Mexico win first medals at 2017 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Swimming Championships

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The first morning session of the 2017 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Swimming Championships delivered five gold medals for the hosts on Wednesday (29 November) in Aguascalientes, Mexico.

Mexico grabbed their first two gold medals of the competition in the youth category.

Alejandro Alvarado (28.35) touched in first to claim gold in the 50m freestyle. Compatriot Angel Fernando Gutierrez (29.34) claimed silver.

Alvarado went on to take gold in the 200m individual medley in 2:41.16.

In the final of the women’s 200m backstroke Down syndrome Mariana Escamilla Brana (3:45.68) continued the Mexican gold rush. She was joined on the podium by two of her teammates.

Sandra Cecilia Del Real (4:04.30) took silver whilst Sarahi Narvaes Alarcon (4:15.82) secured bronze.

Mexico’s Dunia Camacho Marenco (13:16.15) was the victor in the women’s 800m freestyle Down syndrome. South Africa’s Melisa van Bosch (14:16.22) was second and Mexico’s Paola Veloz Barcenas (14:29.15) took bronze.

Mexico’s Marco Antonio Martinez (11:28.97) leaves Aguascalientes with gold after winning the men’s 800m freestyle autism.

S14

The men’s 50m freestyle S14 heats saw three Brazilians finish in the top three. Brazil’s Gustavo De Oliveira Nunes (26.30) qualified fastest ahead of teammate Andre Luiz Bento Silva Filho (26.40). Gutemberg De Souza (27.26) was third.

The women’s saw Japan’s Kasumi Fukui (30.32) touch the wall in first. Brazil’s Ana Karolina Soares (30.42) was second. The USA’s Leslie Cichocki (31.16), the 2015 silver medallist, was third.

Paralympian Felipe Caltran Vila Real (2:32.43) led the heats in the men’s 200m individual medley SM14. South Africa’s Aaron Putz (2:33.22) was second with France’s Nathan Maillet (2:34.12) third.

Australia’s Nikesha Sophie Harding (2:48.78) went quickest in the women’s 200m individual medley SM14. Brazil’s Beatriz Borges Carneiro (2:54.41) was second and Austria’s Janina Falk (2:55.10) third.

Putz heads through to the men’s 200m backstroke S14 final as the fastest with a time of 2:35.97. His teammate David Coates (2:46.34) was second.  Spain’s Adrian Manuel Santana (2:47.61) was third.

In the women’s heats Brazil’s Ana Karolina Soares Oliveira (2:47.00) led the field. Cichoki (2:50.53) was second followed by Poland’s Angelica Koniecko (2:53.62).

The USA’s Jonathan Pierce led the way in the men’s 800m, dominating the longer distance in 9:56.63.

Australia’s Benjamin Morrison (9:59.31) was second. Japan’s Kenichiro Matsuda (9:59.83) third.

Mexico’s Beatriz Resendiz De Garcia (10:30.78) will lead the women’s event this evening. Australia’s Jade Lucy (10:32.55) was second and Falk (11:22.03) third.

Down syndrome

Great Britain’s Billy Birchmore claimed gold in the men’s 200m backstroke. A strong swim from the Brit saw him take the win in 3:04.21. Birchmore was followed onto the podium by Mexico’s Juan Carlos Hermosillo (3:22.63). Pedro Fernandes Domingues (3:27.52)

Birchmore also set a competition best in the men’s 50m freestyle heats with a 30.56 swim. Brazil’s Caique Aimore (30.59) and Colombia’s Jaider Stiwen Hernandez (32.77) completed the top three.

Spain’s Camino Martinez (37.74) heads into the final of the women’s fastest. Mexican teammates Duni Camacho (38.25) and Paolo Veloz Barcenas (38.54) will also go for medals in this evening’s finals.

Stiwen Hernandez was then the victor in the men’s 800m freestyle, securing gold in 12:43.12. Jonathan Trejo Garcia (12:49.17) took silver for the hosts. He was followed onto the podium by Mexico’s Giovanni Flores Hernandez (13:32.72) in third.

Spain’s Camino Martinez (37.74) heads into the final of the women’s as the fastest swimmer. Mexican teammates Duni Camacho (38.25) and Paolo Veloz Barcenas (38.54) will also go for medals in this evening’s finals.

