Preview: Half marathon Euros headline September
Two International Federation for Intellectual Impairment Sport (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) events in equestrian and athletics will see athletes take historic titles in September.
2017 World Intellectual Impairment Sport European Half Marathon Championships
From 16-17 September athletes from four countries will line-up in Udine, Italy, for the first World Intellectual Impairment Sport European Half Marathon Championships since 2011.
Portugal’s returning champion Paulo Pinheiro is hoping to continue his medal run at the competition, which he first started with gold in 2005. He has gone on to claim a further two silver medals. However he will face tough opponents including teammate Jose Azevedo, the reigning world champion, and Spain’s Asier Santos who claimed Worlds bronze in 2016.
Live updates and pictures from Udine 2017 will be available at World Intellectual Impairment Sport’ Facebook and Twitter throughout the event.
World Intellectual Impairment Sport Para Equestrian Video Competition
Teams and riders have until 9 September to enter this innovative dressage event, with the results announced on 18 September.
This is the first equestrian competition to be run by World Intellectual Impairment Sport and, to make it more accessible, all entries will be recorded on video and submitted for judging.
As well as the individual rosettes on offer, a team competition for countries with more than three riders will also be contested.
2017 World Para Swimming World Championships
Taking place in Mexico City, the Worlds will see athletes with intellectual impairments compete in the S14 classification from 30 September. The likes of Great Britain’s Paralympic medallist Jessica-Jane Applegate and Paralympic champion Wai Lok Tang of Hong Kong are expected to go for gold.
Mexico will also host the 2017 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Swimming Championships in November, the year’s biggest competition for athletes with an intellectual impairment.
Live updates will be shared at World Para Swimming’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
International Paralympic Committee (IPC) General Assembly
A new President to replace Sir Philip Craven, who has completed the maximum number of terms, will be elected in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
Governing Board elections for 10 Members at Large will also be held, with World Intellectual Impairment Sport Vice President Robyn Smith one of the nominees. Voting takes place on 8 September with results published the same day.
The Paralympic Sport and Media Awards will be presented and a number of individuals will be recognised with the Paralympic Order.
Updates will be available at the IPC’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
World Intellectual Impairment Sport represents more than 300,000 athletes with intellectual impairments around the world. We give elite athletes the chance to compete at an international level and on the Paralympic stage. But we cannot continue our work towards the inclusion of the people with intellectual impairments in society without your support.
We are a registered charity and your help can make a big difference. Find out more.