Hong Kong's Ka Man Wong lines up to hit the ball

Wong has her eyes on the prize on the road to 2019 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Global Games

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By Mariam Khan | For Virtus: World Intellectual Impairment Sport

Hong Kong’s Ka Man Wong has her heart and mind set on retaining the women’s table tennis singles Global Games title next year in Brisbane, Australia.

In 2015 in Guayaquil, Ecuador, Wong defeated teammate Mui Wui Ng. Now the London 2012 Paralympic gold medallist is training hard to be at her best once again.

The week-long Global Games, conducted every four years, will be held between 12-19 October 2019. They are the world’s biggest high performance sports event for athletes with intellectual impairments. The Games feature nine sports and over 1,000 athletes from all over the world.

For Wong the Global Games are all about performing well and striving for medals, and that motivates her to succeed. “This is one of the most important competitions after the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games and World Intellectual Impairment Sport 2017 World Table Tennis Championships,” she said.

Clinching a gold at the last edition was the “third important medal” for Wong, after her Paralympic gold and Asian Para Games title from Incheon, South Korea, also in 2014.

Wong started playing table tennis in 2000. The challenging elements of the sport is what she relishes the most.

“I enjoy the moment when I can grasp a win after putting all my efforts in the game,” she adds.

What is next for Wong?

It was her father who discovered her potential and encouraged her to take up the sport. Wong finds a sense of accomplishment in staying dedicated to the sport all these years.

Wong is looking forward to the Global Games as she will get to meet and compete with different players from various countries. “To me, Global Games is not only a platform to compete, but also an opportunity to make friends and widen my own horizons,” she said.

There are many players who can give Wong tough competition. But she believes it all lies in her own play. The Hong Kong athlete also needs to spend more time in training to overcome a long-term knee injury that causes difficulty in training.

“All I have to do is to be concentrated and properly execute tactics suggested by coaches,” she said.

The 2019 Global Games also act as the World Championships for all sports. For table tennis, athletics and swimming they are a key stop on the road to the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. For all other athletes it is the highest level they can compete at.

The USA's Jonathan Pierce acknowledges the crowds

Pierce eyes Tokyo 2020 swimming berth

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By Georgia McCutcheon and Virtus: World Intellectual Impairment Sport

With two years to go until Tokyo 2020, Jonathan Pierce – one of his country’s most promising athletes – is aiming to be the first male swimmer with an intellectual impairment from the USA to compete at a Paralympic Games.

At his first Para swimming meet in 2016, Pierce swam nine races and broke seven national records. Officials after the meet were in awe – they could not believe that they had never encountered him before. This competitiveness persisted as Pierce continued swimming, and he currently holds 14 regional International Federation for Athletes with Intellectual Impairments (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) Americas records and 21 national.

Over the coming 18 months, Pierce is favored to be selected to attend the 2019 Global Games in Brisbane, Australia – a key stop on the road to Tokyo 2020. He is supported by Athletes Without Limits, the Virtus: World Intellectual Impairment Sport member responsible for the Paralympic pathway for athletes with intellectual impairments in the USA.

At the 2017 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Swimming Championships in Aguascalientes, Mexico, Pierce left with three medals, including a gold and two bronzes. This is despite suffering a stomach bug that took him out of competition for nearly two days. Having spent a morning sick in his hotel room, that evening Pierce insisted he swim in the relay so that the US team could compete.

According to Pierce, his goals are to “get faster and to hopefully qualify for the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo.”

Celeste Sychterz, Head Coach of the Athletes Without Limits national team noted: “Johnny is a tremendous competitor. He’s worked incredibly hard to transform physically over the past two years. His performance at the World Intellectual Impairment Sport Swimming Championships, his sportsmanship and his camaraderie with the entire US team is a testament to his success. Johnny is continuing to improve and will make an impact at next year’s Global Games for the US team.”

Already a member of the US Para-Swimming Emerging Team, he is aiming to shed more time and to qualify for the Paralympic B Team. Though there are still standards that he must meet, he is highly motivated to improve his times.

If he qualifies for Tokyo 2020, Pierce would be the first intellectually impaired man to swim in the Paralympics for his country. He would join Leslie Cichocki, who became the first American S14 female swimmer to compete at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

When discussing what Pierce enjoys most about participating in global swimming competitions, he responded: “I like to travel to new countries and compete in swimming. I like to meet new people and make new friends in other countries too.”

Pierce’s natural comfort in the water was evident very young. It lead him to participate in swimming lessons as a child and a competitive swimming programme throughout high school.

