An athlete with an intellectual impairment smiles after receiving her medal

Sharp zones in on home 2019 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Global Games

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Australia’s Caytlyn Sharp may only be 15-years-old but she already has big dreams for her career, including a gold medal at the 2019 International Federation for Intellectual Impairment Sport (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) Global Games in two years’ time.

Sharp has the added motivation that the Games will take place in her home country, in Brisbane from 12-20 October.

“I’m very excited. I really want to go. It’s pretty big here and I’m just excited,” Sharp said. “It’s good to have an Australian event and a world event taking place here. I think I’ll feel more comfortable and more relaxed knowing that I’ll be in Australia as well.”

Despite being a teenager, Sharp will be one of the faces to watch for the home crowds in 2019. Earlier in 2017 she got her first taste of success, winning high jump gold at the World Intellectual Impairment Sport Athletics Championships in Bangkok, Thailand.

“It was amazing. I never thought I would have the chance at winning medals so when I found out, after I jumped and the other person knocked it and I cleared it, my whole mood changed,” Sharp said. “My coach was like ‘calm down and just finish the next few jumps’ but I was just so excited.

“It was amazing, especially when I found out that I was the only one from Australia to win gold. And getting to hear the national anthem play when I was on the podium, that was amazing. I just felt proud to be an Australian.”

But Sharp’s athletics career has not always gone smoothly. Her mother Cindy recalled the first time her daughter ran the 100m, apparently crying the whole way down the straight. The next week Sharp had to be lifted into the car to go to her training session.

However everything changed when Sharp’s sister found a junior athletics programme in their home town. Then Sharp’s school introduced para-sport, including athletics, onto the curriculum and she never looked back.

“She really began to love it and excel it in and it pretty much became a lifestyle for her instead of just a sport, and it’s something she thinks about a lot and is wanting to do all the time,” Cindy said.

Sharp first tried cross-country running, achieving success nationally. She has also competed in swimming but it is the high jump she loves. As for any Paralympic dreams, Sharp said she hopes that more events can be added onto the programme. Her favourite event is currently not contested.

Longer term the teenager has already thought about what she wants to do when she has finished competing.

“Where I’m from in Victoria, para-sport isn’t really that big. What I want to be when I’ve finished athletics is to be a sport teacher to encourage anyone to do sport, mainly trying to get more para-athletes involved. The amount of my friends who just think they can’t do it is really upsetting. I know that they can because they have it in them and I started off encouraging people to go to the para-regionals this year, and the amount of kids who medalled and stuff and they enjoy it so much more. That’s what I want to see more of.

“I definitely want to do sport as long as I can. I love sport, I don’t ever want to give it up.”

The 2019 Global Games will gather more than 1,000 athletes competing in nine sports between 12-20 October. It will be the world’s biggest gathering of athletes with an intellectual impairment.

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. 

An intellectually impaired runner

Global Games were important stepping stone for Martins

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Brazil’s Paralympic and world champion Daniel Martins has spoken of how the 2015 International Federation for Intellectual Impairment Sport (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) Global Games helped him on the road to claiming gold at Rio 2016.

In two years’ time, hundreds of athletes with intellectual impairments will travel to Brisbane, Australia, for the 2019 Global Games. They will be hoping that the event can have a similar impact for them as it did for Martins when he made his international debut there in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

“At the Global Games, I was able to study my adversaries for the next year,” Martins said. “So it helped a lot in terms of getting to know them beforehand. My coach was able to see my running and was able to correct any mistake during the race. So, I could get better at that time.”

Martins won multiple gold medals in Guayaquil, including wins in the 100m and 400m. But it was also important preparation for what has become a successful international career.

“It was a lot of fun, because I went to another country for the first time, was able to see another culture and could win five medals there,” he said.

Just one month after Guayaquil 2015 he made his World Para Athletics Championships debut in Doha, Qatar, and claimed his first world title in the 400m T20.

Then a year later Martins stormed to gold in a new world record time of 47.22 seconds at his home Paralympic Games. In 2017 he competed at the World Para Athletics Championships in London, Great Britain, where he defended his title.

“People now recognise me in the streets!” Martins said when asked how his life has changed. “I also feel like my family is prouder of me now.”

