinated by our sport’s excitement, athletic performance and fair play. Our athletes will give their best, respecting the adversary and observing the ethical principles of fair play and observing the WADA Code, fascinating spectators with the speed and skills of our discipline.”