In April, competing at home in Indianapolis at the World Para Swimming World Series, Pierce swam against some of the best in the world. He qualified for four finals and moving into ninth place in the world rankings in the 400m freestyle.

Floating baby

Though Pierce’s training schedule is jam-packed, with morning swim practices six days a week and evening gym workouts five days a week, he also benefits from a natural ability in the water.

His father, Tim Pierce, described his son as being really comfortable in water, even at three years of age: “He would float for an hour in the deep end, ears submerged, and laugh when going under.”

Now Pierce will be hoping that what was once a means of sanctuary can deliver the same joy at the highest levels in two years time in Japan.

Saudi Arabia are presented with their 2018 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Football World Championships trophy

Saudi Arabia become four time football world champions

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Saudi Arabia bagged their fourth International Federation for Athletes with Intellectual Impairments (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) Football World Championships crown in Karlstad, Sweden, on Saturday (18 August).

The defending champions swept aside Argentina 2-0, with both goals coming from captain Abdullah Al Dosari.

Aldosari opened the scoring mid-way through the first half with a stunning free kick from just outside the 18-yard box.

Argentina had their chances too, but the first whistle blew with the score at 1-0.

Saudi Arabia then had to hold on until deep into the second half. Al Dosari struck again in the 81st minute from another free kick, close to the same position as his first goal to secure his country’s win.

Speaking after the game Al Dosari said: “It is a great feeling to win the fourth world title and it feels fantastic. I cannot describe the feelings, I am really happy.

“It’s not only about me, it’s about the team. We have 11 players and we are a good team, we have a good strategy. It’s not only about me, everyone takes his responsibility.”

Poland v France – bronze medal game

Three goals came for Poland in the first half of their 4-1 win over France for third place.

Two players – Lukasz Mludzikowski and Piotr Krawczyk – starred for Poland with two goals each.

Krawczyk got his team on the board in the 12th minute, adding one more just over 10 minutes later.

Mludzikowski opened his account just before half time from a corner, scoring again in the 63rd minute.

France regained some ground courtesy of Marcel Atanso with five minutes left on the clock, but it was not enough to unsettle Poland.

In the other placement games, Russia beat Japan 5-3 to claim fifth place. Hosts Sweden finished in 7th after their 4-1 win over Germany.

About the 2018 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Football World Championships

The 2018 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Football World Championships have seen eight countries play for the title – Sweden, France, Germany and Argentina. Saudi Arabia, Poland, Japan and Russia.

Games were shown live at the World Intellectual Impairment Sport YouTube channel. Full results are available at https://iwfc.se/.

Photographs are available on request from [email protected].

The logo of the 2018 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Football World Championships featuring the Swedish flag drawn artistically

Argentina grab final spot after dramatic win over Poland

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Argentina secured themselves a place in the final of the 2018 International Federation for Athletes with Intellectual Impairments (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) Football World Championships after a tension-filled match that ended with penalties in Karlstad, Sweden, on Thursday (16 August).

With the first half ending goal-less despite chances for both sides, including Argentina hitting the post, the South American side were the first to find the net.

Top scorer Gaston Ariel Ibarguengoitia struck a cross from Luciano Alejandro Campitelli in the 60th minute to give his team the lead.

But European champions Poland fought back just seven minutes later. Piotr Krawczyk capitalised on a neat set of passes from the midfield and, despite hitting the post with his shins and nearly injuring himself, managed to nudge the ball home to bring Poland level.

The whistle blew at full-time but there was more drama to come.

Argentina once again edged ahead courtesy of Ibarguengoitia in the first 15 minutes.

Poland refused to give-up and levelled the score for the second time in the match. Pawel Michalski scored after Argentina let their guard down to allow Krawczyk an almost unchallenged run down the right wing where he passed the ball to his teammate.

But with no more goals attention turned to the penalty spot.

Argentina and Poland both scored their two opening chances. But it was Krawczyk, the man who had been involved with both of Poland’s goals, that was the first to have his shot saved by Argentina’s Fernando Rafael Pereira.

With the pressure on to maintain their goalscoring record, Rodrigo Balquin steeped up to score Argentina’s fourth penalty.

Poland’s Patryk Kruszec, now under extreme pressure, then missed to hand Argentina a 4-2 victory.

Defending champions Saudi Arabia to meet Argentina in the final

Saudi Arabia maintained their great run in Sweden to advance to the final after a 4-1 win over France.

Team captain Abdullah Aldosari was the first to score for the defending champions in the 16th minute from the penalty spot.

He was bought down in the area after an untidy challenge from Dylan Moreau and duly converted. Abdullah Adam added one more in the 20th minute.

