Australia name men’s team for basketball Worlds

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A group of basketball players on the court

Credit: Sport Inclusion Australia

By Basketball Australia and Sport Inclusion Australia

The men’s team that will represent Australia at the 2017 International Federation for Intellectual Impairment Sport (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) World Basketball Championships in Loano, Italy, has been named.

The Boomerangs will be led by 2013 World Championship bronze medallists Jarrod Thomson, Joshua Cleary, Bradley Kinross and Wayne Kinross between 20-26 November.

The team has had a great preparation with a tour to Japan as well as national competitions. They played at the Ivor Burge Championships in Bendigo and the 2017 Queens Birthday Long Weekend Tournament in Melbourne along with several training camps.

“This time together has been invaluable for the team, both in allowing players to gel as a team and for the coaches to appreciate the players strengths and combinations,” said head coach Simon Robinson.

Other players to make their way into the team include 2015 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Global Games representatives Frazer Dawber, Justin Koenig and Jake De La Motte. James Myers, Dylan Pace and Jack Littleton will make their national debut.

De La Motte stood out at the Ivor Burge Championships whilst Myers and Pace impressed with outstanding performances at the 2017 Queens Birthday tournament and the 2016 tour of Japan. Littleton’s size and strength will come in handy against the larger European teams.

“There is a good blend of experience and youth in the team and after just missing out on a medal in Ecuador [at the 2015 Global Games] they will be keen to go one better this tournament,” said Robinson.

While the Boomerangs are currently ranked sixth in the world they are never far from the medals. They have reached the medal round in half of the Championship tournaments since 1992, winning bronze in Portugal in 1996 and Turkey in 2013.

The women’s team has also been announced.

Team roster

Frazer Dawber

Jake De La Motte

James Myers

Jarrod Thomson

Brad Kinross

Wayne Kinross

Dylan Pace

Joshua Cleary

Justin Koenig

Jack Littleton

Staff

Head coach: Simon Robinson

Assistant coach: George Havakis

Technical assistant coach: Justin May

Medical: David Taylor

Manager: Trish Currie

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.

World Intellectual Impairment Sport congratulates Andrew Parsons on election as new IPC President

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The International Federation for Intellectual Impairment Sport (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) has congratulated Andrew Parsons on his election as President of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC).

He will be only the third President in the history of the IPC and follows Sir Philip Craven, who stood down after serving the maximum number of terms.

World Intellectual Impairment Sport President Marc Truffaut said: “On behalf of our membership I would like to congratulate Andrew on his historic election and a successful campaign, which highlighted the importance of moving forward together as a Movement on the promising road ahead.

“He has always been an advocate for sport for people with an intellectual impairment and I am sure that will continue. We very much look forward to continuing and growing our work with the IPC over the coming years.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank outgoing President Sir Philip Craven for everything he has achieved during his 16 year tenure. The IPC and movement has never been stronger thanks to his leadership.”

Parsons received 84 votes during the IPC General Assembly in Abu Dhabi, which welcomed a record number of members. Duane Kale (NZL) was voted as the new Vice President.

As well as the Presidential and Vice Presidential elections, 10 Members at Large were also elected to the IPC Governing Board.

World Intellectual Impairment Sport Vice President Robyn Smith was in the running however narrowly missed out on the opportunity to progress to the second round of voting.

Truffaut continued: “We nominated Robyn for election because we wanted to be more proactive in supporting the work of the IPC and its members and that still stands.

“We send our congratulations and best wishes to the new Governing Board. There is a bright future ahead of all of us and I hope that we can continue on the same path.”

Smith said: “Despite not being elected I am still happy to have been part of this historic process. It gave me a chance to speak to other members about my vision for the Paralympic Movement – no one left behind – as well as to raise awareness of the important work of World Intellectual Impairment Sport.

“I echo Marc’s comments about Andrew and all members of the Governing Board. He will be a great leader and I hope we can grow sport for people with intellectual impairments and others around the world together.”