Martins is just 21-years-old and has a promising career ahead of him. This includes the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, but he is not taking anything for granted.

“I want to go strong for Tokyo but I have to think one step at a time,” Martins said. “I still have three years and a lot of competitions to come before 2020.”

His idol is Brazilian Olympian João da Barreira, who comes from Marilla in Sao Paulo – the same city as Martins. The youngster is grateful to have had the opportunity to train with da Barreira as well as make a wider difference to society through sport.

“I could do so many things… A lot of friends, could go to many places in the world and overcome the prejudice as a person with an impairment,” he said.

The 2019 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Global Games will gather more than 1,000 athletes competing in nine sports between 12-20 October. It will be the world’s biggest gathering of athletes with an intellectual impairment.

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. 

 

Preview: Table tennis players to go for gold in October

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October will be headlined by the 2017 International Federation for Intellectual Impairment Sport (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) World Table Tennis Championships.

World Intellectual Impairment Sport World Table Tennis Championships

The event in Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic, will run from 21-29 October and attract some of the sport’s biggest names.

Amongst those expected to compete are the Hong Kong duo of Ka Man Wong and Mui Wui NG.

Mui Wui NG is a bronze medallist from the women’s singles at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. She beat defending champion Wong to the final podium spot last year.

The table tennis Worlds will also be the first World Intellectual Impairment Sport competition to feature the trial of eligibility groups for Down’s syndrome and autism.

Around 65 athletes from 14 countries are expected to compete in Hradec Kralove. Updates and pictures will be available at World Intellectual Impairment Sport’ Facebook and Twitter throughout the event.

World Championships for Judoka

The German Judo Federation will host the competition for athletes with an intellectual impairment in Cologne between 19-22 October. It is being sanctioned by the International Judo Federation and World Intellectual Impairment Sport.

7th World Para Taekwondo Championships

The world’s best para-athletes will return to the Copper Box Arena in London’s Olympic Park on 19 October.

This includes those competing in Poomsae P20, for athletes with an intellectual impairment.

2017 World Intellectual Impairment Sport European Handball Championships

World Intellectual Impairment Sport Europe are organising this competition which takes place in Cavalaire, France, between 4-8 October.

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. 

The logo of the World Anti-Doping Agency

WADA publishes 2018 list of prohibited substances, methods

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By The World Anti-Doping Agency

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has published the 2018 List of Prohibited Substances and Methods (List); along with the 2018 Summary of Major Modifications and Explanatory Notes.

The List, which was approved by WADA’s Executive Committee on 24 September 2017, comes into force on 1 January 2018.

The List, which is one of five International Standards that are mandatory for all signatories of the World Anti-Doping Code (Code), designates what substances and methods are prohibited both in- and out-of-competition. It also details which substances are banned in particular sports.

“WADA is pleased to publish the 2018 Prohibited List,” said WADA President, Sir Craig Reedie. “Updated annually, the List is released three months ahead of taking effect so that all stakeholders – in particular athletes and their entourage – have sufficient time to familiarise themselves with the document and its modifications,” Reedie continued. “It is vital that all athletes and entourage take the necessary time to consult the List and that they contact their respective anti-doping organisations (ADOs) if they have any doubts as to the status of a substance or method.”

“Annually, the Prohibited List review involves a very extensive stakeholder consultation process over the course of nine months,” said Director General, Olivier Niggli. “In reviewing the List, experts examine such sources as: scientific and medical research; trends; and, intelligence gathered from law enforcement and pharmaceutical companies in order to stay ahead of those that endeavour to cheat the system,” Niggli continued.

The List’s annual revision process is led by WADA, beginning with an initial meeting in January and concluding with the publication of the List by 1 October. This is an extensive nine-month consultation process that includes WADA’s List Expert Group gathering information; circulating a draft List amongst stakeholders; taking their submissions into consideration and revising the draft; followed by review by the Agency’s Health, Medical and Research (HMR) Committee. The HMR Committee then makes its recommendation to WADA’s Executive Committee that approves the List during its September meeting.

For a substance or method to be added to the List it must be determined that it meets two of the following three criteria: 1. it has the potential to enhance or enhances sport performance; 2. it represents an actual or potential health risk to the athletes; or, 3. it violates the spirit of sport.

