The European Ramblers’ Association, newly renamed as European Hiking Federation, organized the 3rd edition of the IAWG-2024 (International Aqua Walking Games) in Mandelieu – La Napoule (France) from 11 to 13 October, 2024.

Seven delegations participated in this 3rd edition: France, Catalonia, Italy, and Germany, all of whom were participating for the third time; Algeria (second participation); and the Republic of San Marino and the Principality of Monaco, both attending for the first time. The absence of Tunisia, which had excelled in 2023, was noted with regret.

This international competition was organized with:

• logistical support from the local club Alison Wave Attitude, which was responsible for obtaining authorization from the DDTM and mobilizing 40 volunteers,
• support from the Festivals and Events department of the city of Mandelieu La Napoule, which managed the setup and takedown of a complete sports village across two competition sites,
• support from the Communication Department of Mandelieu La Napoule, which helped promote the event,

all orchestrated by IAW on behalf of the European Hiking Federation with financial support from the Alpes-Maritimes Departmental Council.

The Aqua Walking Steering Committee (AWSC) of the European Hiking Federation organized this sports event through monthly meetings starting in January 2024. Photos of the competition can be found on the International Aqua Walking Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/internationalaquawalking.

In the presence of Boris Mićicć, President of the European Hiking Federation; Philippe Manassero from the French Olympic Committee; Patrick Scala, Deputy Mayor for Sports of Mandelieu La Napoule; and Sophie Chipon, member of the executive committee of the French Olympic Committee and 2nd Vice-President of the European Hiking Federation, the competition was a complete success under a beautiful azure sky!