IDSF and dancesport now fully Recognized by IOC

With letter of September 4th, 1997, which The International News prints hereby, Juan Antonio Samaranch, Marques de Samaranch, President of the International Olympic Committee, inform Detlef Hegemann, President of the International Dance Sport Federation IDSF, that the 106th Session of the International Olympic Committee, held in Lausanne, has granted

Outright Recognition
to the
International dancesport Federation IDSF
as Recognized Federation, pursuant to Rule 29 of the Olympic
Charter

He took the opportunity and officially welcomed IDSF to the Olympic Family.

With this a 15 years hard work and struggle, changing between hope and disappointment, of the IDSF Presidium to reach this aim has come to a successful end.

It was on November 15th, 1982, when Detlef Hegemann applied „on behalf of the International Council of Amateur Dancers ICAD" according to article 57 of the IOC Statutes, for Olympic Recognition. On September 17th, 1988, the ICAD Presidium applied for Membership within the General Association of International Sports Federations GAISF which Association was associated with IOC.
On October 19th, 1991 one of the aims had been reached: IDSF the successor of ICAD became Member of GAISF on a provisional status. During the next seven years the following achievements could be reached:

IDSF and all the dancesport Athletes are standing at the threshold of a new area. The final aim has not yet reached. We still have to work very intensive and hard for it: The participation in the Olympic Games.

The time has come to appreciate the Work of the IDSF Presidium headed by its President Detlef Hegemann. A special thankfulness we must pass to Rudolf Baumann, who was appointed Delegate for all Affairs connected with IOC, IWGA, GAISF and ARISF by the IDSF Presidium for his never-ending and intensive effort. But as well to the IDSF General Secretary Rudi Hubert for his immense assistance and to all Members of the IDSF Presidium for their support.

On behalf of all dancesport Competitors and Officials: A hearty thank You!

Werner J. Braun
IDSF Press Commissioner.