Hosts Italy announce team 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

Alex Holtz, Alessandro Tomaiuolo and Fabrizio Vallone will represent hosts Italy at the 2017 International Federation for Intellectual Impairment Sport (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) European Half Marathon Championships on 18 September in Udine.

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

Holtz returns to major international competition for the first time since the 2011 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Global Games, following a successful national Championships in Rome in July. Vallone and Tomaiuolo both competed at the 2016 World Intellectual Impairment Sport World Indoor Championships in Ancona, Italy.

Diego Perez, Giovanni Cotugno, Giuseppe Raffermati and Giorgio Zanmarchi will support the Italian team.

The Italians’ main rivals are Portuguese teammates Jose Azevedo and Paulo Pinheiro.

Azevedo is the reigning world champion whilst Pinheiro holds the European crown and has medalled at every edition of the competition since 2005.

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. 

Record attendance for historic IPC General Assembly

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Two swimmers dive into the pool at the Aquatics Centre during the London 2012 Paralympics.

Credit: Getty Images

By the IPC and International Federation for Intellectual Impairment Sport

There will be record attendance at this week’s International Paralympic Committee (IPC) General Assembly in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE), as the IPC membership elects only its third President in its 28 year history.

The 18th IPC General Assembly and Conference will begin on Tuesday (5 September) and conclude on Friday (8 September) with the election of a new IPC Governing Board and successor to Sir Philip Craven who has led the organisation since 2001.

Nearly 330 representatives from 167 IPC member organisations, (made up of 144 National Paralympic Committees, 15 International Federations, 4 Regional Organisations and 4 International Organisations of Sport for the Disabled (IOSDs)), the most ever to attend an IPC General Assembly, plus the Americas Paralympic Committee, will be in the UAE capital for what promises to be a historic few days for the Paralympic Movement. The International Federation for Intellectual Impairment Sport (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) will be represented as one of the IOSDs.

Sir Philip Craven, the IPC President who will stand down on 8 October to ensure a smooth transition to his successor, said: “This week in Abu Dhabi will mark the end of an era for the Paralympic Movement and the start of a new chapter with the election of a new IPC Governing Board. It promises to be an emotional few days for me personally.

“With so much at stake and to be discussed, I am delighted that 167 IPC members, 19 more than the last elections four years ago, will attend the General Assembly to decide the Paralympic Movement’s future direction.

“Through a combination of support from the Local Organising Committee and the IPC I am also pleased that 52 members from our solidarity nations, more than ever before, can attend this meeting at zero cost as it is important that all of our members have a view on our future.”

On Tuesday morning the IPC membership will receive updates from the IPC on a number of matters including diversity in the Paralympic Movement, sport competitions fees and the criteria for the inclusion of sports and disciplines in future Paralympic Games. In the afternoon session, Rio 2016 will present its post-Games report while the Organising Committees of PyeongChang 2018, Tokyo 2020 and Beijing 2022 deliver their latest progress reports.

All candidates standing for election to the IPC Governing Board will have an opportunity to present to the IPC membership on Wednesday. This will include the four candidates hoping to succeed Sir Philip as IPC President: Patrick Jarvis, Andrew Parsons, John Petersson and Haidi Zhang.

Prior to Sir Philip delivering his biennial report on Thursday morning, the IPC will officially welcome a number of new member organisations pending approval from the General Assembly. Following a presentation on the IPC’s finances, a number of motions put forward by the IPC membership will be discussed and decided upon.

Thursday evening, exactly one year on from the opening of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, the Paralympic Movement will gather for the 2017 Paralympic Sport and Media Awards. Supported by Allianz, the awards recognise and celebrate achievements by athletes, teams, officials and the media at last September’s Games. The BP Courage Award and a number of Paralympic Orders will also be presented.

The election of the third IPC President and a new Vice President will dominate Friday morning’s agenda. In the afternoon, 10 Members at Large will be elected from a list of up to 21 candidates which includes World Intellectual Impairment Sport Vice President Robyn Smith.

All attending 167 IPC members, plus the Americas Paralympic Committee, will be able to vote in the elections.