It should be noted that, for athletes who have a legitimate medical reason for using a prohibited substance or method that is on the List, they may be accommodated if they meet the criteria outlined in the International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions (ISTUE).

The TUE process has overwhelming acceptance from athletes, physicians and anti-doping stakeholders worldwide.

To view the changes made in the 2018 Prohibited List as compared to the 2017 version, please see the 2018 Summary of Major Modifications and Explanatory Notes.

Languages and formats

The 2018 Prohibited List, the Summary of Modifications, and the 2018 Monitoring Programme are available for download on WADA’s website in English and French. Spanish will follow shortly.

Stakeholders wishing to translate the List into other languages are kindly asked to signal their interest at [email protected], by 27 October. If interested, WADA would provide the necessary files; and, once the translation is finalised, would make the List available on the WADA website.

The List’s mobile-friendly digital edition will go live on 1 January 2018.

Visit the World Intellectual Impairment Sport anti-doping pages to find out more about clean sport for athletes with an intellectual impairment.

Male rowers from Italy

Italy, France to host rowing, cross-country Worlds

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The International Federation for Intellectual Impairment Sport (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) has added indoor rowing and cross-country running to its 2017 World Championships calendar.

The 2017 World Intellectual Impairment Sport World Indoor Rowing Championships will take place in Gavirate, Italy, from 25-26 November. Featuring six medal events, athletes will compete for individual and mixed relay medals over 500m and 1,000m.

It will be the fifth edition of the World Championships and the third time top class rowers have travelled to Italy for the event. Also in Gavirate in 2015, Hong Kong dominated the medals table with six podium finishes

Gavirate 2017 is being organised by the A.S.D. Canottieri Gavirate and the Italian Rowing Federation.

The 2017 World Intellectual Impairment Sport World Cross Country Championships in Epernay, France, will conclude the major international competition calendar on 10 December.

Returning to France for the second time, it will be the eighth edition of the World Championships. The organisers are the Fédération Française du Sport Adapté.

The last cross-country World Championships were held in 2014 in Ostrzeszów, Poland. The host’s European track champion Daniel Pek and Paralympic track gold medallist teammate Barbara Niewiedzial dominated the men’s and women’s respectively.

Nick Parr, World Intellectual Impairment Sport Executive Director, said: “These two high-level competitions complete the 2017 calendar perfectly.

“It brings the number of World Championships held this year to 10 across a wide variety of sports. We have also sanctioned and organised a series of other competitions.

“I am sure that rowers and runners will put on a huge show to win coveted world titles and end the year on a high. Our thanks go to the organisers for providing athletes with the perfect stage to reach their best.”

Entries for both World Championships are now open. More information can be found at www.inas.org/events.

Support us

The International Federation for 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 world’s biggest impairment group in sport and society without your support.

We are a registered charity and your help can make a big difference.

A Russian equestrian rides her horse

Kirienkova claims historic para Equestrian title

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Russia’s Ekatarina Kirienkova has become the first equestrian to win an International Federation for Intellectual Impairment Sport (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) title.

Riding Lady Lux, Kirienkova claimed first place in an World Intellectual Impairment Sport Para Equestrian Video Competition.

Footage of her and 13 other riders from four countries were submitted for judging in a unique format, designed to make the inaugural competition more accessible to athletes around the world. The horses were required to wear bandages to show the video had not been used in another competition.

Competing in a Grade IV novice A test in a 20×40 arena, the Russian worked with great synergy with her horse to top the rankings with 67.012%.

Sui Watts, a national champion in her native Australia, finished second on Springfield Festivity with 64.770%.

Great Britain’s Oliver Peace (63.730%) was third.

Full results can be found here: First World Intellectual Impairment Sport Para Equestrian Video Competition – results

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.

The video competition featured one medal event but it is hoped that in the future a novice test B, team test, individual Championship test and a freestyle test will be added.

Support us

The International Federation for 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 world’s biggest impairment group in sport and society without your support.

We are a registered charity and your help can make a big difference.

Paralympic Movement launches fundraising campaign for Mexico

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By the International Paralympic Committee

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and its development arm, the Agitos Foundation, have launched a global fundraising campaign to support UNICEF’s humanitarian efforts in Mexico following the recent devastating earthquake.

