The International Biathlon Union (IBU) marked a historic moment today, Saturday, May 24, 2025, by launching the first-ever International Biathlon Day, a global initiative aimed at promoting biathlon and making it more accessible to communities worldwide.

The event is part of the International Biathlon Union’s ongoing commitment to grow the sport through its Biathlon4All program, which focuses on engaging youth and newcomers by providing fun, family-friendly activities that combine endurance and shooting skills.

According to a press release from IBU: “For the first time ever, the International Biathlon Union is celebrating International Biathlon Day with its National Federations on May 24, 2025. The event will bring biathlon closer to communities worldwide. Through “try-it” zones, youth races, family relays, and recruitment events, National Federations showcase the sport’s fun, inclusive spirit. As a vital part of Biathlon4All, the International Biathlon Day will give people of all ages a chance to hit targets with laser rifles and engage in fun, family-friendly activities.”

Nearly 20 national biathlon federations across Europe, Asia, and North America joined the celebration, hosting a variety of events such as laser rifle shooting, roller skiing, youth races, and biathlon relays. These activities allowed participants of all ages and skill levels to experience biathlon in approachable and inclusive ways, often using laser rifles and off-snow roller skiing formats.

Among the countries participating are:

• Spain, where the city of Jaca held shooting and skating sessions along with interactive biathlon workshops.
• The United States features open events and demo races at venues including the Ariens Nordic Center in Wisconsin.
• Japan, Slovenia, Ukraine, Romania, Denmark, Sweden, Switzerland, and Kazakhstan all host local activities aligned with the day’s goals.

This first International Biathlon Day marks the beginning of what the IBU plans as an annual event to increase interest and participation in the sport worldwide, creating more opportunities to introduce biathlon outside the traditional winter season and competitive settings.

For more details and updates about International Biathlon Day and upcoming Biathlon4All initiatives, visit the official IBU website at biathlonworld.com.

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