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

Poland, Saudi Arabia victors in latest group games at football Worlds

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Poland and Saudi Arabia both strengthened their chances of advancing past the group stages of the 2018 International Federation for Athletes with Intellectual Impairments (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) Football World Championships with wins on Wednesday (8 August).

Playing at the Sannersrudsvallen in Kil, Sweden, Poland took on Russia followed by defending champions Saudi Arabia against Japan.

Poland emerged the victors from a tense tie against Russia, winning 4-2.

An incredible long-range free-kick into the area from Poland’s Adam Frackzek was bundled into the goal by Rafal Szkatula in the seventh minute.

Two more goals followed in quick succession later in the half. Piotr Krawczyk and Pawel Michalski scored within two minutes of each other to bring the score to 3-0 at the first whistle.

Russia tried to stage a comeback in the second half. A complacent Polish defence allowed Ivan Romanov through on goal to strike in the 50th minute. Super-substitution Alexey Andrei then scored within three minutes of being on the pitch to bring Russia within touching distance of their opponents.

But Poland successfully took the edge off the Russian charge thanks to another goal – Poland’s fourth and last – from Szkatula.

“I feel very great. I am very proud [of scoring two goals],” Szkatula said. “We are still fighting going into the last game and of course, we hope the final.”

Saudi Arabia continued their unbeaten run in their game against Japan – but only just.

After a goalless first half that saw chances come and go for both sides, Saudi Arabia grabbed the lead in the 73rd minute.

Captain Abdallah Al Dosari buried a cross from Faraj Qausam Jayzani.

“We did everything that we could to win this match but it was difficult,” Al Dosari said.

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

Argentina move to top of group at 2018 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Football Worlds

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Argentina have moved to the top of their group at the 2018 International Federation for Athletes with Intellectual Impairments (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) Football World Championships after a 7-0 win over hosts Sweden on Tuesday (7 August).

Sweden were the leaders going into the game at the Sannavallen Stadium in Kristinehamn on goal difference. However the result against their South American rivals saw them lose the advantage.

The rout began in the 19th minute when Walter Joel Smoulenar was brought down in the box by Mattias Vretling. The referee had no hesitation in awarding Argentina a penalty.

Gaston Ariel Ibarguengoitia slotted the ball home to give his team the lead. Ibarguengoitia then doubled the lead just five minutes later, heading in an impressive cross from Luciano Alejandro Campitelli.

An own goal from Vretling when a back pass took his goalkeeper Adrian Lundgren by surprise brought the score to 3-0 at half-time.

Smoulenar opening the scoring for Argentina in the second half. He was followed by Enzo David Stampone before Campitelli netted his second of the match. Stampone concluded the scoring in the 77th minute.

“We are very happy,” Smoulenar said after the match. “We knew this match would be very important to go further in the tournament.”

The striker has been a key part of Argentina’s attack so far in Sweden, also scoring in their 4-2 win over France. “I am very happy [with my own performance],” Smoulenar continued. “Sometimes I can get frustrated if I don’t score but it worked out well today.”

“[As a team] we have talked about not losing focus. We just need to take it step-by-step and play our game.”

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].

Saudi Arabia v Russia

Defending champions Saudi Arabia overcome Russia at football Worlds

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Defending title holders Saudi Arabia showed why they will be the team to beat at the 2018 International Federation for Athletes with Intellectual Impairments (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) Football World Championships with a 5-1 win over Russia.

Playing at the Solviksvallen stadium in Arvia, Sweden, Saudia Arabia looked completely in control in the first group B game.

Ahmed Bu Hela starred in the impressive attack, scoring two goals on his international debut.

He was also instrumental in Saudi Arabia’s first goal. The team were handed the lead in the opening two minutes when a shot from Bu Hela deflected off the Russian defence for an own goal.

Two more came for Saudi Arabia in the first half, including Helal’s first.

Once again it took just a few minutes after the whistle in the second half for Saudi Arabia to find the net. Abdullah Adam this time powered the ball home after he snuck in behind the Russian defence to make it 4-0.

