The Council of the International Korfball Federation has awarded the organization of the IKF U23 World Championship 2012 to Barcelona. Barcelona outbid Moscow in a close competition as the Council did not decide unanimously. The excellent preparation of the bid and the strong financial support by the national and city governments to the bid convinced the Council to choose the host city of the 1992 Olympic Games to host the IKF U23 World Championship exactly 20 years later. The hosting of the event is linked to a two-year project to introduce korfball into the entire Barcelona school system. All cities surrounding the city of Barcelona already have korfball clubs and extensive korfball tournaments anc competitions in school.