In the women’s 200m individual medley heat Mexico’s Daniela Michelle De Lorea (3:47.37) went quickest. Spain’s Camino Martinez De La Riva (3:47.58) was second. Brazil’s Kelly Da Silva Antunes (3:53.10) was third.

Full results are available at www.inas.org/events/results/results-2017-inas-swimming-championships

The 2017 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Swimming Championships run until 3 December.

Live coverage, behind the scenes content, videos and pictures are available at World Intellectual Impairment Sport Facebook and Twitter.

Stage set for historic 2017 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Swimming Championships

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A swimmer emerged from the water

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More than 150 athletes from 20 countries are ready for the 2017 International Federation for Intellectual Impairment Sport (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) Swimming Championships which get underway in Aguascalientes, Mexico, on Tuesday (28 November).

The competition will be the first World Intellectual Impairment Sport Swimming Championships to be held in the Americas. It will also see the debut of trial eligibility groups for Down syndrome and autism.

In the existing S14 classification a star-studded line-up features returning champions, medallists and Paralympians.

Brazil’s Felipe Caltran Vila Real is one of the headline acts.

Vila Real is the defending champion from the 2015 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Global Games, which also act as the World Championships, in the men’s 200 butterfly. He is also a silver medallist in the 400m individual medley.

“I expect it to be a Championship full of good memories and achievements for me,” he said. “I expect a good competition because the athletes there are really determined.”

Also returning as a triple world champion is Chinese Taipei’s Jo Lin Tu in the women’s S14. Tu grabbed gold in the 50m, 100m and 200m butterfly in 2015.

Two Australians will be Tu’s main rivals – Nikesha Harding and Jade Lucy.

Harding has her eye on the defence of her 50m breaststroke gold as well as good results in other events.

“When I became the 50m breaststroke champion at the Global Games it was my greatest moment!” Harding said. “I had specifically prepared for this event. I will certainly fight to retain my title in Mexico but there is an exceptional field of swimmers to beat. I have specialised in butterfly and I aim for fantastic results in the 50m, 100m and 200m fly. These are my pet events.

“I feel strong and ready to take on the world’s best in Mexico. I earned the nickname ‘The Machine’ in Ecuador and I will make my country proud.”

Jade Lucy is aiming to retain her 400m and 800m freestyle titles.

“Hopefully I can repeat my performance from the Global Games in 2015,” Harding said. “The 400 free is one of my favourite events. I like the 800 free but don’t have many opportunities to race it.”

Morning sessions begin at 9am (CST) and afternoon sessions at 4pm each day.

Live results will be available here throughout the competition.

Medals will be awarded in four separate categories – S14, Down syndrome, autism and youth (under 17s).

Where there are enough athletes in the Down syndrome category to hold heats and finals, the finals will be contested in the afternoon sessions.

All other races will be run in the morning sessions as mixed class, with the winners in each trial category (Down syndrome and autism) awarded medals accordingly. The S14 athletes in those races will then advance to the finals in the afternoon session.

Live updates and behind the scenes content will be available at World Intellectual Impairment Sport’ Facebook and Twitter.

Mills top scorer as Australia Gold take Worlds victory

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A group of female basketball players with intellectual impairments

Credit: Australian Pearls

Australia Gold claimed the women’s title at the 2017 International Federation for Intellectual Impairment Sport (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) World Basketball Championships on Saturday (25 November) as Eliza Mills was named best female player and top scorer across the tournament in Loano, Italy.

The Golds played their compatriots Australia Green in the final. Both teams dominated the women’s 3×3 competition, the first time the format has been played at a World Championships.

The Greens opened the scoring with two baskets but were eventually overcome by their opponents. Jess McCulloch led the scoring for the silver medallists with four points.

Meanwhile all five players bagged points for the Golds, with Kaitlyn Papworth the top scorer with five points.

Mills claimed the overall top scorer accolade with 27 points from five games.

In the men’s 5×5 France claimed the title over 2013 world champions Portugal with a 66-31 win.

Australia were third, beating Poland 88-52. Jake De La Motte was the top scorer for the bronze medallists, netting 111 points over the Championships.

The 2017 World Intellectual Impairment Sport World Basketball Championships featured men’s and women’s teams from six countries – Australia, France, Poland, Portugal, Egypt and Japan.

Brazilian twins aim to make a splash at swimming Champs

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Two swimmers

©Alexandre Urch/MPIX/CPB

Brazilian twins Beatriz and Debora Carneiro are targeting medals and records at the upcoming International Federation for Intellectual Impairment Sport (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) Swimming Championships in Aguascalientes, Mexico.