Donations to the fund can be made via Crowdrise. 

Following the 19 September quake, the IPC postponed its World Para Swimming and World Para Powerlifting Championships in Mexico City which were due to begin on 30 September. However, due to the emotional connection the Paralympic Movement feels with Mexico – around 1,400 athletes, coaches and officials were due in the capital between 30 September and 6 October – the IPC and Agitos Foundation have decided to raise funds to support the ongoing work of UNICEF in the country.

To mark the launch of fundraising, IPC international partner Allianz – who were due to sponsor the World Para Swimming and Powerlifting Championships – are the first to donate to the campaign. The IPC and a number of National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) set to send athletes to compete in Mexico have also made donations, as well as World Para Swimming partner SWANS/Yamamoto Kogaku Co.,Ltd.

Andrew Parsons, IPC President, said: “The whole Paralympic Movement is united in our support for the Mexican people at this difficult time. Following Tuesday’s terrible tragedy, we are all committed to doing what we can to help the people affected by this earthquake.

“When we postponed our upcoming World Championships earlier this week, a number of members within the Paralympic Movement asked how they could support the relief efforts. We believe working with UNICEF to launch this fundraising campaign is the least that we can do at this difficult time.

“I would like to thank Allianz for getting the fund up and running with a sizeable donation and would also like to pay tribute to all the NPCs and IPC staff who have committed to support the fund so far. I hope we can make a difference.”

“Our heartfelt thoughts are with the people of Mexico at this time. Supporting this initiative to bring help and resources to those that are suffering from this devastating earthquake is the least we can do as a long standing partner of the IPC and a top tier partner of the World Para Swimming and Powerlifting Championships”, said Jean-Marc Pailhol, Head of Group Market Management & Distribution at Allianz SE.

The 7.1 magnitude earthquake has left hundreds dead and caused major damage to buildings and infrastructure in Mexico City and neighbouring states of Morelos and Puebla. An estimated five million children have been affected, and urban search and rescue activities are still underway.

UNICEF is prioritising response to immediate needs in child protection, provision of safe drinking water, mobile toilets in temporary shelters and open spaces and the distribution of complementary hygiene items. This action will be followed by education response in the next weeks, which includes temporary learning spaces and school safety guidelines and psychosocial support training for teachers.

“Children affected by disasters urgently need life-saving support. UNICEF is on the ground in Mexico, working round the clock from the moment the first earthquake hit the country on 7 September. Our priority is to ensure the physical and emotional wellbeing of the children affected, guaranteeing the support and access to services they need to get their lives back to some semblance of normality as soon as possible. Many have lost their homes, people they love, their schools and things they cherish. Your donation will help us reach every child in need,” said Christian Skoog, UNICEF Representative in Mexico.

ESPAÑOL

#FuerzaMexico: Movimiento Paralímpico lanza campaña de recaudación de fondos para México

En colaboración con UNICEF, el IPC y la Fundación Agitos tienen como objetivo apoyar los esfuerzos humanitarios después del terremoto del pasado martes.

El Comité Paralímpico Internacional (IPC) y la Fundación Agitos lanzaron una campaña mundial de recaudación de fondos el viernes 22 de septiembre para apoyar los esfuerzos humanitarios que UNICEF está realizando en México tras el devastador terremoto de la semana pasada.

Las donaciones pueden realizarse a través de  https://www.crowdrise.com/o/en/team/fuerzamexico-paralympic-movement-support/agitos

Luego del terremoto del 19 de septiembre, el IPC decidió postergar los Campeonatos Mundiales de Para Natación y Para Powerlifting, los cuales estaban previstos comenzar el 30 de septiembre en la Ciudad de México. Debido a la conexión emocional que el Movimiento Paralímpico tiene con México – alrededor de 1.400 atletas, entrenadores y funcionarios debían estar en la capital entre el 30 de septiembre y el 6 de octubre – el IPC y la Fundación Agitos han decidido recaudar fondos para apoyar el trabajo de UNICEF en el país.

Allianz – socio internacional del IPC -, que iba a patrocinar los Campeonatos Mundiales de Para Natación y Para Powerlifting, fue el primero en donar a la campaña de recaudación de fondos para celebrar su lanzamiento. El IPC y una serie de Comités Paralímpicos Nacionales (CPNs) que iban a enviar atletas para competir en México también han realizado donaciones, así como también SWANS/Yamamoto Kogaku Co.,Ltd, patrocinador del Campeonato Mundial de Para Natación.

