Spain’s Villalba triumphs in Para equestrian video competition

Spain’s Villalba triumphs in Para equestrian video competition

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Spain’s Sonia Villalba has been revealed as the winner of the second International Federation for Athletes with Intellectual Impairments (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) Para Equestrian video competition.

Villalba overcame the winner of the very first competition in 2017, Russia’s Ekaterina Kirinkova, who this year finished sixth.

All three judges agreed that the Spaniard’s Grade IV Novice A test was the best of the 10 entries. They scored her a combined 71.149% on horse Donauzauber.

Australia’s Sui Watts was second with 64.943%, retaining her silver from last year, once again riding Springfield Festivity.

Russia’s Ekaterina Efimova (63.631%) just grabbed bronze on Gavana a few points ahead of Great Britain’s Oliver Peace (63.448%) on Bailey.

A total of 10 riders from five countries submitted videos for judging, designed to make the competition more accessible to athletes around the world. Horses were required to wear bandages to indicate that the test has not been performed and judged at another competition. Tests were assessed and scored by a panel of International Federation for Equestrian Sport (FEI) Para Equestrian judges.

About World Intellectual Impairment Sport Para Equestrian

Equestrian was added to the World Intellectual Impairment Sport sport programme in 2016 in the form of dressage. The organisation wants to offer the best riders with intellectual impairments the chance to compete regularly.

More information about the sport, including the rules and history, can be found at the World Intellectual Impairment Sport Para Equestrian page.

A table tennis player is pictured mid shot

World Intellectual Impairment Sport targets increased knowledge and training in eligibility around globe

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The International Federation for Intellectual Impairment Sport (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) has been awarded funding to hold training sessions on athlete eligibility in Asia and the Americas.

The successful bid was announced by the Agitos Foundation, the development arm of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), as part of its 2018 Grant Support Programme (GSP).

The target is to train at least 20 people in each region. World Intellectual Impairment Sport will also use some of the funding to cover the costs of delegates attending an IPC classifier training event being planned for January 2019.

The project’s aim is to improve the knowledge and understanding of the eligibility process for athletes with an intellectual impairment and to help increase the pool of classifiers. This will improve the sports classification process generally.

World Intellectual Impairment Sport Executive Director, Nick Parr, said: “Athlete eligibility is the first step that any athlete must take before they can be classified by the relevant International Federation. It is a process that requires expertise and knowledge and is important for many reasons that those involved get it right.

“We have seen huge increases in the number of eligibility applications in the last two years. However at the same time we are experiencing incomplete or late documentation that is sometimes not completed correctly. This slows down the whole pathway for the athlete but is something that can be fixed over time through education.

“At the same time we want to support the International Federations with training more classifiers. This is so that once they receive their eligibility they can then go on to be officially classified as quickly as possible, either at World Intellectual Impairment Sport or other events.

“We are grateful to the Agitos Foundation for this funding which will allow us to educate more people about eligibility and also contribute to a larger number of classifiers. We believe it shows the value that we can add to the Paralympic movement, using our expertise to deliver training and build the quality of the system as a whole.”

World Intellectual Impairment Sport plans to hold one workshop in each region where at least 50 per cent of the participants will be female. The organisation has held a number of successful sessions all around the world in the past years leading to a better understanding of eligibility.

In its sixth edition, the GSP has made grants available for summer sports and winter sports projects which will have an impact on the growth and development of the Paralympic movement around the globe.

Almost half of all IPC members have benefitted from the GSP since the programme was launched in 2013.

The initiatives supported include areas such as athlete development, sport technical education, awareness campaigns and equipment purchase.

More information about eligibility can be found here.

An intellectually impaired runner

Tokyo 2020 Paralympic competition schedule revealed

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By IPC and World Intellectual Impairment Sport

The Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee has published the sport competition schedule for the Paralympic Games on Friday (19 October) following its approval during the sixth International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Project Review.

In finalising the sport competition schedule, Tokyo 2020 took a holistic approach, taking into account the athletes’ experience and well-being, technical rules and regulations of the various international federations, gender balance, the popularity of individual sports in Japan, operational considerations, and the global TV audience.

Overall, events are scheduled so they are more accessible to families and a wide range of people. Ticket sales for the Tokyo 2020 Games will start in summer 2019 and there are plans for the updated schedule for all 540 Paralympic events to be published by then.

Athletics (T/F20), swimming (S14) and table tennis (class 11) will feature events for athletes with intellectual impairments.

The competition schedule can be viewed at Tokyo 2020’s website.