Helal made it 5-0 in the 59th minute but their attacking play did not go unanswered. Russia’s Stanislav Sedov claimed a consolation goal with just under 30 minutes to play.

Poland v Japan

European Champions Poland came out on top of a close tie with Japan in the second match of the day, 2-1.

Japan were the first to score after a mistake by Russian goalkeeper Michal Wierzbicki. A strike from Japan’s Yusuke Kobayashi looked to have been saved but it just slid under Wierzbicki and over the line to give Japan the lead.

However Pawel Michalski equalised for Poland with just five minutes to go in the first half. A stunning header from Piotr Stawniack in the 54th minute then gave Poland the edge – and proved to be the winning goal.

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].

Sweden celebrate a goal during their 7-3 victory over Germany at the 2018 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Football World Championships

Sweden open football World Championships with win

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Sweden opened their home International Federation for Athletes with Intellectual Impairments (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) Football World Championships with an impressive 7-3 win over Germany on Sunday (5 August).

In front of more than 1,200 fans the hosts’ Johnny Lekander and Hakim Rouass netted a hat-trick each at the Tingvalla IP stadium in Karlstad.

But the Swedish supporters had to wait until the second half to see their team stamp their authority on the game.

A nail-biting first half began with Germany opening the scoring just five minutes in.

Sweden then managed to level the score but the teams were evenly matched, both claiming one more goal each to bring the score to 2-2 after 45 minutes. In the second half the home side found their form, pulling away from the Germans who only managed to score once more.

Argentina v France (4-2)

Argentina enjoyed victory in their opening match against France.

With the score level at 1-1 in the 26th minute, Argentina found the goal once more to take the lead.

France tried to come back in the second half with another goal. However Argentina netted two late goals to bring the score to 4-2 at the final whistle.

Monday (6 August) will feature ties between defending champions Saudi Arabia v and Russia. European title-holders Poland will take on Japan.

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.

The World Championships are being hosted in stadiums across four towns – Tingvalla IP and Örsholmens IP in Karlstad; Sannavallen in Kristinehamn; Solviksvallen in Arvika and the Sannerudsvallen in Kil.

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

World Intellectual Impairment Sport Football World Championships set to get underway in Sweden

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Teams from eight countries have arrived in Sweden for the 2018 International Federation for Athletes with Intellectual Impairments (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) Football World Championships which get underway on Sunday (5 August).

Defending champions Saudi Arabia, hosts Sweden, France, Germany, Argentina, Poland, Japan and Russia will compete for a place in the final on 18 August.

The World Championships will be hosted in stadiums across four towns – Tingvalla IP and Örsholmens IP in Karlstad; Sannavallen in Kristinehamn; Solviksvallen in Arvika and the Sannerudsvallen in Kil.

Games will be 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].

Sweden will get their campaign underway in the opening match at the Tingvalla IP against Germany at 3pm (CEST) on Sunday. Midfielder Anders Jansson is excited about competing in his home town.

“It will be very inspiring to play at home in Karlstad. It is hoped that there will be a lot of people and that in Sweden we will show how we can organise ourselves well.

“[I want] to show up at home to prove to those who never believed in me and underestimated me when I was a teenager when I felt like an outsider. Playing in the national team and doing it at home will be amazing.”

Saudi Arabia return to the pitch in the hope of retaining their title from 2014 in Sao Paulo, Brazil. They have been the world champions since 2006 – a win in Sweden would be their fourth consecutive victory.

Captain Abdallah Aldosari said:

“At the World Championships in Germany in 2006 we did not expect to become world champions at the time, but we had trained a lot. Our readiness began two years before the tournament but we were afraid of the Dutch team and their strength as well as Poland,” Aldosari said.

“After this tournament [2006] we knew what we wanted and how to maintain the title in 2010. We are very prepared to maintain the title and have been able to achieve this already, as we did in the World Championships in Brazil in 2014. That is because of good preparation and regular training through our clubs which we strive to maintain. We strive and train and we have the determination.”

