Diego Sanchez new chairperson for Athletes Commission

I am glad to welcome Diego Sanchez, Argentina (Latin America) as the new chairperson for Athletes Commission and also the new Athletes delegate in the IFSS Council.
Diego Sanchez will be chairing the Athletes Commission starting out August 1, 2025 and until the General Assembly 2026.
Diego Sanchez replaces the former chair, Zuzana Orság.
In the Athletes Commission Diego Sanchez will work with Martin Norberg (Europe) Ronald Klepadlo (North America) and Emily Voderlies (Oceania).

Sincerely

Helen Lundberg
IFSS President

July 30, 2025

Subject: Important Pre-Check Vet Control for IFSS 2025 Dryland World Championships & World Masters

Dear IFSS Members,

We hope your athletes’ preparations for the upcoming IFSS 2025 Dryland World Championships and World Masters are going smoothly!

In response to concerns raised by our athletes regarding vaccination documentation and booklets, we are pleased to offer a Pre-Check Vet Control for all athletes entered in the race.

This initiative is designed to reassure athletes that their documents are in order and to help streamline the vet check process in Minocqua (WI), USA.

What You Need to Do ASAP:
All athletes must submit the following documents via email:
- Proof of microchip, including the date of implantation
- Vaccination records (Rabies and required vaccines) with clearly indicated dates of administration and duration given by a licensed veterinarian
- Accepted documents must be clear, readable pictures in JPG/JPEG or PDF format of:
- Pet passport
- Health booklet
- Government generated animal health certificate
- Private veterinary practice generated health certificate.

These documents must include the administering veterinarian's full name, license number, address, telephone number, and signature.

These documents also must include the following information:
A) Each dog's name, date of birth, predominant breed(s), sex, color(s), and weight;
B) The dates of administration for each of the following procedures and vaccinations: microchip implantation; rabies vaccination; DAHPPi vaccination (Distemper, Adenovirus-2 [Tracheobronchitis and Hepatitis], Parvovirus, and Parainfluenza); Leptospirosis vaccination (L2 or L4); and Kennel Cough vaccination (Parainfluenza and Bordatella bronchiseptica).
C) In addition, for each vaccination listed above, the documents must include the duration of protection of each vaccination (due date for the next vaccine booster) as certified by the administering veterinarian
After reviewing your documents, the IFSS Veterinary Team may contact you via email to clarify any issues.
Send your documents to: vetteam@sleddogsport.net

Important Notes:
- The Pre-Check Vet Control does not replace the official vet check in Minocqua.
- All documents will still be verified on-site against each dog’s scanned microchip.
- This pre-check is intended to ensure your documents are correct and to reduce stress and delays during the official vet control.
- We strongly encourage all athletes to submit their documents as soon as possible to take advantage of this helpful service.

Thank you for your cooperation and commitment to the health and safety of our canine athletes!

Warm regards,
The IFSS Veterinary Team

July 16th 2025

Dear all,

I am glad to inform you that Europe now have a new representative in the Athletes Commission, Martin Norberg, Sweden. Martin will succeed Zuzana Orság who was elected VP Economy.
Martin has been elected by the European members and will join Diego Sanches (Latin America), Ronald Klepadlo (North America) and Emily Voderlies (Oceania) in the Athletes Commission.

The members of Athletes Commission will now appoint a chair person who also will get a place in the IFSS Council including one (1) vote.


Sincerely
Helen Lundberg
IFSS President

July 9th 2025

Dear all

On behalf of IFSS Council I am very glad to announce that the 2026 Dryland European Championship and European Masters will take place October 14-18 in Gävle, Sweden. Technical organizer will be the Swedish Federation (SDSF).

For athletes who want to try out the trails at Skidstavallen in Gävle the SOC Scandinavian Open Championships will be organized at the same venue this fall, offering an option to race on the trails.

I am very excited since the trails in Gävle are well known for being excellent and this will make for a first-class championship in 2026.

Information about the 2026 Dryland European Championship and European Masters will be posted on IFSS website as soon as they are available.

Sincerely
Helen Lundberg
IFSS President

July 4th 2025

IFSS is pleased to announce that the European voting members have elected Alena Zbožínková as the new Continental Director for Europe.

Residing in the Czech Republic, Alena Zbožínková has been an active member of the mushing community since 2012. Over the years, Alena has competed in a wide range of events, from local races to national championships, as well as European and World Championships — most recently participating in the 2025 On-Snow World Championships in Røros, Norway.
Alena brings to this role not only a wealth of experience but also a deep passion for the sport. Her commitment and insight are expected to contribute significantly to the continued development and representation of the European mushing community.
On behalf of the IFSS Council, I warmly welcome Alena as our new Continental Director for Europe. We look forward to working together in advancing the goals of IFSS .

Sincerely

Helen Lundberg
IFSS President