Xavier Gonzalez, the IPC’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “The publication of the Paralympic Games sport competition schedule is a key landmark for any Organising Committee and we are delighted that Tokyo 2020 has made it available with 22 months still to go.

“The Paralympic Games are an event that the whole family can enjoy, and the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic sport competition schedule has been designed with a family audience very much in mind.  The vast majority of sessions are finished by 22:00 each day which will enable different generations of families to attend and enjoy the terrific sporting action.

“With the sport competition schedule now published, the public can start to plan which sports they would like to attend ahead of tickets going on sale next summer.”

During the two-day Project Review, the IPC was updated on the latest progress made by the many functional areas of the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee.  Overall, the IPC is happy with the progress made to-date but stressed that the good work must continue as the organising committee enters a new phase.

Gonzalez said: “With less than two years to go, the Organising Committee is now entering a critical phase.  Five years of planning now needs to be finalised and key decisions made ahead of the transition into the delivery phase which includes test events and the Games themselves.

“We continue to be impressed at the level of enthusiasm, commitment and work ethic of the Organising Committee towards the Paralympics.  As with any Games there are some issues which need more detailed planning and resolution but we are confident we are heading in the right direction.”

Transport and hotels

The two main issues the IPC raised with the Organising Committee following the project review are accessible transport and accessible hotel accommodation.

Currently there are some issues that could make it difficult to move a large number of athletes who use wheelchairs around the city using the Games-time transport.  This could pose a logistical problem with an estimated 1,800 wheelchair using athletes expected for the Games.

In terms of accessible accommodation, the IPC remains concerned that there will be an insufficient number of fully accessible hotel rooms ready for the Games.  It is however, encouraged by progress that is being made to try ease the situation although the full benefits may not be felt until after the Games.

Gonzalez said: “The Paralympic Games have a track record for driving social inclusion.  This is not only about changing attitudes and empowering people with a disability, but sometimes about highlighting issues that may need governments or businesses to adopt a different approach or take concrete actions.

“The transportation of athletes is integral to the success of any Paralympic Games.  Athletes and teams want to travel together. Unfortunately we believe there may be some issues in this area which could be extremely problematic not only for the days of sport, but also for the Ceremonies when large numbers of athletes need to be moved.

“On the issue of hotels, Tokyo and wider Japan lacks a suitable number of fully accessible hotel rooms that can be utilised by guests during the Paralympics and also post-Games, taking into account Japan’s aging population.

“The IPC, Tokyo 2020, national government and Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) have recognised this fact and are taking encouraging measures to try and address the situation.

“Central government has announced that from 1 September 2019 all newly built and refurbished hotels over 50 rooms must feature at least one per cent of fully accessible rooms.

“And, on Friday afternoon, Governor Yuriko Koike announced that TMG will amend an ordinance to establish barrier-free criteria that will apply to all general guest rooms for the first-time.

“Under the slogan “Open Stay Tokyo – better accommodation for all”, TMG will publish new criteria that will ensure all new and refurbished hotel facilities in this city are barrier-free.

“Furthermore, the national government and TMG are offering subsidies to hoteliers to start making existing rooms accessible.  The hoteliers really should take advantage of the support that is being offered to them.

“Although steps are being taken now, it is unlikely we will have a sufficient number of fully accessible rooms in time for the pre-Games training camps that some National Paralympic Committees will host in Japan or for the actual Games themselves.

“The organisation of the Paralympics in Tokyo has raised an important issue in this country that needs resolving.  The Games is acting as a catalyst to change and the full benefits will be felt post-Games making Tokyo and Japan more inclusive for all.”

 

Antonio Silva crosses the finish line in first place at the 2018 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Athletics Half Marathon Championships

Silva, Meloch, take World Intellectual Impairment Sport Athletics half marathon crowns

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Brazil’s Antonio Silva and Poland’s Arleta Meloch were crowned the respective men’s and women’s International Federation for Athletes with Intellectual Impairments (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) Half Marathon world champions in Coimbra, Portugal, on Sunday (21 October).

Silva won the men’s race in 01:11:59 after weaving his way through the course, which took place as part of the Running Wonders circuit.

The Brazilian beat two Japanese runners to the top of the podium.

Shota Gomi (01:12:19) claimed silver just ahead of teammate Keiya Kobayashi (01:12:38).

In the women’s Meloch successfully defended her title and won her third consecutive gold in 01:25:48.

Meloch did so ahead of her rival and compatriot Anna Bodziony (01:37:04) who secured silver.