Aldosari believes Saudi Arabia’s biggest competitors will be Poland and Sweden.

Poland are the European champions having beaten France at home in 2016. Sweden also finished third in that competition.

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.

Abdallah Aldosari of Saudi Arabia is pictured holding a ball

Saudi Arabia target fourth consecutive football world title

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Defending champions Saudi Arabia are entering the 2018 International Federation for Athletes with Intellectual Impairments (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) Football World Championships in Sweden as the team to beat as they search for their fourth world title.

Team captain Abdallah Aldosari will lead his team out on Monday (6 August) for their first match against Russia.

As a key element of the Saudi Arabian attack, Aldosari first started playing for the national side in 2002.

He is hopeful that his team can retain their title:

“At the World Championships in Germany in 2006 we did not expect to become world champions at the time, but we had trained a lot. Our readiness began two years before the tournament but we were afraid of the Dutch team and their strength as well as Poland.

“After this tournament [2006] we knew what we wanted and how to maintain the title in 2010. We are very prepared to maintain the title and have been able to achieve this already, as we did in the World Championships in Brazil in 2014. That is because of good preparation and regular training through our clubs which we strive to maintain. We strive and train and we have the determination.”

The secret to their success is the programme run by the Saudi Arabia Paralympic Committee, according to Aldosari. They play league competition against 14 other clubs every year and train together every week. Ahead of the 2018 World Championships they have been on a training camp in the Czech Republic.

Aldosari got into the sport like most other young boys, playing with his friends in school and in the street.  He said it has helped him to overcome his impairment.

I developed my skills and level of thinking through playing and dealing with my colleagues in the stadium, and I was able to control my emotions and many of my social actions,” he said.

European champions Poland and Sweden are the teams that Aldosari says Saudi Arabia will be looking out for most.

However when asked what the atmosphere is like in the team ahead of the biggest competition on the sport’s calendar, he simply said: “Perseverance and perseverance.”

Watch the 2018 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Football World Championships live

The 2018 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Football World Championships will be shown live on the World Intellectual Impairment Sport YouTube channel between 5-18 August.

More information, including results and a schedule, is available at the 2018 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Football World Championships website.

The first group games get underway on Sunday (5 August) ahead of the semi-finals on 16 August and finals on 18 August.

 

 

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

Jansson wants to prove doubters wrong at home World Intellectual Impairment Sport Football Worlds

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Sweden’s Anders Jansson wants to use his home Football World Championships in Karlstad, Sweden, as a platform to prove everyone who doubted him when he was growing up wrong.

Jansson will represent Sweden for the second time at a Worlds between 5-18 August which will be shown live at the Virtus: World Intellectual Impairment Sport YouTube channel.

He has been training four times a week as well as running and cycling and playing regularly with club teams. The national side have been on three training camps in preparation for hosting the biggest competition on the calendar.

“[I want] to show up at home to prove to those who never believed in me and underestimated me when I was a teenager when I felt like an outsider,” Jansson said. “Playing in the national team and doing it at home will be amazing.”

The World Championships will be hosted in stadiums across four towns – Tingvalla IP and Örsholmens IP in Karlstad; Sannavallen in Kristinehamn; Solviksvallen in Arvika and the Sannerudsvallen in Kil.

For Jansson representing his country in Karlstad will be extra special.

“It will be very inspiring to play at home in Karlstad. It is hoped that there will be a lot of people and that in Sweden we will show how we can organise ourselves well.”

Sweden will take on Germany in the opening match at the Tingvalla IP on Sunday (5 August). They will face some very tough opponents, but managed to avoid defending champions Saudi Arabia in the group draw.

Despite the serious business of playing for a world title, Jansson maintains the team’s main aim is to have fun. They are however hoping to reach the semi-finals to improve on their seventh place finish from 2014 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

How it all began

A defensive midfielder, Jansson started playing football when he was aged seven. A love of sports attracted him to the Beautiful Game but he was also inspired by a belief in himself.

