FIL granted provisional recognition from the IOC

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Lacrosse has taken an important step on the path to Olympic inclusion as the Executive Board of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has provided provisional IOC recognition to the Federation of International Lacrosse (FIL).

FIL has been granted provisional IOC recognition for a period of three years, which will allow the Federation to receive funding from the IOC and apply for support for development programmes, while awaiting full recognition granted at an IOC Session.

“The IOC’s Executive Board’s decision to provisionally recognize FIL has created a major milestone for the sport of lacrosse. FIL is truly honored to have received this recognition by the IOC,” said Sue Redfern, President of the Federation of International Lacrosse.

“This decision will assist us and our member nations as we work to create opportunities for participation in the sport of lacrosse around the world.”

England Lacrosse provided 10 players to Team GB at the 2017 World Games, an IOC recognised multi-sport event for disciplines not yet included in the Olympics, as Women’s Lacrosse was included for the first time.

The 2021 edition, taking place in Birmingham, USA, has extended the competition to both Men’s and Women’s Lacrosse and will be seen as an important stepping stone towards Olympic inclusion as a result of the IOC’s recognition.

“FIL is very pleased to have received this recognition by the IOC Executive Board,” said Jim Scherr, Chief Executive Officer of the Federation of International Lacrosse. “The IOC recognition provides a real opportunity to enhance and accelerate the efforts of FIL to continue to grow and develop the sport around the world.”