The FISAF Sport Aerobics & Fitness World Championship opens in Invercargill today, running from 12 to 14 November 2026 at ILT Stadium Southland.
The official event website describes it as the premier international event in the sport aerobics and fitness calendar. Over 450 participants from eight countries are taking part, presenting choreographed, high-energy routines that blend strength, flexibility and performance artistry.
The championship is presented by the Federation International of Sport Aerobics and Fitness, the NZ Competitive Aerobics Federation and GA Events NZ.
Athletes are competing from New Zealand, Australia, Czechia, Brazil, Uruguay, South Africa, Belgium and Poland. New Zealand clubs in the official start lists include Peak Aerobics Academy, Empire Aerobics, Octane Aerobic, Ignite Aerobics, Xcelerate Aerobics, Jump Start Aerobics, ELM Aerobics and Game On Aerobics.
Today's programme at the stadium begins with the venue opening at 8am. Athletes assemble at noon, ahead of the Parade of Nations at 12.30pm and the welcome at 1pm. Prelims start at 1.30pm, covering Cadet, Junior, Youth and Adult Women individual, and Youth Duo. Semi-finalists are due to be announced about 6.15pm.
Semi-finals on Friday 13 November run from 9am until about 8.52pm. The programme covers Petite and Grande aerobics teams, Step, Duo, Trio, Master Team, and individual men and women across the Cadet, Junior, Youth, Master and Adult categories.
Saturday 14 November opens with AeroFit on ILT Stadium Community Courts at 8.20am, before the finals begin at 9am. Prize-givings are scheduled for Cadets at 10.39am, Junior at 1.24pm, Master and Youth at 4.12pm, and Adult at 6.51pm. AeroFit finals for under 15s and over 15s are listed at 11.09am and 1.54pm. The championships close at 7.24pm.
A Food Market Festival is planned in the city centre from 5.30pm on Saturday, with buses to the city at 7.34pm. An after party follows at the Langlands Hotel from 7.30pm to 10.30pm.
Tickets are on sale now through the official event website at fisafworlds26.com, with two ticket tiers, general admission and VIP allocated seating, available as single-day tickets or a three-day tournament pass. The tickets page has the details.
Training, registration and floor testing were held at the venue on Wednesday 11 November. The official programme is published under the theme Upside Down / The Worlds Turned, and can be viewed online.