The last time elections were held for the IPC Governing Board was in 2013 when Athens, Greece, staged the 17th IPC General Assembly. Back then 274 representatives from 148 IPC members attended as Sir Philip Craven was elected for his fourth and final term as President.

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: Half marathon Euros headline September

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A group of distance runners compete against each other

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Two International Federation for Intellectual Impairment Sport (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) events in equestrian and athletics will see athletes take historic titles in September.

2017 World Intellectual Impairment Sport European Half Marathon Championships

From 16-17 September athletes from four countries will line-up in Udine, Italy, for the first World Intellectual Impairment Sport European Half Marathon Championships since 2011.

Portugal’s returning champion Paulo Pinheiro is hoping to continue his medal run at the competition, which he first started with gold in 2005. He has gone on to claim a further two silver medals. However he will face tough opponents including teammate Jose Azevedo, the reigning world champion, and Spain’s Asier Santos who claimed Worlds bronze in 2016.

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

World Intellectual Impairment Sport Para Equestrian Video Competition

Teams and riders have until 9 September to enter this innovative dressage event, with the results announced on 18 September.

This is the first equestrian competition to be run by World Intellectual Impairment Sport and, to make it more accessible, all entries will be recorded on video and submitted for judging.

As well as the individual rosettes on offer, a team competition for countries with more than three riders will also be contested.

2017 World Para Swimming World Championships

Taking place in Mexico City, the Worlds will see athletes with intellectual impairments compete in the S14 classification from 30 September. The likes of Great Britain’s Paralympic medallist Jessica-Jane Applegate and Paralympic champion Wai Lok Tang of Hong Kong are expected to go for gold.

Mexico will also host the 2017 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Swimming Championships in November, the year’s biggest competition for athletes with an intellectual impairment.

Live updates will be shared at World Para Swimming’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

International Paralympic Committee (IPC) General Assembly

A new President to replace Sir Philip Craven, who has completed the maximum number of terms, will be elected in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Governing Board elections for 10 Members at Large will also be held, with World Intellectual Impairment Sport Vice President Robyn Smith one of the nominees. Voting takes place on 8 September with results published the same day.

The Paralympic Sport and Media Awards will be presented and a number of individuals will be recognised with the Paralympic Order.

Updates will be available at the IPC’s Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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. 

Eligibility workshop to be hosted in Aguascalientes

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Adrian Rahier swimming in xxx swimming competition

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The International Federation for Intellectual Impairment Sport (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) has announced that a workshop on athlete eligibility will be held during the 2017 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Swimming Championships in Aguascalientes, Mexico.

The workshop will take place on 1 December and will be led by Professor Jan Burns MBE, Chairperson of the World Intellectual Impairment Sport Eligibility Committee.

It is designed to help people working in National Federations understand the World Intellectual Impairment Sport eligibility process. Some recent developments, including the trials of additional impairment groups for athletes with Down’s syndrome and autism, will also be highlighted and explained.

Delegates can register at the World Intellectual Impairment Sport website and Professor Burns encouraged people to take part:

“As this is the first swimming Championships to take place in the Americas, part of its success will be the legacy that is left behind and we hope that coaches, team members and representatives from federations will come along.

“The workshop is open to all World Intellectual Impairment Sport members but we particularly encourage those from the Americas region to attend. Aguascalientes 2017 provides a great opportunity for our colleagues in the area to learn more about eligibility.

“We are also trying to raise awareness of the crucial role World Intellectual Impairment Sport has in helping athletes go forward to compete in Paralympic competition as well as other elite level events.“

Para-sport has a classification process which all athletes must go through in order to compete. Athletes with an intellectual impairment must meet the criteria as defined by World Intellectual Impairment Sport which are based on the World Health Organisation and American Association of Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities definitions.

World Intellectual Impairment Sport manages this process before athletes then go on to be classified according to the sport they compete in.

The workshop is being organised and hosted by FEMEDE (Federación Mexicana de Deportistas Especiales), the Local Organising Committee of the 2017 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Swimming Championships.

The competition itself is expected to attract around 150 swimmers from 20 countries between 28 November – 3 December and is being sanctioned by World Para Swimming.