Andrew Parsons, Presidente del IPC, dijo: “Todo el Movimiento Paralímpico está unido en apoyo al pueblo mexicano en este momento difícil. Después de la terrible tragedia del martes, todos estamos comprometidos a hacer lo que podamos para ayudar a las personas afectadas por este terremoto”.

“Cuando pospusimos nuestros próximos Campeonatos Mundiales a principios de esta semana, varios miembros del Movimiento Paralímpico preguntaron cómo podían apoyar los esfuerzos de socorro. Creemos que trabajar con UNICEF para lanzar esta campaña de recaudación de fondos es lo mínimo que podemos hacer en este momento difícil”.

“Me gustaría dar las gracias a Allianz por conseguir que el fondo comience con una importante donación y también quisiera rendir homenaje a todos los CPNs y al personal del IPC que se han comprometido a apoyar el fondo hasta ahora. Espero que podamos hacer la diferencia”.

“Nuestros sentimientos están con el pueblo de México en este momento. Apoyar esta iniciativa para traer ayuda y recursos a los que están sufriendo este devastador terremoto es lo mínimo que podemos hacer como un socio de larga data del IPC y un socio de primer nivel de los Campeonatos Mundiales de Para Natación y Para Powerlifting,” dijo Jean-Marc Pailhol, Head of Group Market Management & Distribution en Allianz SE.

El terremoto de magnitud 7,1 del martes (19 de septiembre) dejó cientos de muertos y causó importantes daños a edificios e infraestructura en la ciudad de México y los estados vecinos de Morelos y Puebla. Se estima que cinco millones de niños han sido afectados, y las actividades de búsqueda y rescate urbano aún continúan en marcha.

UNICEF está priorizando la respuesta a las necesidades inmediatas en materia de protección de los niños, suministro de agua potable, baños móviles en refugios temporales y espacios abiertos y distribución de artículos de higiene complementarios. Esta acción será seguida por la respuesta educativa en las próximas semanas, que incluye espacios de aprendizaje temporales y guías de seguridad escolar y entrenamiento de apoyo psico-social para maestros.

“Los niños afectados por los desastres necesitan urgentemente un apoyo vital. UNICEF se encuentra en México trabajando a toda hora desde el primer terremoto que azotó al país el 7 de septiembre. Nuestra prioridad es garantizar el bienestar físico y emocional de los niños afectados, garantizando el apoyo y el acceso a los servicios que necesitan para recuperar sus vidas lo más pronto posible. Muchos han perdido sus hogares, la gente que aman, sus escuelas y cosas que aprecian. Su donación nos ayudará a llegar a todos los niños necesitados,” dijo Christian Skoog, Representante de UNICEF en México.

 

Statement on 2017 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Swimming Championships

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The International Federation for Intellectual Impairment Sport logo

 

 

The International Federation for Intellectual Impairment Sport (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) has confirmed that the 2017 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Swimming Championships in Aguascalientes, Mexico, will go ahead as planned from 27 November – 4 December.

World Intellectual Impairment Sport President Marc Truffaut said: “On behalf of the whole World Intellectual Impairment Sport family I would like to extend our thoughts and condolences to the people of Mexico City and the surrounding areas affected by the terrible earthquake on Tuesday.

“Today World Intellectual Impairment Sport officials have been in contact with the organisers of the 2017 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Swimming Championships and they have confirmed that the host city of Aguascalientes, which is some 500km north of the worst affected areas of the country, has not been affected.

“At this point we would like to reassure athletes and teams preparing for the Championships in Aguascalientes that the competition will go ahead as planned.”

 

Support us

The International Federation for 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 world’s biggest impairment group in sport and society without your support.

We are a registered charity and your help can make a big difference.

#SupportTheBest: World Intellectual Impairment Sport to hold charity dinner, auction

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A flyer for a fundraising event for the International Federation for Intellectual Impairment Sport

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The International Federation for Intellectual Impairment Sport (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) is to hold an auction and dinner at the Copthorne Hotel in Sheffield, Great Britain on 23 November.