Brazil picked up another top three placing courtesy of bronze medallist Lindinalva Silva (01:40:18).

In the team events Japan’s double podium finish and a further trio of athletes finishing within the top 10 contributed to their win in the men’s.

Spain were second led by a fourth place from Asier Aguirre-Santos. Portugal grabbed third at home with Paulo Benvente, former world champion Paulo Pinheiro, Vitor Pleino and Joao Monteiro all registering strong performances.

Australia left with gold in the women’s on their World Championships debut. Georgia Powning, Chloe Turner and Montana Whiteley stepped shared the top step.

About the World Intellectual Impairment Sport Athletics Half Marathon World Championships

Full results from the 2018 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Athletics Half Marathon Championships are available at the results, rankings and records page.

The competition takes place every year. The Coimbra edition attracted more than 20 athletes from five countries as they build towards the 2019 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Global Games. The Global Games are the world’s biggest high performance sports event for athletes with intellectual impairments.

Portugal's Jose Azevedo raises his hand in the air to celebrate as he crosses the finish line. Azevedo will compete at the 2018 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Athletics Half Marathon Championships

Athletes to line-up for World Intellectual Impairment Sport Athletics Half Marathon Worlds

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Athletes are arriving in Coimbra, Portugal, for the 2018 International Federation for Athletes with Intellectual Impairments (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) Athletics Half Marathon World Championships which take place on Sunday (21 October).

The 2018 Coimbra Half Marathon will include World Intellectual Impairment Sport athletes and is the fourth stage of the Running Wonders circuit.

Italy’s Fabrizio Vallone returns to defend his title from Udine, Italy, in 2017.

Last year the Italian just edged his teammate Alessandro Tomaiuolo to the finish line by 23 seconds.

However Vallone will feel the pressure from a series of other runners on Sunday as Tomaiuolo will not start.

The 2015 and 2016 world champion Jose Azevedo lines up for hosts Portugal hoping to return to the top step of the podium. Compatriot Paulo Pinheiro will also have gold in his sights as he looks to reclaim his world title from 2011 and 2013.

Outside of Europe, the USA’s Tyler Wigington and Colton Lohrenz are keen to make an impact.

Meanwhile an Australian team will compete for the first time. Harry Mezger, Carlo Manolitsas and Montgomery Cooper take on the men’s field. Georgia Powning, Chloe Turner and Montana Whiteley make their debut in the women’s.

Mezger said: “I love running and I have loved every training session, even the long dark wet runs through winter. We just called them adventure runs which gave us a great attitude to just keep pushing through rain, hail, puddles whatever was thrown at us.”

Of the team who are all aged under 25, Australian head coach, Liz Gosper, commented: “Since we identified the opportunity to compete in this event and represent Australia all of the athletes have been focussed on just one thing. Their commitment to training, competition and preparation has been outstanding.”

In the women’s Powning, Turner and Whitely will have to overcome Poland’s Arleta Meloch.

Meloch was the victor in 2017, retaining her title.

Her teammate Anna Bodziony was not far behind and returns in an attempt to overcome Meloch.

About Coimbra 2018

The 2018 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Athletics Half Marathon World Championships will feature a 21.1km course that will weave its way through the beautiful city of Coimbra.

Over 20 athletes from more than five countries will compete.

Results will be available at the results, rankings and records page.

A female tennis player lines up for a shot

Wren preparing to take on world at home World Intellectual Impairment Sport Global Games

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By Mariam Khan and Virtus: World Intellectual Impairment Sport

Australia tennis player Kelly Wren is training hard with her sights firmly fixed on a medal at her home 2019 Global Games in Brisbane in one year’s time.

Wren is in good form this year, having made it onto her fifth career podium at the 2018 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Tennis World Championships in Paris, France.

The Australian left with bronze, and is now focused on the Global Games.

“The courts were good, and I enjoyed seeing the city of Paris,” she said. “I am (practicing) hard to improve my game so I can play my best tennis [in Brisbane].”

Wren is also the defending champion at the Games, having won every edition since 2004.

Of her first victory 14 years ago, Wren reminisced about hearing her national anthem played for her for the first time: “It was very exciting to win my first medal in Bollnäs, Sweden. Australia had a big team, and we had lots of support.”

But the game that Wren has dominated over the years has attracted more and more world class players who have challenged her position at the top.

These include compatriot Carla Lenarduzzi and Great Britain’s Anna McBride who claimed the world title in Paris at the age of just 14.

Talking about the competition she will face at the Global Games, Wren said, “Every opponent challenges me, so I need to make sure I am well prepared.”

