The International Skating Union, founded in 1892, is the exclusive international sport federation recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) administering sports in the Branches of Figure Skating and Speed Skating throughout the world. (Long Track) Speed Skating and Short Track Speed Skating come under the Speed Skating Branch while Single & Pair Skating and Ice Dance and Synchronized Skating constitute the Figure Skating Branch. The objectives of the ISU are to regulate, govern and promote the sports in the Figure Skating and Speed Skating Branches and their organized development on the basis of friendship and mutual understanding between sportsmen and women.
Among the activities of the ISU particular importance is given to events which include: ISU Championships, ISU Speed Skating and Short Track Speed Skating World Cup Competitions, ISU Grand Prix of Figure Skating Competitions, ISU World Team Trophy in Figure Skating, ISU International Competitions, ISU exhibitions, ISU shows, ISU tours and performances/appearances.