The 19-year-old pair are both swimming for honours as they take on more than 160 other athletes from 20 countries from 27 November – 3 December.

“I want to prepare for the World Championships and get a medal at both World Intellectual Impairment Sport Championships and at the World [Para Swimming] Championships,” Beatriz said.

Débora agreed: “I want to go to the podium, win medals and break many records.”

The duo are not the only twins to compete at the highest level in para sport. Hungary’s Bernadett and Illona Biacsi are Paralympic runners in the T20 classification.

Beatriz and Debora both started swimming at the age of 13. They instantly fell in love with the sport and just six years later, Beatriz represented Brazil at her home Paralympic Games at Rio 2016.

The pair confess to a sibling rivalry which pushes them to the limit: “It’s cool! She gives me strength and I give her strength as well. I beat her records and she beats mine…it is an inspiration!” Beatriz said.

For Debora, whilst admitting competing against her sibling makes her nervous, there are just two rivals she keeps an eye on: “The clock and my sister.”

Beatriz and Debora are both targeting the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games as the next major milestone in their careers.

But Debora has even higher hopes: “I want to conquer the world!”

The 2017 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Swimming Championships are the biggest competition for swimmers with an intellectual impairment since Rio 2016. They are also the most important stop on the road to the 2019 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Global Games in Brisbane, Australia.

The Opening Ceremony takes place on 28 November before competition starts on 29 November.

The Championships will also be the first to feature new trial eligibility groups for Down syndrome and autism.

Live results, updates and behind the scenes content will be available at  World Intellectual Impairment Sport’ Facebook and Twitter.

About World Intellectual Impairment Sport

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. 

France and Australia Gold continue winning form at basketball Worlds

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The French men’s team and the Australia Gold women’s team recorded their latest victories at the 2017 International Federation for Intellectual Impairment Sport (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) World Basketball Championships in Loano, Italy, on Wednesday (22 November).

France’s 73-57 win over Japan saw them strengthen their position at the top of group one with four points. They followed-up on their triumph over Poland in their opening match on Tuesday (21 November).

Japan and Poland, the other two teams in the group, remain without a win.

In the women’s, Australia Gold recorded their third straight win at the Palagarassini Stadium.

They were the victors over the second Australian team, Australia Green.

The Greens kept the Golds contained in the opening few minutes. However Eliza Mills was too much for them to handle, scoring an impressive six points. The final score was 13-1

Earlier that day Australia Green took on France. In what was a low-scoring, physical game, the Greens forced the match into overtime in the final minute before scoring again to decide the 10-1 result.

Jess McCulloch was the top scorer for the Greens with four points. Nicole Harris also had a great game with three points, netting an impressive goal from a seated position after being knocked to the floor.

Men’s teams from Australia, Egypt, Portugal, Poland, Japan and France are competing in Loano. Australia Gold and Green and France make up the women’s competition.

Live updates and pictures are available throughout at World Intellectual Impairment Sport’ Facebook and Twitter.

About World Intellectual Impairment Sport

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. 

Portugal, Australia Gold take wins at World Intellectual Impairment Sport basketball Worlds

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Cheerleaders perform at the Opening Ceremony of the 2017 World Intellectual Impairment Sport World Basktbetall Championships

Daniele Traverso

The Egyptian men’s and Australia Gold women’s team took victories at the 2017 International Federation for Intellectual Impairment Sport (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) World Basketball Championships in Loano, Italy, on Tuesday (21 November).

Portugal, 2013 world champions and bronze medallists from 2015, beat newcomers Egypt 100-16 in their opening group two match at the Palagarassini Stadium.

France, 2015 silver medallists, began their campaign with a 64-29 win over Poland in group one.

Earlier in the day an impressive Opening Ceremony saw a packed crowd enjoy performances and speeches from local dignitaries.

In the women’s competition, played in the fast-paced 3×3 format, the Australia Pearls had a busy day.

The country has two teams in the competition – Australia Gold and Australia Green.

Australia Gold claimed victory over their compatriots 19-12.

After an early flourish from Australia Green that saw them take a 4-0 lead, the Golds settled into the game. Katie Papworth was the team’s top scorer, netting seven points.

Australia Gold then went on to beat France 12-6 in a double-header.