France clawed back some ground just before half-time, also from a penalty. Fuad Ahmed Kaabi was seen to hand-ball a free kick in the box. The task of taking the shot fell to Morgan Lebraud who slotted it home.

But what seemed like a glimmer of hope for the French faded in the second half when two more goals came for Saudi Arabia. The first was a great effort from Ahmed Bu Helal who dummied the French defense before firing a shot across the goal and into the far corner.

Omar Abdullah Kaseer then claimed the fourth in the final minute.

“It will be a strong match and we need to prepare [for Argentina] more than this game,” Helal said.

Saudi Arabia will face Argentina for the title on Saturday (18 August). France will play Poland for third place in the day’s first game.

About the 2018 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Football World Championships

The 2018 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Football World Championships have seen eight countries play for the title – Sweden, France, Germany and Argentina. Saudi Arabia, Poland, Japan and Russia.

Games are being shown live at the World Intellectual Impairment Sport YouTube channel. Information about groups, the schedule and results are available at https://iwfc.se/.

Photographs are available on request from [email protected].

Japan beat Sweden on penalties

Japan beat Sweden on penalties at 2018 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Football Worlds

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Japan edged a nail-biting 5-3 victory on penalties over hosts Sweden in blazing sunshine at the 2018 International Federation for Athletes with Intellectual Impairments (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) Football World Championships on Wednesday (15 August).

The win means Japanw will advance to the fifth-place play-off, when they will play Russia after their 9-0 rout over Germany.

In normal time Japan achieved a 39th minute breakthrough from a Hiroto Adachi with a close range finish into the Swedish net.

Kazuma Kimura made a searching run into the box and the Swedish defence failed to clear the ball. It rolled across the five-yard box and Adachi slotted the ball home to give Japan the lead at half-time.

As the sun continued to shine, many local fans brought deck chairs and settled down for the second half.

Their loyalty was nearly rewarded early on when Sweden just missed a shot on goal. The hosts then equalised with an 84th minute goal with centre back Houssein Soumare heading in a quality cross.

Neither team could produce a goal in extra time and with the weather players were tiring. The game was destined for penalties.

Both teams delivered some quality kicks. However it was Sweden who made the first mistake, when Hidemitsu Uchibori saved their third penalty.

Japan’s Takuya Taniguchi stepped up to win the match 5-3. The Japanese were delighted and immediately celebrated with their coaching staff.

Yuki Urakawa netted Japan’s third penalty: “I am happy with the win. We have a strong heart that got us the goals,” he said. “We believed in our goalkeeper.”

Russia produce thriller against Germany

Russia will face Japan for fifth place after they produced a stunning 9-0 victory over Germany in Wednesday’s second game.

The Russians started the first half with lots of chances and the Germans could not cope with their attacking play, finding themselves 5-0 down at half-time.

A goal from Beglar Galustian in 27th minute gave Russia the lead. That was quickly followed by another from Ivan Romanov less than 60 seconds later.

Alexey Shcherbakov and Dmitry Bugaev scored in the 32nd and 44th minute respectively before Romanov doubled his goal count right before the first whistle.

Despite their comfortable lead Russia did not hold back in the second half.

Germany gave away a penalty in the 74th minute, calmly slotted in by Bugaev.

That gave Russia a boost and when Andrey Alexeev came on as a substitute he scored twice to bring their lead to 8-0. In the final minutes of the game, Dmitry Kazakov scored the ninth and final goal.

Afterwards an overwhelmed Bugaev said: “It was a good game. We will enjoy this wonderful victory today and then we will work on the next game against Japan.”

Germany will now play Sweden for seventh place on Friday (17 August) alongside the Japan v Russia fixture.

The semi-finals between Argentina and Poland and Saudi Arabia v France will take place on Thursday (16 August).

About the 2018 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Football World Championships

The 2018 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Football World Championships have seen eight countries play for the title – Sweden, France, Germany and Argentina. Saudi Arabia, Poland, Japan and Russia.

Games are being shown live at the World Intellectual Impairment Sport YouTube channel. Information about groups, the schedule and results are available at https://iwfc.se/.

Photographs are available on request from [email protected].

France beat hosts Sweden to semi-final place at 2018 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Football Worlds

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France secured the last semi-final place at the 2018 International Federation for Athletes with Intellectual Impairments (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) Football World Championships after beating hosts Sweden 6-0 in the final group A game on Monday (13 August).

Super-substitution Morgan Lebraud proved to be the difference, scoring a hat-trick for the French after he came on at half time.

However it was Florent Paris who opened the scoring, adding another goal to his haul with a powerful strike from the edge of the box in the 16th minute.