“I have the sport [football] and sport to thank in many contexts because I am the one I am today,” he concluded. “Without sport I would not have been who I am.”

The 2018 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Football World Championships will get underway on 5 August with the first group games. The play-offs will then get underway on 14 August before the final on 18 August.

More information, including the results and schedule, is available at the official Championships website.

 

Russia's Valeriia Shabalina poses on the podium with her gold medal at Paris 2018

Paris 2018: 14 records broken

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The 2018 International Federation for Athletes with Intellectual Impairments (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) European Summer Games, organised by World Intellectual Impairment Sport Europe, closed on Saturday (22 July) with an incredible 14 World Intellectual Impairment Sport world records in athletics and swimming.

Here are the top record breakers from the competitions hosted in Paris, France.

Valeriia Shabalina, Russia

Shabalina broke an incredible five individual World Intellectual Impairment Sport world records on her way to gold in Paris in the 800m and 1,500m freestyle, 200m butterfly, 200m and 400m individual medley. The Russian was also part of the mixed freestyle and medley relay teams that also lowered world bests.

Karolina Kucharczyk, Poland

Kucharczyk broke her own World Intellectual Impairment Sport world record in Paris, adding 40cm onto her previous best from 2016. Kucharczyk leapt 12.53m to claim gold. The Polish athlete was also on great form in the 100m hurdles, setting a new record of 14.84 seconds.

Alina Khokhlova, Russia

Lowering a 14 year old World Intellectual Impairment Sport world record set at the 2004 Global Games in Bollnas, Sweden, Khokhlova impressed at the Charlety stadium. The Russian shaved almost two minutes off Marisa Serralheiro’s women’s 5,000m race walk time to finish in 26:18.68.

Maksym Koval, Ukraine

Koval went for broke in the men’s discus, throwing an incredible 45.79m to set a new World Intellectual Impairment Sport world record.

Mikhail Kuliabin, Russia

Like compatriot and fellow swimmer Shabalina, Kuliabin also made the most of the fast pool in Paris. He set a new World Intellectual Impairment Sport record of 28.96 seconds in the 50m backstroke.

All World Intellectual Impairment Sport world records can be viewed at the results, rankings and records page.

Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games mascot named Someity

Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games mascot named Someity

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By Tokyo 2020

The mascots of both the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 greeted the Japanese public for the first time at their naming ceremony on Sunday (22 July). Thousands of children and adults joined meet and greet events across the Japanese capital to welcome the new ambassadors of the Tokyo 2020 Games.

Check-out the Tokyo 2020 mascot introduction video.

Origin of their names

The Tokyo 2020 Paralympic mascot’s name was revealed as Someity, (pronounced soh-may-tee) which comes from someiyoshino, a popular cherry blossom variety, and additionally echoes the English phrase “so mighty”. Someity has tactile cherry blossom sensors and exhibits enormous mental and physical strength. It represents Paralympic athletes who overcome obstacles and redefine the boundaries of what is possible.

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic mascot’s name was revealed as Miraitowa (pronounced mee-rah-e-toh-wa), based on the Japanese words mirai (future) and towa (eternity) combined. This name was chosen to promote a future full of eternal hope in the hearts of people all over the world.

Check their profiles

Someity is a cool character with cherry blossom tactile sensors and super powers. It can send and receive messages telepathically using the cherry blossom antennae on both sides of its face. It can also fly using its ichimatsu-pattern cloak. It is usually quiet, but it can exhibit great power when necessary. It embodies Paralympic athletes that demonstrate superhuman power. Someity has a dignified inner strength and it also loves nature. It can talk to stones and wind by using its super power, and is also able to move things by just looking at them.

Miraitowa has the same indigo blue ichimatsu-patterns as the Tokyo 2020 Games Emblem on its head and body. The mascot’s personality is derived from a traditional Japanese proverb that means to learn old things well and to acquire new knowledge from them. The mascot has both an old-fashioned aspect that respects tradition and an innovative aspect that is in tune with cutting-edge information . It has a strong sense of justice, and is very athletic. The mascot has the special ability to move anywhere instantly.

