Dear Colleagues,

It is a pleasure and a great honour to invite all of you to the 39th FIMS World Congress of Sports Medicine which will be held from 24 to 27 October 2026 in Santiago de Chile. As you are aware the responsibilities of sports medicine are increasing more and more in recreational and competitive sports, and consequently, the promotion of educational initiatives are very welcomed as an occasion to share medical and scientific experiences at National and International level. Delegates from the 120 FIMS member national associations, sports physicians from all around the world, students, and many invited speakers will get together in Santiago de Chile to exchange updated scientific results in research, new advances in technologies, academic news to debate on, and the wish to renew a common vision represented by the health maintenance enhancement, prevention and therapy of different diseases through the practice of physical activity, exercise, and sports, and return to sport after injury.

As we all know, sport includes all forms of human movement aimed at expressing, maintaining, or improving physical fitness and performance, as well as mental well-being. Sport also contributes to the creation or enhancement of social relationships during leisure time, competition, improved health maintenance, and the prevention and treatment of various diseases. Sports medicine makes a fundamental contribution to these goals, as its focus is not limited to professional athletes but is also essential for amateur athletes and those seeking to manage chronic conditions through exercise, thus promoting a healthy and conscious lifestyle for all. Sports medicine contribution is also crucial in addressing specific threats to the integrity of sports competition, including all forms of traditional doping, issues of technological equity, and the integration of transgender and intersex athletes in elite sport.

On behalf of FIMS, I would like to thank the Chilean authorities for supporting the Congress and for hosting the International Sports Medicine Community. A special thank to the Sociedad Chilena de Medicina del Deporte which has demonstrated to be a very active FIMS Member National Associations, focusing its interest in promoting excellence both in scientific and educational aspects, and strengthening also the FIMS leading role thanks to its important leaders.

I look forward to meeting you all next year at the 39th FIMS World Congress of Sports Medicine in the beautiful city of Santiago de Chile, a fascinating and dynamic metropolis, enriched day after day with new attractions that add to its extraordinary historical and architectural heritage.

In conclusion, with this spirit and in the name of the International Federation of Sports Medicine, I wish all participants in this Congress a fruitful work. To the Co-President of the Congress and Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee Prof. Marcelo Sajuria go my personal good wishes for the success of this important International scientific event.

Thank you,

Prof. Fabio Pigozzi