Sweden managed to hold off their advancing opponents for the rest of the half but the French were the fresher team after the first whistle.

They kept pushing before Lebraud finally found the net, scoring three times within 10 minutes to break Swedish hearts.

His first goal came in the 60th minute after he capitalised on a miss-kick from teammate Marcel Atanso in the Swedish area. The second was a penalty but the third was something very special. Lebraud chipped the ball over the Swedish defence from around 17m out to cement the French win at 4-0.

Winsley Jean-Francois and Antaso added another two in the dying minutes of the game, making France look like a threat heading into their semi-final.

They will face a tough tie with Group B winners Saudi Arabia, who are also the defending champions.

“During the first half, we tried to work,” Lebraud said. “During the second half the Swedish players were tired and it was easy to win and score five goals.

“For the first time the France team is in the semi-final of the World Championships and playing Saudi Arabia. We are looking forward to the game.”

The other semi-final will feature a clash between Poland and Argentina. Both semi-finals will take place on 16th August at the Tingvalla IP Stadium in Karlstad.

About the 2018 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Football World Championships

The 2018 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Football World Championships have seen eight countries play for the title – Sweden, France, Germany and Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Poland, Japan and Russia.

In addition to the semi-finals, the six four other teams will place placement games on 15th and 17th August to determine the final rankings from 4th-8th.

Games are being shown live at the World Intellectual Impairment Sport YouTube channel. Information about groups, the schedule and results are available at https://iwfc.se/.

Photographs are available on request from [email protected].

A Swedish players leaps into the air to head the ball towards goal

Stefan Schwarz and Sven Göran Eriksson to award medals at 2018 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Football Worlds

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Swedish football legends Stefan Schwarz and Sven Göran Eriksson will hand out medals the 2018 International Federation for Athletes with Intellectual Impairments (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) Football World Championships on Saturday (18 August).

Teams from France, Sweden Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Poland, Russia, Japan and Germany have been playing in two groups in four Swedish cities over the last week for a place in the semi-finals.

Saudi Arabia and Poland have advanced to the next stage from group B. In group A France and Sweden will battle for the final play-off spot on Monday (13 August) to join Argentina.

The semi-finals will take place on Thursday (16 August). The final will follow on Saturday at 2.30pm (CEST) at the Tingvalla IP Stadium in Karlstad when Schwarz and Göran Eriksson will award medals.

Games are beng streamed lived at the World Intellectual Impairment Sport YouTube channel.

Schwarz said:

”It has been such a privilege to follow the World Intellectual Impairment Sport Football World Championships via the livestream. I have seen all the games played and there has been some great and positive football played throughout the tournament. I must give the Swedish organisers and World Intellectual Impairment Sport a big applaud for a tremendous effort.

”Me and Sven Goran have known each other for quite some time now. It was Sven Goran who took me under his wing when I went to Benfica and Portugal. I have always loved the leadership he brings to the table. It is always about the team; not the individual. Sven Goran has also been exceptionally well in the way he has handled the media and press over the years.

”We have kept our relation close during all these years and speak from time to time on the phone and now we can join forces to attend World Intellectual Impairment Sport Football World Championships 2018 and it’s prize ceremony this coming Saturday: I cherish that.

”I am also looking forward to enjoying the final. May the two best teams make it.”

Andreas Slatt, the Head of Marketing and Communications for the Local Organising Committee of Sweden 2018, said:

”It is truly awesome to finally release this information. Mr Schwarz and Mr Eriksson are two of our greatest footballers in their profession; as a player and as a coach.

”Stefan Schwarz is the World Cup ambassador for the 2018 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Football World Championships and it is extra fun that he brings his close friend, Mr Sven Goran Eriksson to the final ceremonies and also to attend the prize ceremony.”

Argentina celebrate a goal against Sweden

Argentina advance to semi-finals after unbeaten run

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Argentina advanced to the semi-finals of the 2018 International Federation for Athletes with Intellectual Impairments (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) Football World Championships unbeaten after an 8-0 win over Germany on Saturday (11 August).

The game at Sannerudsvallen Stadium in Kil was Argentina’s third of the tournament in group A after they beat hosts Sweden and France. They were also handed three points after South Africa withdrew from the competition and finish at the top of their group with 12 points.

A damp day proved a relief to both teams after the Europe-wide heatwave broke in Sweden.

A skilful string of play led to the first goal for Argentina in the 20th minute. It ended with David Antonio receiving a cross from Luciano Alejandro in the box and firing it into the net.

Enzo David Stampone broke free from the German defence a few minutes later to double Argentina’s lead from a cross.

Antonio then scored again with a great header from the far post.

