Ecuador to host 2015 Inas Global Games

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1Inas, the International Federation for sport for athletes with an intellectual disability, has chosen Guayaquil, Ecuador to host the 4th Inas Global Games.

The Games – a week long championship featuring eight sports – is expected to attract more than 1000 of the Worlds elite athlete athletes with an intellectual disability. The opening ceremony will take place on 20th September 2015.

It is the first time the event will have been held outside of Europe, following Sweden, Czech Republic and Italy who have hosted the prestigious event in the past and will take place just a year before the 2016 Paralympic Games in Brazil.

Ecuador was chosen ahead of Croatia and Colombia, in a closely fought bidding contest.

Nick Parr, Executive Director at Inas applauded all three bidding nations “The Global Games are the pinnacle event in the Inas calendar and we received three excellent bids. The Governing Board faced a difficult task finding the winner and I would like to congratulate everybody involved in the Ecuador bid on their success – Inas looks forward to a fantastic event in a little over two years time”.

Juan Carlos Araujo, President of Primos Y Primas, the host organisation, was delighted to win the bidding contest “I appreciate the trust Inas has placed in order for Ecuador to become the winning host. We are going to make the 2015 Inas Global Games the most beautiful and successful event ever!”.

The Inas Global Games features World Championship competition in eight sports – athletics, swimming, table tennis, rowing, basketball, futsal, tennis and cycling. A decision regarding the inclusion of any demonstration sports will be taken shortly.
Taking place just a year ahead of the Paralympic Games in 2016, it will be a fantastic opportunity for athletes aiming for qualification to Rio.

GB claim historic medal haul at World Intellectual Impairment Sport World Tennis Championships

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Great Britain finished last week’s 5th World Intellectual Impairment Sport World Tennis Championships with an historic haul of three gold medals, as well as a silver and a bronze, after victories in the men’s singles and doubles finals capped a fantastic week for the Brits at the competition in Rakovnik, Czech Republic.

Great Britain had never won a medal at the event before but that changed when Fabrice Higgins finished as a triple world champion after winning gold in the men’s singles, men’s doubles and the team event.

With Chorley’s Higgins and Cheltenham’s Thomas Mellor having set up an all-British men’s singles final earlier in the week, their wait to decide the gold and silver medals ended in a 6-1, 6-0 victory for Higgins.

Higgins made another piece of history earlier in the week in his men’s singles semi-final after becoming the first player to ever beat the Czech Republic’s Ondrej Sedlisky in singles competition at an World Intellectual Impairment Sport event.

Mellor added his silver medal in the men’s singles to the gold medal he won alongside Higgins earlier in the week when they beat Australia’s leading players in both the semi-finals and final of the team event.

And Higgins claimed his third gold medal of the World Championships with another victory over Australian opposition when he partnered Birkenhead’s Peter Millar to beat Joshua Holloway and Mitchell James 7-5, 6-1 in the men’s doubles final.

“It was an incredible experience playing for Great Britain and it still hasn’t sunk in yet that I have won three gold medals. I have met lots of new friends who I hope to see again in future events and I have loved every second of it,” said Higgins.

“I enjoyed everything about this week taking part in the World Intellectual Impairment Sport World Championships in the Czech Republic. It was great meeting so many new people in tennis and I really enjoyed playing both singles and doubles as part of the GB team. I would like to say thank you to the Tennis Foundation and UK Sports Association for supporting us as we had great preparation for the event and I’m sure that helped us do so well,” added Millar.

Millar gained more success in the men’s consolation singles after beating Italy’s Antonio Catalano 6-4, 6-1. It was Millar’s second consolation singles win in an World Intellectual Impairment Sport event in three years after he also won the men’s consolation at the World Intellectual Impairment Sport Global Games in Italy in 2011. Millar was presented with a gold medal for his efforts, while fellow Brit Shain Lewis won the bronze medal for finishing third in the consolation singles.

Lewis and Mellor came close to another medal in the men’s doubles, but were beaten 6-1 in the bronze medal play-off by Australia’s Damien Phillips and Zvi Schweitzer.

“I’m extremely proud of the whole team, having worked with them closely in the build-up to the World Intellectual Impairment Sport World Championships,” said Team Manager Lesley Whitehead. “All the boys have done superbly and have all played a big part in what has been a historic week for British tennis in World Intellectual Impairment Sport competition. Hopefully this is just the beginning of more success to come at this level of competition.”

Results of the event can be found here.

Inas and WTF sign agreement

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Inas has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the World Taekwondo Federation – the international governing body for Taekwondo.
The agreement was signed at the IOC Headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland in a ceremony attended by Dr. Chungwon Choue, president of the World Taekwondo Federation and Nick Parr, Executive Director of Inas. The ceremony was witnessed by WTF Secretary General Jean-Marie Ayer, members of the WTF Council, several WTF Member National Association presidents and secretaries general, and members of various WTF Committees.

The agreement aims to develop new disciplines of Para-Taekwondo, focusing on Taekwondo Poomsae (a series of postures and movements of the technical forms of taekwondo skills).

