The Global Esports Federation has announced partnerships with the International Surfing Association and World Archery.
The federation is looking to reach new audiences through its international federation members.
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Chris Chan, President of Global Esports Federation, spoke on the alliances in a release: “The interest and development of esports continues its rapid rise worldwide with greater convergence between esports and sport. We welcome the interest and support from the International Federations to join the esports community and work on evolving physical sport experiences in the digital age.
“There are powerful opportunities to collaborate with our technology partners through the Global Esports Federation’s #worldconnected platform and connect with the world’s youth.”
The federation’s addition of World Archery and the International Surfing Association is said to strengthen its “commitment to bridge esports and sport.”
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Fernando Aguerre, President of International Surfing Association, commented: “We live in times where virtual gaming and esports are taking on a whole new relevance. The rapid growth of esports also represents an opportunity for surfing and the ISA to access and engage new audiences. We are optimistic the partnership with the GEF will help position us on the wave of virtual sport, fulfilling the ISA’s mission to drive accessibility and universal participation”
In recent months, the Global Esports Federation has partnered with a number of different sporting organisations including the Olympic Council of Asia, ODESUR, World Taekwondo, and the International Tennis Federation. In May 2020, the GEF also forged a collaboration with the Commonwealth Games Federation.
Esports Insider says: No matter what you think about the GEF, it doesn’t struggle to get sporting associations and federations on board with its mission. We’re yet to really see what these partnerships bring to the table, however, so esports hasn’t explicitly benefited from the federation’s formation just yet.