The duo finally made their debut on Sunday and are already anticipating a busy schedule ahead.

Between December 2017 and February 2018, more than 75 per cent of the elementary schools in Japan and a number of overseas Japanese schools took part in a selection process and voted for their favourite set of mascot designs.

Miraitowa and Someity live in the digital world, and can move freely between there and the real world via the internet.

Anna McBride reaches for a shot

World Intellectual Impairment Sport Tennis World Championships conclude with gold for Great Britain, Australia

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British 14-year-old Anna McBride has become the 2018 International Federation for Athletes with Intellectual Impairments (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) Tennis women’s singles world champion after beating defending title holder Hanne Lavreyson in Paris, France, on Saturday (21 July).

McBride beat the Belgian 6-2, 6-0 despite picking up an injury in the second set. The British teenager forced multiple mistakes from her opponent who was searching for a third consecutive title.

McBride however took the gold on her major international debut. That added to her mixed doubles title with Dominic Iannotti from Friday (20 July).

“I’m really happy to have come through a tough battle and really proud to play for Great Britain and represent female tennis, it was a good match,” McBride said.

“In the second set I realised that my movement was effected because my back was hurting so I just played more high percentage tennis into the back of the court, keeping it deep so she couldn’t move me around more.”

Of her future plans after an incredible first Worlds, McBride continued: “Unfortunately in the last year I’ve had a back injury and also an ankle injury so I’ve not been able to train but in the next year I’ll be looking to play more ITF [International Tennis Federation] tennis and also do blocks of training in Spain. And continue to train with World Intellectual Impairment Sport and hopefully I’ll get picked for the team again.”

The bronze went to Australia’s Kelly Wren after she beat compatriot Carla Lenarduzzi.

Australia’s Archie Graham claimed his fourth consecutive men’s singles world title.

Playing Great Britain’s Fabrice Higgins the world no.1 reached a straight sets victory (6-3, 6-1) on court A. Higgins did unsettle the defending champion with a scattering of great shots, but Graham kept his cool.

With his win the Australian places himself in a good position ahead of his home World Championships in 2019. He will play at the World Intellectual Impairment Sport Global Games in Brisbane – the world’s biggest high performance sports events for athletes with intellectual impairments.

“I feel a little bit tired but very emotional and good at the moment,” Graham said. “It’s a good feeling to win the fourth title in a row.

“It’s always tough against Fabrice. We’ve played a few matches before and it’s always a grinder – today was no different. I always get excited when I win against him, he’s a top player.”

The Czech Republic’s Ondrej Sedlisky emerged from the bronze medal game as the winner against Australia’s Mitchell James.

A close two sets saw Sedlisky take the win in 7-5, 6-4.

Men’s doubles delivers

Iannotti and Higgins partnered to win a tense men’s doubles final against Australia’s Damian Phillips and Graham.

The match was one of the highlights of the day with both sides registering impressive plays.

However it was Iannotti and Higgins that had the edge, holding their nerve to win 6-4, 6-3. Unable to hide their delight with retaining their title, the duo shouted with joy when their opponents’ final shot landed wide.

“It was a great feeling when that last shot went out,” Higgins said. “It was a tough game but I believed in mine and Dom’s ability to come through that game and we started the game how we finished it – strong and aggressive – and I think the better team in the end.”

Iannotti continued: “As Fab said it was important to communicate well, to work together. We knew it was going to be a very tough final having played [Graham and Phillips] last year and that being very close as well. When that last point ended we were so happy to get the title and hopefully there will be many more to come.”

The Czech Republic picked up the bronze courtesy of Jiri Humhal and Selidsky.

Results from the 2018 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Cycling and Tennis World Championships are available here. High resolution pictures can be downloaded here.

As well as cycling and tennis, athletics, basketball, cycling, hockey, table tennis, swimming and petanque were all contested. The 2018 World Intellectual Impairment Sport European Summer Games were organised by World Intellectual Impairment Sport Europe.