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 society without your support.

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

Australia reveal women’s Worlds basketball team

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Eliza Mills, Kate Leckenby and Evie Patterson all made the cut for the Australian Pearls. Credit: Hamish Patterson

Basketball Australia have announced the 10 players who will represent Australia at the 2017 International Federation for Intellectual Impairment Sport (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) World Basketball Championships in Loano, Italy, from 19-28 November.

The competition will see the women’s team, the Australian Pearls, competing for the 3×3 title.  The team already hold the World Intellectual Impairment Sport Global Games title which they won in Ecuador in 2015 and are the world No.1.  Australia will take two teams of five players each for the 3×3 competition.

The Australian Pearls first played the format when it was introduced in Ecuador in 2015. They came away with gold and bronze, adding to their unique history of medalling in every international competition for the last 15 years.

“The 3×3 format is expanding in popularity around the world with many World Championships now playing this exciting format of the game we love,” Sally Duncan, Australian team manager, said. “The rules for 3×3 make the game very fast, very physical and really exciting as a spectator sport.”

In Loano, the Australian Pearls will face Japan in a rematch of their gold medal game from 2015. France and the USA are also expected to compete.

The Australian team were selected following their last training camp in Melbourne on 19-20 August. With so many talented players in the squad, making the final cut to 10 was a difficult task.

Head coach, Larry Davidson, said: “The determination and commitment shown by the squad members has made it very difficult to select the final 10 players, and all of those trying out should be very proud of their contribution.  I wish we could take them all.”

The two teams will consist of some very experienced players matched with fresh young talent.

“Senior players such as Mills, Perry, Urguhart-Moran, Papworth and Harris will provide the core structure of our two teams.  Our younger players on their second/third tours will bring another level of energy and excitement into the two teams,” Davidson concluded.

All players have represented Australia before, making this Australian Pearls team rich in talent and international experience.

Team roster

  • Kim Perry
  • Eliza Mills
  • Nicole Harris
  • Molly Urquhart-Moran
  • Kaitlyn Papworth
  • Kate Leckenby
  • Jess McCulloch
  • Evie Patterson
  • Brittany Anderson
  • Amy Howard

Staff

  • Head coach: Larry Davidson
  • Team manager: Sally Duncan
  • Assistant coach: Jo Larkin
  • Physiotherapist: Dave Taylor

The men’s team announcement will follow shortly.

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 society without your support.

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

Tokyo 2020 celebrates three years to go

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A blind footballer weaves between two people

Credit: Tokyo 2020

By Tokyo 2020

The Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (Tokyo 2020) on Friday (25 August) co-hosted a “3 Years to Go to the Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020” event, to mark three years until the Opening Ceremony of the Games.

The event was held in conjunction with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Japanese Paralympic Committee at a scenic waterfront deck venue in Toyosu, overlooking Tokyo Bay.

The programme kicked off with greetings by Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike and Minister in Charge of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Shunichi Suzuki. Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto also attended, and Sir Philip Craven, President of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), delivered a congratulatory message to everyone by video. Around 3,000 people stopped by to see the event.

Tokyo 2020 used the event to highlight its commitment to deliver a fully inclusive Games. It included some amazing performances by Paralympic athletes, including Kento Kato, a leading member of the Japanese football 5-a-side team, who wowed everyone with his talent, scoring an incredible goal in front of the huge crowd. Hiroshi Miura, a two-time Paralympian in powerlifting, was challenged by the event organisers to see how many times he could lift a 100 kg barbell. With the crowd cheering him on, he managed to lift it 12 times.

Muto commented, “I feel the weight of expectation for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games from all those who attended today’s event. Also, the Paralympians’ powerful demonstrations allowed us to appreciate their amazing abilities.”

He added “Tokyo 2020’s mission is to provide a stage on which all athletes can deliver their personal best performance, and we are confident that everyone who watches or participates in the Paralympic Games will remember the Tokyo 2020 Games as the best in history. Beyond the Games themselves, our aim is to allow people of diverse abilities to live in harmony. And we believe that by improving accessibility for those with impairments, for the elderly and for those with young children, we can create a fully-inclusive community that provides all people with equal opportunity.”