France tried to take advantage of Australia Gold’s plight in a very physical game, but they could not capitalise.

Molly Urquhart-Moran captained her side well, controlling the tempo and scoring at key points. Eliza Mills also starred for Australia, making 100 per cent of her foul shots to break the game open.

Games continue at the 2017 World Intellectual Impairment Sport World Basketball Championships on Wednesday (22 November) and run until 25 November.

Men’s teams from Australia, Egypt, Portugal, Poland, Japan and France are competing in Loano. Australia Gold and Green and France make up the women’s competition.

Live updates and pictures are available throughout at World Intellectual Impairment Sport’ Facebook and Twitter.

About World Intellectual Impairment Sport

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. 

 

Portugal’s coach assesses competition at basketball Worlds

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A group of basketball players on the court

Credit: Sport Inclusion Australia

Portugal’s men’s coach Alcindo Quaresma is playing his cards close to his chest ahead of the 2017 International Federation for Intellectual Impairment Sport (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) World Basketball Championships this week in Loano, Italy.

His team are the bronze medallists from 2015, having beat Australia for bronze at the World Intellectual Impairment Sport Global Games in Ecuador. They are also the 2013 world champions.

With games getting underway in Loano on Tuesday (21 November), Quaresma said his team are relying on a tried-and-tested formula:

“In the training sessions that we have been able to do, the willingness and enthusiasm of the players have been well-known to work in order to be in the best conditions in this next competition. Training hard but with the prospect of participating in a worldwide event is in itself a huge incentive for all participants.”

As well as Australia, Portugal will face Poland, Japan, 2015 silver medallists France and debutants Egypt at the 2017 Worlds. Reigning champions Venezuala have not travelled to Italy, giving the former champions a boost.

“About the Championship, and although we were previously in third place, our expectations are, as they always were, to obtain the best classification as possible, giving our best, as we have always done, and as demonstrated by all our history,” Quaresma said.

He also said that there had been few changes to the team since 2015, except for him being brought in to replace former coach Fausto Pereira.

Quaresma is taking his first major Championships very seriously and has clearly evaluated the competition.

“From what we have observed and the results show, France has been the team that in recent years has shown greater evolution. We do not know how the other teams will be, but we know from their past that Poland and Australia are always opponents to be taken into account. About Japan we are already known for their stance to fight to the end in any match and with any opponent, with all the determination and enthusiasm. Surprise to us, and total ignorance, is in relation to the team of Egypt, given that it is the first time we will meet.”

Competition opens in Loano on Tuesday and runs until 25 November, when the medal matches will be played. All matches will be contested at the Palagarassini stadium.

Live updates and pictures will be available throughout at World Intellectual Impairment Sport’ Facebook and Twitter.

About World Intellectual Impairment Sport

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. 

 

Loano prepares for start of 2017 World Intellectual Impairment Sport World Basketball Champs

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Credit: Hamish Patterson

 

Men’s and women’s teams from Australia, Portugal, Poland, France, Japan and Egypt have arrived in Loano, Italy, for the 2017 International Federation for Intellectual Impairment Sport (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) World Basketball Championships which get underway on Tuesday (21 November).

Australia have dominated the court in recent years and return as the women’s 3×3 champions. Since winning gold at the 2015 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Global Games in Ecuador they have remained No. 1 in the world rankings. Their second team also picked up bronze two years ago.

Senior players in Eliza Mills, Kim Perry, Molly Urguhart-Moran, Kaitlyn Papworth and Nicole Harris form the core of the Australian team.

The world leaders are fielding two teams who will play France in a round robin format. It is hoped that the Championships will help to develop women’s basketball, as well as showcasing the excitement of the 3×3 game.

It will also be the first women’s 3×3 title awarded at a stand-alone World Championships.

In the men’s 5×5, France and Portugal will be looking to capitalise on the absence of 2015 champions Venezuela.

Portugal beat Australia for bronze two years ago, bouncing back slightly from the disappointment of losing the chance to defend their title from 2013. France lost out to Venezuela by more than 20 points in the gold medal match.

The Egyptian men’s team will make their international debut at an World Intellectual Impairment Sport basketball World Championships.