President Chungwon Choue announced “I am proud to announce that the WTF signed an MOU with the International Sport Federation for Para-Athletes with Intellectual Disability to work together to include new competitors and disciplines into Para-Taekwondo.

“Para-taekwondo is fast becoming a popular sport globally and it is testament to how far the sport has spread since the inaugural World Championships in 2009 that the 59 medals handed out at the tournament were distributed amongst 20 different countries.”

In the MOU’s, both organisations agree:

  • To conduct audits among its members to find out the interest for and number of athletes practicing Para-Taekwondo.
  • To cooperate for the establishment of specific classification and competition rules for Para-Taekwondo.
  • The WTF agrees to promote Para-Taekwondo for athletes with intellectual disabilities among its 204 Member National Associations.
  • Para-Taekwondo for athletes with intellectual disabilities should be included as an World Intellectual Impairment Sport promoted event in the 5th WTF Para-Taekwondo Championships to be held in 2014.
  • The WTF will actively work to fulfill all requirements to become an World Intellectual Impairment Sport member and recognized sport and to be included on the program of the World Games and Global Games.
  • World Intellectual Impairment Sport and WTF agree to work for the inclusion of Para-Taekwondo in the Paralympic Games.

On the new partnerships with Inas, WTF Secretary General Jean-Marie Ayer added ““Organizations such as World Intellectual Impairment Sport provide extraordinary pathways towards sport for those who have intellectual and neurological differences.  I believe our next steps are working with both of these great new partners to develop grass-roots programs to nurture new disciplines within taekwondo.”

9th Inas World Athletics Championships underway

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The 9th Inas World Athletics Championships began on schedule yesterday, despite the extensive flooding faced by host city Prague (Czech Republic) in recent days.

The first gold went to Ryo Kaneko (Japan) who took the 10,000m title in a time of 33m 15 seconds.

Around 150 athletes representing 22 nations are competing at the event which runs until Saturday.

For results, photos and video of the event, visit the event website.

UPDATED: Statement regarding the Inas World Athletics Championships, Prague, Czech Republic

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Inas is aware of the developing situation in Prague, Czech Republic which is under threat from extensive flooding. The city is due to host the 2013 Inas World Athletics Championships with teams departing for Czech Republic in the coming days.

Inas is in contact with the local organising committee and we will keep you informed of any developments that may affect the safe and successful running of the event. We will take advice from the organisers and any decision regarding the event will be taken as soon as possible.

We advise all teams to check the Inas website (www.inas.org) and the event website (www.prague2013.org) regularly.

Inas extends its best wishes to the people of Prague as it deals with this threat over the coming days.

Update 13.30GMT 4.6.2013

The organisers of the Inas World Athletics Championships have given re-assurance that the venue, hotel and airport are all  unaffected by the ongoing flooding in the centre of Prague, and anticipate that the event will go ahead as planned.

Teams are advised to continue to plan their travel accordingly, but should seek the advice of their own national authorities.

Inas will continue to monitor the situation and liaise with local organisers, and will inform members should there be any change.

Russo elected Inas President

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Jose Amaury Russo of Brazil has been elected the new President of Inas – the International Federation for sport for athletes with an intellectual disability within the Paralympic movement has confirmed – a role he will take with immediate effect.

He becomes Inas’ first President to be elected from outside of Europe in its 26 year history and will lead the organisation as it builds towards the Paralympic Games in Rio in 2016.

Russo, 59, was declared the winner in a close election contest with UK nominee Dr Geoff Smedley. He has more than 30 years experience in disability sport, including holding positions with the Brazilian Paralympic Committee and ABDEM (the Brazilian member organisation of Inas) and is a Director of ‘Piquesporte’ – a health and fitness facility in Sao Paolo.

As the results were announced he led a number of emotional tributes to former President Dr Bob Price OBE, who steps down after 6 years at the organisations helm. “You have led Inas through some difficult times and achieved so much. I will work hard to build on that success and behalf of all Inas athletes, I wish you well in your retirement”.

Further tributes were paid to Bengt Lindstedt (Sweden) and Michel Chopinaud (France) who also stepped down at this election.

Further appointments included Robyn Smith (Australia) who becomes Vice President, Karon Nicol (UK) and Barry Holman (USA) become Treasurer and Secretary General respectively and Prof. Jan Burns (UK) and Marc Truffaut (France) were re-elected to the posts of Head of Eligibility and Technical Officer.