Junichi Kawai, five-time gold medallist commented, “Paralympic sport is all about finding out what’s possible. Use your imagination and be honest to your feelings to find out what each athlete is capable of doing. That way, you can enjoy watching the Paralympic Games at their best, and that is the best part of it. Please come and see the Games in three years. I hope all of the venues will be filled with fans!”

There is already substantial interest in the Paralympic Games right across Japan, but Tokyo 2020 wants to raise public awareness of the need to improve accessibility and eliminate psychological barriers even further. A number of projects aimed at connecting people with the Games is being run, including the Tokyo 2020 Nationwide Participation Programme and the Tokyo 2020 “Yoi Don!” (“Get Set”) Nationwide Education Programme. The Nippon Foundation Paralympic Support Centre is additionally offering an IPC education programme entitled “I’m Possible” which is targeting to make Para sports more available in schools across Japan

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 society without your support.

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

Portugal, England, Netherlands claim Euro Parahockey titles

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Two hockey players collide

Credit: EHF

By European Hockey Federation and World Intellectual Impairment Sport

 The 2017 Euro Parahockey Championships concluded in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, on Wednesday (23 August) with Portugal, England and the hosts claiming titles in their respective groups.

Around 200 athletes, nine countries and 12 teams competed for honours at the Pinoke HC and then in the Wagener Stadium alongside the Rabo EuroHockey Championships.

In the final games, England won the Challenge beating Spain in a tight game 1-2. The Challenge Division is for beginners and was introduced for the first time in Amsterdam. Belgium 2 took bronze with a win over a very young Irish side 1-0.

In the Trophy Division another incredibly tight game saw The Netherlands 2 beat Germany 1-2. France had a great game against Belgium and took the bronze.

In the Championship division, with incredible skill Portugal narrowly pushed Italy into 2nd place with a 3-2 win to retain their title. In the bronze medal game Spain just pipped the Netherlands in a nine goal thriller 5-4.

Speaking about the event, first timer at the Parahockey Championships French Captain Pierrick said: “I have appreciated it was the first time it was with people that I don’t know. It was a great experience, it was superb”

Ross Faville, England Captain, added: “I think it has been great for everyone involved and I loved the organisation of the event and playing a sport I am passionate about at this level is amazing for everyone”

Marijke Fleuren, President of the European Hockey Federation (EHF) thanked sincerely the volunteers of the HC Pinoke, the KNHB (Dutch hockey federation), the umpires and especially the youth leaders from the EHF Youth Panel who together this incredible festival of hockey and was delighted that the ParaHockey Championships continues to grow.

Fleuren is looking forward to welcoming everyone back to the Championships in 2019 in Antwerp, Belgium, where the EHF hopes to have 12 countries represented.

The 2017 Euro Parahockey Championships were sanctioned by the International Federation for Intellectual Impairment Sport (World Intellectual Impairment Sport).

Support us

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 society without your support.

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

Australian tennis champs to feature mixed doubles, increased prize money

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A tennis player prepares to swing at the ball

Tennis Australia has announced that its 2018 Australian Tennis Championships for athletes with an intellectual impairment, running from 24-27 January in Melbourne, will feature mixed doubles for the first time as well as increased prize money.

Taking place in partnership with Sport Inclusion Australia, the competition is being sanctioned by the International Federation for Intellectual Impairment Sport (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) once again.

It is the 21st edition of the tournament and is open to players from around the world. It will be run alongside the Australian Open with athletes playing on the same outside courts.

As well as mixed doubles, titles in men’s and women’s singles and doubles will be contested. Preliminary round and main draw matches will be held at the Albert Reserve and finals at the iconic Melbourne Park.

Singles winners will receive AUD 850, doubles AUD 400 each and AD 300 for the mixed doubles. Runners-up will be handed AUD 400, 250 and 150 respectively.

Entry information is available at the World Intellectual Impairment Sport events page.