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International Nordic Walking Association - INWA
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The International Nordic Walking Federation , known by the acronym INWA, is the international governing body of Nordic Walking. INWA has 22 National Associations Members and with the National Associations is responsible for organise several events such as INWA International Convention,[World Nordic Walking Day and Instructors Courses. INWA’s mission Promote Nordic Walking as a way of achieving “Health, Fitness, Sport and Education for All” by functioning as the operational central body for the federation’s members associations; supporting the development of member organisations by providing education materials and programmes, scientific information, mentoring and networking opportunities; working with other international organisations promotion health, wellbeing or physical activities; promoting Nordic Walking through its network, event and media, etc. The Values of INWA The organization operates by five key values: quality of education and behaviour; respect of cultures, organisations and people; ‘‘‘loyalty’’’ committed partnership and co-operation; caring of changing behaviour and improve quality of life; and integrity, operating with honesty, reliability and honour. INWA is a member of The Association for International Sport for All (TAFISA), Exercise is Medicine and the European Network for the Promotion of Health-Enhancing Physical Activity (HEPA Europe). History INWA was founded in 2000 in Finland to promote and teach Nordic Walking worldwide. The first draft of the International education system and materials is developed and the first research projects starts. In 2001 Finland, Germany and Austria are the first countries to join INWA and the first video is produce in co-operation with Exel (pole producer). During the next 10 years the number of participants and Members increased and Nordic Walking became a worldwide physical activity, having millions of people practising around the world. Nowadays Nordic Walking spread outside of Europe, INWA has 22 Members and INWA Nordic Walking Instructors have been certified in over 40 Countries. Structure INWA is an international non-governmental non-profit world organisation for the organisation and promotion of Nordic Walking and is established under the Laws of Finland. The main structure is: * Board * Scientific Committee * Education Committee * Members - National Association * International Coaches * National Coaches * Instructors * Nordic Walkers The Members assembles in ordinary session Annual general meeting once every year, normally before the INWA Convention; and these Body elects INWA Board every 3 years. Board INWA’s Board has 6 Executives members, such as: * President * 2 Vice Presidents * Education Committee Director * Scientific Committee Director * Membership Committee Director INWA has also a Communication Manager, a Scientific and Education Committee working towards the continuum development of Nordic Walking. Members In total INWA has 22 national associations: * Australia * Belgium * Canada * China * Croatia * Estonia * Germany * Hungary * India * Ireland * Italy * Japan * Latvia * Netherlands * New Zealand * Poland * Russia * Slovenia * South Korea * Spain * United Kingdom * United States of America Education and Training INWA develops innovative teaching methods and Nordic Walking educational programs; also collaborates with scientific and medical communities by offering research guidelines. The INWA has established an Educational Committee and the International Coaches which advises the Board in all educational matters and is helping INWA to develop educational materials for International Coaches, National Coaches, Instructors and Guides. Nowadays INWA has the following Courses: * Nordic Walking Guides Course * Nordic Walking Instructors Course * Nordic Walking National Coach Course Every year INWA also organises the Convention, where all participants get in contact with the newest information and knowledge about Nordic Walking, can participate in several Workshops, Lectures, etc and improve their the network and teaching skills. INWA also has INWA International Coaches who are responsible for delivery the Coach Course and assist the Educational Committer; they are: * Ms. Malin Svensson - USA * Mr. Naohiro Takahashi - Japan * Ms. Tiina Arrankoski - Finland/Italy INWA Nordic Walking Technique Nordic Walking is a form of physical activity, where to regular natural walking there has been added the active use of a pair of specially designed Nordic Walking poles. However, the characteristics of natural, biomechanically correct walking and appropriate posture are maintained in all aspects; it means that the arm movements of the correct Nordic Walking technique respect the range of movement of natural walking, helping to propel the body forward. Events Every year INWA organises two main events: Nordic Walking World Day and INWA Annual Convention. Nordic Walking World Day The Nordic Walking World Day is a worldwide event to promote Nordic Walking and physical activity and bring together all Nordic Walking Family around the world; it is for everyone, all ages and abilities. INWA Annual Convention The INWA International Annual Convention is the association’s premier event for all worldwide members; which brings together all Nordic Walking Instructors, Coaches, Members to share experience, and learn about the current state of Nordic Walking. 
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