The Australian has been playing tennis since childhood: “I started being coached when I was eight years old,” Wren says. Wren then played in her first competition for players with intellectual impairments in 1996.

The Aussie sportswoman enjoys the competitions which have become more frequent. World Championships now take place every year, which according to Wren, helps players judge their game.

The sport has also helped Wren become self-confident and independent: “I have become a positive person and able to be flexible if needed.”

The 2019 edition of the Global Games is expected to attract 1,000 athletes competing in ten sports from 12-19 October.

 

Miyares: I want to break as many records as possible at Global Games

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By Georgia McCutcheon and Virtus: World Intellectual Impairment Sport

The USA’s Andy Miyares – one of his country’s best and most famous athletes – has his eyes set on a new prize in one year’s time.

The 35-year-old is aiming to be one of the first swimmers with Down syndrome to compete at a Global Games in Brisbane, Australia.

In 2017 Virtus: World Intellectual Impairment Sport added a trial category to its competition programme – II2 – for athletes with a more significant impairment. The aim is to provide high performance sports opportunities to more athletes with intellectual impairments.

The II2 group made their debut at the World Intellectual Impairment Sport Swimming Championships in Aguascalientes, Mexico, in November 2017 where Miyares claimed silver in the 200m butterfly.

He did so with the support of Athletes Without Limits, the Virtus: World Intellectual Impairment Sport member organisation in the USA and a passionate advocate for athletes with an intellectual impairment in elite sport.

The Global Games are the world’s biggest high performance sports event for athletes with intellectual impairments. With a successful debut behind him, the American will hope to be selected to travel to Brisbane where the II2 category will be a full medal event in swimming.

With several upcoming competitions, it is peak training season for Miyares. In the pool every day, he strives to be the fastest possible.

With respect to the Global Games, Miyares hopes “to stay in the best shape possible, have all the qualifying times, and be selected to again represent [his] country to the best of [his] ability.” He wants to “break as many records as possible, so the world can see that yes, Downs swimmers have it and do it.”

Miyares has dedicated his life to swimming and holds 34 world and American records to date. It has been an amazing experience for both himself and his family. He has dined with President Clinton in the White House, swam with Michael Phelps at an exhibition event, met with First Lady Michelle Obama, and has even been honoured at the 2017 Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly (ESPY) Awards for his success as an amazing and inspirational athlete.

As an active spokesperson in the international community for people with Down syndrome, Miyares has travelled the globe raising awareness and sharing his catchphrase: Andy is my name. Swimming is my game. And competing is my life.

“Swimming, competing, is really my life. I don’t think I will ever give it up,” he said. “I see Masters swimmers who are so old and still they are competing. So, yes, I will never stop.”

According to his mother, her son’s life “has really been a fairy tale life, surpassing any dream [she] ever had.”

Miyares could once again break new ground in 2019 and add another chapter to his incredible achievements.

The 2019 edition of the Global Games is expected to attract 1,000 athletes competing in ten sports from 12-19 October.

 

World Intellectual Impairment Sport celebrate one year to go to World Intellectual Impairment Sport Global Games

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World Intellectual Impairment Sport is today marking one year to go until the Opening Ceremony of the 2019 Global Games in Brisbane, Australia. More than 1,000 of the world’s best athletes will compete in nine sports 12-16 October in the worlds biggest high performance sports event for athletes with an intellectual impairment.

Marking the occasion, World Intellectual Impairment Sport President Marc Truffaut and Barry Holman (Chair World Intellectual Impairment Sport Games Committee) were joined by Duane Kale (IPC Vice President) and Brisbane Mayor and Lady Mayoress Graham and Anne Quirk together with a number of Team Australia athletes for the launch of a Games-branded CityCat and bus.

One year to go also marks the opening of the entry process and World Intellectual Impairment Sport Members now have until 3rd December to register their intention to participate in Australia next year.

Swimming and athletics competitions have also been approved by World Para Swimming and World Para Athletics. This means that results and records will be recognised within the world rankings for both sports – crucial for athletes as they continue their road to the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

Finally it has been confirmed that the 2019 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Tri-Nations Cricket will take place as part of the Global Games.

World Intellectual Impairment Sport President Marc Truffaut said: “With just 12 months to wait until the next edition of the competition excitement is really building. We expect it to be a milestone in the history of the Global Games, representing the best edition ever and providing a platform for continued growth.