Early bird tickets are on sale now at www.inas.org/support-us for £35 per person or £245 for a table of eight before 23 October. After that tickets will be £39 per person or £273 for a table of eight.

World Intellectual Impairment Sport supports around 300,000 athletes and is recognised by the International Paralympic Committee to lead the development of sport for this group of athletes around the world.

As well as swimming, athletics and table tennis at the Paralympic Games, World Intellectual Impairment Sport also runs world and regional Championships in 13 other sports. These range from cycling, basketball and football to alpine and cross-country skiing.

In addition the organisation aims to promote the inclusion of athletes with an intellectual impairment in society.

The charity auction and three course dinner, which begins at 7pm, will feature a key note speech from London 2012 Paralympic Games gold medallist Jessica-Jane Applegate. The 21-year-old swimmer, who has Asperger’s Syndrome, also bagged two silver medals at the Rio 2016 Paralympics in the women’s 200m freestyle and 200m individual medley S14.

Applegate said: “World Intellectual Impairment Sport does fantastic work on behalf of athletes with intellectual impairments all around the world and they have certainly helped me a lot during my career.

“After London 2012 we really saw an upturn in interest and support for para-sport that was carried through to Rio 2016 and that has really helped. However there is so much work that goes on in between the Paralympic Games, and in sports not on the programme, that help athletes like me train, compete and reach the podium.

“World Intellectual Impairment Sport cannot continue to do that without the help and generosity of the public, so come and join me in Sheffield for what I am sure will be a very fun evening while supporting the world’s best athletes.”

Working in partnership with the Copthorne Hotel and other local businesses, World Intellectual Impairment Sport has secured some great lots for guests to bid on. These include a night in the Penthouse suite at the four star Copthorne Hotel and Sheffield United match tickets, with other items to be revealed over the coming weeks and months.

A celebrity auctioneer, to be confirmed, is also expected to pick up the gavel to run the event, which is being called #SupportTheBest.

 

Udine prepares for half marathon Euros

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Three distance Italian distance runners< Alex Holtz, Fabrizio Vallone and Alessandro Tomaiuolo

Credit: Emanuele Antonio Minerva, Mauro Ficerai

The picturesque Italian city of Udine will host the first International Federation for Intellectual Impairment Sport (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) European Half Marathon Championships since 2011 on Sunday (17 September).

Being held as part of the 18th edition of the prestigious Maratonina Udinese, runners from Italy, Portugal, Spain, Poland and Sweden will also compete. It is the second time the event will be held in Udine following on from 2009.

Alex Holtz, Alessandro Tomaiuolo and Fabrizio Vallone will represent the hosts.

Tomaiuolo is a bright prospect having only started competitive running two years ago, and he is aiming high.

“Competing at home is exciting, I hope to have a great support, they will help me in the race,” he said. “I’ll compete thinking to my people in Manfredonia [his home town]. They’ll expect a great performance from me. I want to get a medal.”

But the Italians will face Portuguese teammates Paulo Pinheiro and Jose Azevedo, the respective European and world champions.

Azevedo is particularly fired up ahead of the competition as he tries to claim what he considers to be his missing gold.

“This is the title I lack in my career,” he said. “I’m looking forward to the Championships. My main goal is get the podium. I work out every day to give my best. I feel happy [to have Pinheiro as a rival]. There is a good chance of having two places on the podium.”

Another face to watch is Spain’s Asier Aguirre Santos, the bronze medallist from the 2016 World Championships.

Chairperson of the World Intellectual Impairment Sport Athletics Committee and World Intellectual Impairment Sport Europe, Jose Costa Pereira, is looking forward to a close contest: “Thanks to FISDIR (the Italian Federation for Intellectual Impairment Sport) and the Udine Maratonina to host again the World Intellectual Impairment Sport European Championships, eight years after the previous event in 2009. It’s a fantastic and fast race where World Intellectual Impairment Sport athletes feel fully included.”

Live updates and pictures from the 2017 World Intellectual Impairment Sport European Half Marathon will be available at World Intellectual Impairment Sport’ Facebook and Twitter throughout the event.

Support us

The International Federation for 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 world’s biggest impairment group in sport and society without your support.

We are a registered charity and your help can make a big difference.