2000

The International Nordic Walking Association – INWA is establish in Finland to promote and teach Nordic Walking worldwide.

The first draft of the International education system and materials is developed.

Research project with Cooper Institute starts.

2001

First official INWA Member Countries are Finland, Germany and Austria.

First international Nordic Walking video is produces in co-operation between INWA and Exel.

2002

The “Nordic Fitness Sports” concept is introduced and the first basics of the “Nordic Fitness Sports Park” concept is developed.

First INWA Convention was held in Vierumäki Sports Institute in Finland.

2003

The number of the participants Nordic Walking worldwide doubled from one to two million.

2004

Nordic Walking and Nordic Fitness Sports if the main theme in the International Sporting Goods Exhibition ISP. Shoe and clothing brands like Adidas, Meindl, Odlo etc. Start selling shoes and clothing specially designed for Nordic Walking.

The “Nordic Fitness Sports Park” concept goes public.

Nordic Walking starts spreading outside of Europe.

INWA has 13 Members Associations.

2005

German Fit for Fun Magazine named Nordic Fitness Sports as the megatrend of Europe.

2006

Ongoing worldwide development of Nordic Walking. Number of INWA member Associations increased to 18.

2007

INWA is approved on the 30^th of September in Buenos Aires as a member of TAFISA, the worldwide Sport for All Organizations.

2009

Approximately 8 million people do Nordic Walking on weekly basis.

2010

Nowadays there are Nordic Walking activities in many countries and it is a growing trend in various parts of the world.

Celebrating Nordic Walking, past, present & future the INWA Convention was held in Otepää, Estonia and Riga, Latvia in September 2010.

INWA celebrates its tenth anniversary and with the Nordic Walking family organise the Nordic Walking Day (10.10.10) which is a series of events across the world.

The vision statement of the “International Nordic Walking Federation” – INWA

INWA is the leading International Nordic Walking Federation promoting, developing and safeguarding the principles, education and characteristics of Nordic Walking worldwide.

INWA do this with an international approach in cooperation with our partners by providing professional services to our member associations in the field of education, research, technology and practice.

INWA do this based on our values which are reflecting INWA´s long term culture and priorities.

The mission of the “International Nordic Walking Federation” – INWA

Mission of INWA is to function as the operational central body for the international Nordic Walking member associations.

INWA supports the development of member organisations by providing educational materials and programmes, scientific information, mentoring and networking opportunities.

INWA works with other international organisations promoting health, wellbeing or physical activities.

INWA promotes Nordic Walking through its networks and media.

The values of the “International Nordic Walking Federation” – INWA

Quality - The highest, practical level we can reach in education and behaviour.

Respect - Respecting diversity of cultures, organisations and people.

Loyalty - Long-term, committed partnerships and co-operation.

Caring - Help to change behaviour and improve the quality of life.