“The Games are intended to be a springboard for athletes towards the Paralympic Games. However for those sports not on that programme, it is the highest level they can compete at. That, and the relevance of World Intellectual Impairment Sport within the wider Para sport landscape, is why it is so important to get right”.

Following the 1 year to go celebration, a site visit will take place including operational meetings with the organisers and National Federations. For the first time ever, those countries bidding to host future editions of the Global Games – Japan, Argentina, Mexico and India – have been invited to present during some sessions.

Truffaut added “I would like to congratulate the organisers on their work so far and I look forward to seeing some of the venues and facilities next week during our visit with the Global Games Committee.”

More information is available at official website.

Saudi Arabia celebrate a goal during the 2018 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Football World Championships

Hosts wanted for 2022 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Football World Championships

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The International Federation for Athletes with Intellectual Impairments (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) has launched a search for hosts for the 2022 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Football World Championships.

The competition is one of the most popular on the calendar and takes place every four years. Expressions of interest are invited from World Intellectual Impairment Sport members by 14 December 2018.

The 2018 edition took place in Karlstad, Sweden, in August with Saudi Arabia claiming the title.

John Ball, Chairperson of the World Intellectual Impairment Sport Football Committee, said: “This summer Sweden hosted an exceptional competition which raised the bar for future World Championships.

“As well as high quality training and match facilities across multiple venues, there was also a livestream of the games and the local organisers invested in raising awareness of the competition to the media and public in Sweden.

“By starting the bid process earlier than in the past, we therefore hope to give the winning Local Organising Committee the maximum possible time to prepare and deliver another exceptional event.”

The 2022 Worlds could feature 12 teams all vying for the title. After the expressions of interest closes, the World Intellectual Impairment Sport Football Committee will work with interested members on submitting their full bids by 30 June 2019.

World Intellectual Impairment Sport looks to grow women’s game

Alongside the bid process for 2022, World Intellectual Impairment Sport also announced an aspiration to develop the women’s game.

The football committee is currently consulting with the World Intellectual Impairment Sport membership on which countries have a women’s team and who has a desire to build a side. The aim is to host the first international competition for female players with an intellectual impairment. This could be a full 11-a-side tournament or futsal.

Nick Parr, World Intellectual Impairment Sport Executive Director, said: “We play a crucial role in the growth of Paralympic and non-Paralympic sports all around the world. The development of women’s football is an important element of that drive.

“This year we launched our #WeAreSport project, which aims to inspire more women and girls into sport in the digital age. By using social media to promote themselves, we hope that the athletes that took part can be even bigger role models for the next generation.

“Perhaps, with the work of the World Intellectual Impairment Sport Football Committee and the results of #WeAreSport, in 2022 we might be able to host a World Championships for women too.”

Countries interested in hosting in 2022 should send their expressions of interest, including provisional dates and venues, to [email protected]. Those who already have a women’s team, or who plan one in the future, are also encouraged to contact the same address.

A football is pictured on a pitch relating to a story about women's football

World Intellectual Impairment Sport Football take steps to build women’s game

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The International Federation for Athletes with Intellectual Impairments (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) Football Committee is gathering information from World Intellectual Impairment Sport members about the women’s game in their countries.

Competition is currently only open to men but the committee is keen to find out if women’s teams exist. Alternatively members may be interested in starting their own.

The aim is to establish if there are enough teams to hold the first international competition for women with intellectual impairments. This could be a full 11-a-side tournament or futsal.

John Ball, Chairperson of the World Intellectual Impairment Sport Football Committee, said: “After a successful World Championships in Sweden this year for the men, it is now important that we take steps to build the women’s game.

“We are hoping that countries will come forward to tell us about their activities and players. The membership is key to this process as they are at the forefront of developing sport on a national level.

“We are really interested to hear from anyone who already has a team and from those who may want to start. We can help by providing support and guidance as we have a lot of expertise on the committee.

“World Intellectual Impairment Sport wants to throw the spotlight on football for women with an intellectual impairment and break new ground by beginning to hold international competitions.”

The World Intellectual Impairment Sport Football Committee will spend the coming months gathering information from countries. Afterwards they will evaluate whether an international competition could take place.

World Intellectual Impairment Sport’ role in developing Para sport

World Intellectual Impairment Sport has a crucial role in growing women’s sport for Para athletes on a global level.

In 2018 it launched its #WeAreSport project to inspire more women and girls to take up sport. Eleven athletes from around the world took part in online seminars. These aimed to give them the tools and knowledge to use social media to promote their lives as an athlete.

It is hoped that #WeAreSport will raise awareness and create role models for future female athletes with intellectual impairments.