Victor Manuel Ammirato capitalised on confusion in the box to poke the ball home to close the half 4-0 up. He followed up in the second half, adding one more to his tally.

Stampone became the third Argentinian player to bag two goals when he headed in a lofty ball in the 77th minute.

With the score now at 6-0, two more players joined the party – both substitutions.

As the Germans looked ever more downtrodden, Brian Sergio Daniel Paz Alameda fired the ball across the box and into the net.

The scoring concluded in the 84th minute with another header – this time from Jose Luis Navarro – from a corner.

About the 2018 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Football World Championships

Saudi Arabia and Poland have secured their place in the semi-finals as the top two from group B. The final semi-final place from group A will be decided on Monday (13 August) when France take on hosts Sweden.

The semi-finals take place on 16 August ahead of the final on 18 August. Matches to decide 5-8th place will also be played.

Group A features Sweden, France, Germany and Argentina. Saudi Arabia, Poland, Japan and Russia are in group B. All teams in group A were awarded a 3-0 scoreline for fixtures against South Africa after their late withdrawal.

Games are being shown live at the World Intellectual Impairment Sport YouTube channel. Information about groups, the schedule and results are available at https://iwfc.se/.

Photographs are available on request from [email protected].

A Russian player defends against a Japanese attack

Russia produce come-back against Japan

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Russia came back from 1-0 down against Japan at half-time to secure their first three points of the 2018 International Federation for Athletes with Intellectual Impairments (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) Football World Championships on Friday (10 August).

Kai Sato scored the opener for Japan just eight minutes in but after the first whistle Russia found some form.

Andrey Alexeev equalised with just under 30 minutes left on the clock. A tense period followed with chances from both sides. But it was Russia who managed to find the back of the net in the dying stages of the game. Beglar Galustian was the hero in the 88th minute to give his team a 2-1 win.

Despite their performance Russia will not advance to the semi-finals. Alongside Japan in group B they will play for honours whilst Saudi Arabia and Poland make it through.

A clash between the group leaders was the second game of the day.

Saudi Arabia were the team with most chances throughout the 90 minutes of high energy play. Saudi Arabia top the group on goal difference.

However neither team found the back of the net and it ended 0-0.

About the 2018 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Football World Championships

Teams will play in two groups of four ahead of the semi-finals on 16 August and final on 18 August.

Group A features Sweden, France, Germany and Argentina. Saudi Arabia, Poland, Japan and Russia are in group B. All teams in group A will be awarded a 3-0 scoreline for fixtures against South Africa after their late withdrawal.

Games are being shown live at the World Intellectual Impairment Sport YouTube channel. Information about groups, the schedule and results are available at https://iwfc.se/.

Photographs will be available on request from [email protected].

 

The logo of the 2018 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Football World Championships featuring the Swedish flag drawn artistically

France strengthen chances at 2018 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Football Championships

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France have pulled themselves equal on points in group A with hosts Sweden after a 4-0 win over Germany at the 2018 International Federation for Athletes with Intellectual Impairments (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) Football World Championships on Thursday (9 August).

France now have six points but sit third behind Sweden on goal difference. They will play the hosts on Monday (13 August) in a crucial match which may decide who will advance to the semi-finals.

A goal from Kevin Bellanger in the 28th minute gave France the lead. Bellanger miss-hit the ball but it was was deflected into the goal nonetheless.

The rest of the first half saw chances for both sides but no one could capitalise.

It was not until the 78th minute that France managed to double their lead. A screaming cross from Gaetan Begue found the head of Florent Paris and was poked into the back of the net.

That opened the flood gates for France. Morgan Lebraud followed just a few minutes later with a shot from just inside the area that German goalkeeper Sascha Mundorf could not stop.

Begue was the then scorer of France’s fourth and final with just three minutes left on the clock. He calmly slotted the ball past Mundorf and celebrated with a back flip.

Paris said: “It was a good match. It was necessary for us to win today because we lost the first match against Argentina.

French technical advisor Herve Dewaele said: “We had a special preparation for this game – we watched Germany on the TV and we tried to have the best preparation. We will do the same against Sweden.

About the 2018 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Football World Championships

Teams will play in two groups of four ahead of the semi-finals on 16 August and final on 18 August.

Group A features Sweden, France, Germany and Argentina. Saudi Arabia, Poland, Japan and Russia are in group B. All teams in group A will be awarded a 3-0 scoreline for fixtures against South Africa after their late withdrawal.

Games are being shown live at the World Intellectual Impairment Sport YouTube channel. Information about groups, the schedule and results are available at https://iwfc.se/.

Photographs will be available on request from [email protected].