An ISF Event Defined by Friendship, Innovation, and Global Connection
As ISF Executive Committee Member Renos Pittalis noted during the closing ceremony: “The greatest victory here is not on the scoreboard, but in the handshakes, the fair play, and the friendships you take home.” His words reflect what Brasília 2025 represented — a celebration of learning, respect, cultural exchange, and the joy of sport shared across borders.
Friendship at the Heart of the Event
Across the entire event, friendship emerged as the strongest theme of the championship.
Athletes repeatedly shared how they bonded with local volunteers, opponents, and peers from diverse cultures, turning matches and cultural activities into moments of genuine connection. Language barriers disappeared as sport became a universal language, allowing hundreds of young athletes to exchange stories and form lasting friendships beyond Brasília.
International Cooperation
Delegations took part in various cultural and educational activities, including school visits and a symbolic tree-planting initiative led by the Iranian delegation promoting climate awareness. Many ISF Member Federations also used this gathering as an opportunity to meet, exchange school sport development practices, and explore future cross-regional and cross-continental cooperation — strengthening the global ISF network.
A Modern and Integrated Hosting Model
This edition of ISF WSC Futsal introduced a forward-looking organisational model by hosting competition, accommodation, catering, and key operations entirely within the CICB complex. The integrated setup improved efficiency, reduced transport needs, and offered a more sustainable and cost-effective blueprint for future events.
Athlete welfare was further strengthened this year through a well equipped medical room operated by a LOC team of more than a dozen on-site sports health professionals. In addition to standard medical support available at all ISF events, this dedicated unit offered taping, post-match recovery, rehabilitation assistance, and injury management — services that were highly valued by participating delegations.
Global Visibility Through International Engagement
With the support of the Olympic Channel and the CBDE media team, both finals were broadcast live worldwide — giving school-aged athletes an Olympic-aligned stage and significantly expanding the global visibility of the championship.
Beyond the broadcast, several delegations also gained strong diplomatic visibility during their stay. Hungary and Serbia were formally received by their embassies in Brasília, while the Consulate General of Brazil in Montreal highlighted Québec’s participation across its official channels. These engagements reflect a growing trend: ISF events are increasingly used by governments, embassies, and public institutions as opportunities to celebrate youth sport, strengthen ties with their national school sport communities, and promote international educational exchange.
With Brasília 2025 successfully concluded, the ISF now turns its attention to the next global gathering: the ISF World School U15 Volleyball Championship — Shangluo, China 2025, opening on 5 December. The values celebrated in Brasília will continue to guide the ISF community as we welcome the next generation of student-athletes.