Dr Bob Price to step down as Inas President

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Dr Bob Price OBE, will this weekend step down as Inas President following completion of two terms of office in which he has overseen the successful re-inclusion of athletes with an intellectual disability into the Paralympic Games.
Price, who has previously held roles including Chairman of the Great Britain National Paralympic Committee, President of the European Paralympic Committee, Chef De Mission of the GB team to 5 Paralympic Games, and is a member of the Paralympic Order, was elected President of Inas in 2007.
His appointment followed seven years of exclusion of athletes with an intellectual disability from Paralympic sport and he immediately set about the task of building a collaboration between Inas – the International Federation for sport for athletes with an intellectual disability – and the International Paralympic Committee.
A joint Inas/IPC working group was soon established which, supported by a team of researchers from universities in Europe and North America, developed a system of classification which brought about a decision in 2009 to re-instate competition for athletes with an intellectual disability in time for the 2012 Paralympic Games. 120 athletes went on to compete in London athletics, swimming and table tennis.
Colleagues within Inas have congratulated Dr Price on his retirement. “Bob’s achievements in disability sport were already significant, but the success he has achieved during his time as Inas President leaves a lasting legacy for all athletes with an intellectual disability across the World”.
Xavier Gonzalez, Chief Executive of the International Paralympic Committee thanked Dr Price for his contribution to the Paralympic movement. “Your leadership has contributed so much, in particular our work on the inclusion of athletes with an intellectual disability in the Games where your vision was key to the success”.
Inas rules allow individuals to hold office for no more than two terms and an election will be held on Sunday (29th April) at the Inas General Assembly in Rio De Janeiro to identify Dr Price’s successor.

Inas delivers Central Americas workshop

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Over the last two days, Inas has been meeting with NPC’s from across the Central Americas area to foster relationships and improve understanding of the athlete eligibility process.

Representatives from a number of NPC’s including hosts Costa Rica, Guatemala, El Salvador, Panama and Nicaragua participated in the workshop and it is hoped to see greater opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities developing across the region in the future.

Nick Parr, Inas Executive Director talked about Inas’ aims for the future, following the recent publication of its new four year strategic plan, whilst Professor Jan Burns, Inas Head of Eligibility, talked about the process of eligibility.

The workshop followed the conclusion of the 2013 Central American Para-Games in San Jose, Costa Rica and was facilitated by Aimee Poyo – NPC Relations Co-Ordinator for the International Paralympic Committee.

Inas confirm appointments to sport roles

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Inas has today confirmed the appointment of a number of its key sports personnel as it continues to build on the momentum of the recent London Paralympic Games.
The Sport Director roles – all voluntary – are responsible for managing and growing the Inas sport programme over the next four years. The appointments are seen as crucial as Inas seeks to build on the successful re-inclusion of athletes with an intellectual disability in Paralympic sport, and coincides with the publication of the organisations new 4 year strategy.
Nick Parr, Executive Director, explained “Inas has set itself some ambitious targets for the next four years. We particularly want to reach areas of the World where pathways for athletes with an intellectual disability are less well developed and strengthen our sports programme – particularly the Inas Global Games. These appointments are a critical first step and I believe we have some fantastic individuals to lead our sports as we turn our attention to Rio De Janeiro in 2016”
Adam Pine, a former Olympic and Commonwealth swimmer and currently Paralympic High Performance Manager with Swimming Australia has been appointed Sport Director for Swimming, whilst Lorraine Landon – former General Manager, National Teams with Basketball Australia, Chair of the FIBA Women’s Commission and a 2011 inductee of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame – takes the Basketball role.
John Ball, a former Football Development Officer in England has been appointed to a joint role of Sport Director Football/Futsal, whilst Karen Ross – Performance Manager for Tennis Scotland – takes over in Tennis.
And finally, Winston Stubbs (South Africa) will continue in the role of Sport Director for Cricket – a developing sport in the Inas programme – and a role that he has held since 2011.
Each has been tasked with developing a plan for their sport, to grow participation worldwide.
Further appointments in additional sports are due in the coming weeks.

Inas confirm appointments to sport roles

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Inas has today confirmed the appointment of a number of its key sports personnel as it continues to build on the momentum of the recent London Paralympic Games.
The Sport Director roles – all voluntary – are responsible for managing and growing the Inas sport programme over the next four years. The appointments are seen as crucial as Inas seeks to build on the successful re-inclusion of athletes with an intellectual disability in Paralympic sport, and coincides with the publication of the organisations new 4 year strategy.
Nick Parr, Executive Director, explained “Inas has set itself some ambitious targets for the next four years. We particularly want to reach areas of the World where pathways for athletes with an intellectual disability are less well developed and strengthen our sports programme – particularly the Inas Global Games. These appointments are a critical first step and I believe we have some fantastic individuals to lead our sports as we turn our attention to Rio De Janeiro in 2016”
Adam Pine, a former Olympic and Commonwealth swimmer and currently Paralympic High Performance Manager with Swimming Australia has been appointed Sport Director for Swimming, whilst Lorraine Landon – former General Manager, National Teams with Basketball Australia, Chair of the FIBA Women’s Commission and a 2011 inductee of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame – takes the Basketball role.
John Ball, a former Football Development Officer in England has been appointed to a joint role of Sport Director Football/Futsal, whilst Karen Ross – Performance Manager for Tennis Scotland – takes over in Tennis.
And finally, Winston Stubbs (South Africa) will continue in the role of Sport Director for Cricket – a developing sport in the Inas programme – and a role that he has held since 2011.
Each has been tasked with developing a plan for their sport, to grow participation worldwide.
Further appointments in additional sports are due in the coming weeks.