IVV stands for Internationaler Volksportverband, which translated into English means the International Federation of Popular Sports.
The IVV was formed in 1968 by a number of clubs in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and liechtenstein to encourage individuals to improve their personal fitness through regular outdoors activity (walking cycling, swimming and skiing)
Formation of the IVV was stimulated because a number of people had severely over-exerted themselves in trying to achieve (for them) impossible times over 10km events. Some had even died in the process, so it was considered that events should be organised with far more generous time limits so that participants could improve their individual fitness by simply taking part.

An award scheme was devised to encourage greater, more regular participation. This involves recording each event on a special record card (commonly called a log book), and providing awards at pre-determined stages. In fact 2 parallel schemes are offered. One for the number of events compiled and for cumulative distance.
Distance awards are achieved initially at intervals of 500km while participation awards are received after 10.30.50.75.100 events and on in increments of 25 events. The cost of each logbook also includes the cost of the award, which is certificate, an enamelled pin and a sew-on badge at each level.

Since its formation 27 countries have joined the IVV, and individual clubs exist in a further 6 lands overall, more than 5100 clubs organise nearly 8000 events annually and attract in the region of 300 events annually of which approximately 30% are in the Northamptonshire area