The topic of racing (or specifically karting) being a sport is often contested by those outside of it. In these discussions, I've encountered the claim that racing is officially recognized by the IOC (International Olympic Committee).
After doing some digging around, it does indeed appear to be the case. Motorsport has been fully recognized by the IOC with the FIA being chosen as the body to represent it.
The Facts
On December 9th 2011, the FIA was awarded provisional status by the IOC.
In September 2013, the IOC upgraded the FIA's recognition status to full.
How does this affect karting? The FIA governs many forms of auto racing around the world. This includes karting which is managed via the CIK-FIA. Nuances, politics and complexities aside, the basic activity of karting is essentially the same, regardless of sanctioning body: It's about competitive driving.
Karting, It's a real sport.
Other Resources..
Press Release 10/17/2013:
After two years of provisional recognition by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the status of world governing body for motorsports FIA has been upgraded to full recognition in accordance with the sporting and governance standards of the Olympic Charter.
The decision was taken by a meeting of the IOC Executive Board in Buenos Aires last week.
The IOC decision confirms that the statutes, practice and activities of the FIA are in full conformity with the Olympic Charter, including the adoption and implementation of the World Anti-Doping Code.
The announcement is a final step in the integration of the FIA into the international sports community, a process which was initiated by FIA President Jean Todt following a meeting with the IOC President Jacques Rogge in 2010. The FIA has since been admitted to SportAccord (the umbrella organisation for both Olympic and non-Olympic international sports federations, ARSIF (The association of non-Olympic international sports federations), and the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).FIA President Jean Todt said: "The IOC's full recognition of the FIA's leading role in the promotion and governance of motorsport is acknowledgement of the important reforms we have undertaken over recent years to meet the best international sporting, governance and ethical standards."
He continued, "This is important news for the 130 National Sporting Authorities the FIA represents. Through their membership of the FIA, they now have the backing of the IOC to engage fully in the work carried out by their local Olympic committee. This will raise the visibility and status of motorsport in their country, and should help inspire more people to get involved."
FB Comments