Preview: Alpine and Nordic skiers take centre stage in February

The first International Federation for Athletes with Intellectual Impairments (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) World Championships of 2018 gets underway in February.

2018 World Intellectual Impairment Sport World Alpine and Nordic Skiing Championships

One of Poland’s most popular ski destinations, Zakopane, will host the World Championships between 27 February – 2 March.

Around 60 alpine and Nordic skiers with intellectual impairments from 10 countries are expected to compete at the Suche ski resort and on the trails of the CentralnyOsrodekSportuZakopane.

Alpine skiing will feature slalom, giant slalom and super-G. Nordic skiers will compete in the cross-country sprint, short and long distance races as well as a 3×2.5km relay.

The host nation have high medal hopes, particularly in the Nordic skiing. Men’s long distance defending champion, Patrick Jakiela, is confirmed to compete. The men’s 3x2km relay team will also return in an attempt to reclaim their gold from 2017.

In the women’s alpine skiing France’s Melanie De Bona will go for another sweep of titles. At her home World Championships in Gourette last year, De Bona picked up a trio of victories in the slalom, giant slalom and super-G.

The Championships will feature athletes with an intellectual impairment (II1) as well two new trial groups: II2 – for athletes with a more significant intellectual impairment and II3 – for athletes with high-functioning autism. .

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

Zakopane 2018 kicks off an exciting year of major Championships for athletes with intellectual impairments. The World Intellectual Impairment Sport Indoor Athletics Championships follow from 2-4 March before the tennis and cycling Worlds in July. The football World Championships take place in Karlstad, Sweden, in August.

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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.