The International Nordic Walking Federation (INWA) is the Global Governing Body for Nordic Walking.
INWA was established in Finland, the birthplace of Nordic Walking, in the year 2000. The main goals were to advance education on a global scale, establish a network of instructors and National Trainers for Nordic Walking and ensure quality and consistency of Nordic Walking education.
INWA is the only organisation officially authorised by Nordic Walking’s inventors to promote, advance, and protect the fundamental elements of Nordic Walking.
INWA’s main areas of work are:
- Instructor education in the fields of Nordic Walking for recreation, health, and fitness
- Disseminating research evidence for Nordic Walking and promoting the benefits
- Creation of a competition framework for Nordic Walking racing and supporting the delivery of World Cup Nordic Walking races.
Education:
INWA creates cutting-edge teaching methods and instructional programmes for Nordic Walking in collaboration with experts in sports, health, and fitness. Nordic Walking National Trainers and instructors have received certification in more than 40 nations worldwide, and INWA has over 20 registered member organisations.
Research:
INWA also collaborates with the scientific and medical communities offering research guidelines. The INWA office shares quality research evidence in order to promote the benefits of Nordic Walking for health and wellbeing.
Competition:
INWA launched the World Cup series in 2017 and continues to grow participation in racing and develop rules and governance to ensure fair competition.