“As for our opponents, from what we have observed and the results show, France has been the team that in recent years has shown greater evolution,” Portugal’s coach Alcindo Quaresma said. “We do not know how the other teams will be, but we know from their past that Poland and Australia are always opponents to be taken into account. Japan are already known for their stance to fight to the end in any match and with any opponent, with all the determination and enthusiasm.  “The surprise for us, and total ignorance, is in relation to the team of Egypt, given that it is the first time we will meet.

Competition opens in Loano on Tuesday and runs until 25 November, when the medal matches will be played. All matches will be contested at the Palagarassini stadium.

Live updates and pictures will be available throughout at World Intellectual Impairment Sport’ Facebook and Twitter.

The Championships are supported by the Executive of the Italian Sports Ministry, the Ligurian region and Loano Municipality.

About World Intellectual Impairment Sport

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. 

Vila Real expecting ‘good memories and achievements’ at swimming Champs

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A swimmer, Felipe Caltran Vila Real, emerges from the water

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Brazilian Paralympian Felipe Caltran Vila Real has spoken of his excitement for the 2017 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Swimming Championships which get underway in Aguascalientes, Mexico, on 28 November.

The 20-year-old made his Paralympic debut at his home Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro in 2016. Whilst he did not make the podium he is still looking to build on the experience.

“I have no words to describe the emotions I felt in front of that crowd,” he said. “It was certainly amazing.”

As one of his country’s best swimmers with an intellectual impairment, Vila Real already has his eyes on Tokyo 2020 and major regional events:

“I expect to be there, obviously, but more than that I aim at a medal. I think a medal in the Paralympics is the main goal, but also medals at the Parapan Am Games and so on.”

Vila Real began swimming when he was two-years-old. A doctor advised his parents he should take up sports “because of [his] hyperactivity”.

He will line-up in Aguascalientes as the defending champion in the men’s 200m butterfly. He is also a silver medallist in the 400m individual medley.

“I expect it to be a Championship full of good memories and achievements for me,” he said. “I expect a good competition because the athletes there are really determined.”

Rivals

Vila Real’s rivals include Japan’s Taiga Hayashida. He took bronze behind the Brazilian in the 400m individual medley in Ecuador in 2015.

“I haven’t taken a time to look at the start lists, but I am sure there is going to be a great field of athletes over there,” Vila Real concluded.

Aguascalientes 2017 will run from 28 November – 3 December and will see more than 150 athletes from 20 countries compete. It will be the biggest gathering of swimmers with an intellectual impairment since Rio 2016.

As well as athletes with intellectual impairments, trial groups for Down syndrome and autism will also be contested for the first time.

Live updates, videos and pictures will be available throughout at  World Intellectual Impairment Sport’ Facebook and Twitter.

 

World Intellectual Impairment Sport holds eligibility workshop to grow sport in China

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A group of psychologists and World Intellectual Impairment Sport representatives pose for a picture

Representatives from the International Federation for Intellectual Impairment Sport (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) held an eligibility workshop on Wednesday (15 November) in Guangzhou, China, as part of a bid to grow sport in the country.

The session is part of a five-day visit to China attended by World Intellectual Impairment Sport Vice President Robyn Smith, Head of Eligibility Jan Burns and Australian coach Kelly Bowen. The project is supported by World Intellectual Impairment Sport member Sport Inclusion Australia and their Asian Sports Partnership.

 

The aim is to build sport for people with intellectual impairments. Historically China have had no athletes registered with World Intellectual Impairment Sport or at the Paralympic Games in the impairment group.

The workshop follows on from a week-long basketball training session held by Bowen for students and teachers in Shenzhen in July 2017.

On Tuesday (14 November) Bowen carried out more training, returning to the Yuanping Special School in Shenzhen. Smith also delivered a coaching video to help with their development.

Wednesday’s eligibility workshop at the Guangzhou Disabled Persons Sport Centre saw Chinese psychologists given advice and information. Eligibility is the first step in the athlete classification process. It ensures any potential athletes have a recognised impairment before they can go on to be classified to compete.

“Working closely with China to assist them establish their eligibility process is an historic moment for World Intellectual Impairment Sport,” Smith said. “Partnering with Sport Inclusion Australia’s Asian Sport Partnership to share this vital information will assist China’s athletes with intellectual impairment compete in World Intellectual Impairment Sport and International Paralympic Committee pathways.”

Smith has been working with the Chinese National Paralympic Committee through the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

The trip also provided an opportunity to meet with colleagues from World Intellectual Impairment Sport Asia and develop links with regional partners.