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Swimmers in the pool at the 2017 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Swimming Championships

Japan close 2017 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Swimming Championships with triple gold

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Japan closed the 2017 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Swimming Championships in Aguascalientes, Mexico, in style on Sunday (4 December), with three gold medals.

Taiga Hayashida, Yasuhiro Tanaka, Haruki Takayanagi and Shunya Murakami (4:28.93) won the men’s 4x100m medley relay with ease.

Brazil’s Kaio Adriano Olivier Branco, Luis Henrique Sieiro, Gustavo De Oliveira Nunes and Andre Luiz Bento Silva (4:36.15) took silver. Nathan Maillet, Jacky Deforge, Mathis Daniel, Maxime Dutter (4:45.74) clinched bronze for France.

The women’s 4x100m medley relay was won by Mai Deguchi, Remi Watanbe, Chinami Harada and Haruna Ogawa (5:21.25). Australia grabbed another relay medal with silver courtesy of Jaime-Lee Getson, Bronte Marshall, Nikesha Sophia Harding and Casey Stevens (5:25.68).

Brazil’s Ana Karolina Soares Oliveira, Kelly Da Silva Antunes, Debora Borges Carneiro and Stephanie Ariodante (5:47.98) competed the top three with bronze.

Yasuhiro Tanaka (1:10.38) led an all-Japanese podium in the men’s 100m breaststroke. Teammates Taiga Hayashida (1:11.42) and Shinichi Hirota (1:14.05) took silver and bronze, respectively.

In the women’s 100m breaststroke there was gold for Brazil with Carneiro (1:22.56) claiming her latest win. Australia’s Jaime-Lee Getson (1:28.20) just edged Japan’s bronze medallist Mai Deguchi (1:28.22) by a fingernail to take silver.

Ana Karolina Soares Oliveira also leaves Aguascalientes as the most decorated athlete from the women’s S14. The Brazilian claimed four individual gold medals across five days of competition.

The combined performance of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games hosts saw them top the medals table in the S14 category with 15 golds, eight silver and five bronze. They also led the overall medals table, S14 and trial eligibility groups combined, with 25 golds, 10 silver and eight bronze medals.

Hosts Mexico finished second in the overall table with 18 golds, 14 silver and 16 bronze, including one gold, two silver and two bronze in the S14.

Australia were third with 10 titles, 13 silvers and four bronze featuring nine wins in the S14.

In the remaining events contested on day five, Spain’s Luis Francisco Parede (2:23.94) triumphed in the men’s 200m butterfly S14.

There was a Japanese double on the rest of the podium with Haruki Takayanagi (2:25.77) taking silver and Yuki Yamanaka (2:26.01) the bronze.

Australia’s Nikesha Sophia Harding (2:42.86), the silver medallist from 2015, took victory in the women’s 200m butterfly S14. The 18-year-old beat Chinese Taipei’s defending champion Jo-Lin Tu (2:50.73) who claimed second place. The USA’s Leslie Cichocki (3:02.01) completed the top three.

Maillet tied with Japan’s Shunya Murakami and Brazil’s Felipe Caltran Vila Real for the most decorated men’s S14 swimmers with two golds each.

Trial significant additional impairment groups

In the men’s 100m breaststroke – Down syndrome Caique Aimore (1:29.82) secured his seventh gold medal of the competition. His victory makes him the most decorated athlete from the trial eligibility group.

Colombia’s Jose Miguel Ramirez (1:35.13) sealed silver. Carlos Hernandez (1:36.56) doubled Spain’s medal haul for the evening with bronze.

Spain’s Dunia Camacho Marenco tied with Spain’s Camino Martinez De La Riva for the most decorated swimmer in the women’s – Down syndrome with three titles each.

Full results are available here.

The 2017 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Swimming Championships ran from 28 November – 3 December.

Behind the scenes content, videos and pictures are available at World Intellectual Impairment Sport Facebook and Twitter and a newly launch Instagram account (@inas_sports)

Two eligibility groups were trialled in Aguascalientes -1. Athletes with significant additional impairment – for athletes with an intellectual impairment and a further significant impairment. Initially this will be restricted to athletes with Down syndrome. 2. For athletes with autism.

Japanese relay team make incredible comeback

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Japan claimed the men’s 4x200m freestyle relay gold in dramatic fashion at the 2017 International Federation for Intellectual Impairment Sport (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) Swimming Championships on Saturday (2 December).

The Tokyo 2020 hosts were out of the medals until the closing stages, trailing Spain and Brazil. But a lightning penultimate leg and anchor leg from Haruki Takayanagi and Shunya Murakami pulled them back up the rankings, enough to claim the gold in 8:52.75.

Yasuhiro Tanaka and Yuki Yamanaka completed the Japanese line-up.

France’s Nathan Maillet, Mathis Daniel, Maxime Dutter and Jacky Deforge (9:07.73) claimed the silver. Spain secured bronze courtesy of Luis Francisco Paredes, Javier Labrador Fernandez, Alejandro Meneses Madero and Adrian Manuel Santana (9:19.45).

In the women’s 4x200m freestyle relay Australia were the victors courtesy of Bronte Marshall, Casey Stevens, India Biesse-Fitton and Jade Lucy (11:01.40). Brazil’s Debora Borges Carneiro, Stephanie Ariodante, Ana Karolina Soares, Oliveira and Kelly Da Silva Antunes (11:09.26) secured the silver.

In the women’s 100m freestyle S14 Oliveira (1:04.41) claimed her third gold in two days.

The Brazilian 17-year-old impressed by finishing nearly one second faster than the USA’s silver medallist Leslie Cichoki (1:05.45). Australia’s Jade Lucy (1:06.90) claimed bronze.

France’s Nathan Maillet (56.51) converted his leading heat swim from this morning into gold in the men’s 100m freestyle S14. The Brazilian duo of Andre Luis Bento Silva (59.39) and Gutemberg De Souza (59.63) collected silver and bronze respectively.

In the men’s 50m breaststroke Yaushiro Tanaka (33.20) was the victor. His teammate Shinichi Hirota (33.73) clinched the silver just a few tenths behind. The Czech Republic’s Vladimir Hlavec (34.32) was third.

In the women’s 50m breaststroke Carneiro (37.59), another teenager talent at 19, claimed the win. Australia’s Jaime-Lee Getson (39.14) secured silver as she did in 2015. Austria’s Janina Falk (41.39) secured the bronze – at the age of 14.

The men’s 100m butterfly S14 title was claimed by Gustavo De Oliveira Nunes (1:03.74). Japan’s Takayanagi (1:04.92) led teammate Murakami (1:05.57) into second.

Australia’s Nikesha Sophia Harding (1:15.32) dominated in the women’s 100m butterfly, winning in 1:15.32.

Cichoki (1:16.36) picked up another medal with silver. Chinese Taipei’s Jo-Lin Tu (1:16.90) also enjoyed her latest podium appearance with bronze.

Trial significant additional impairment groups

In the men’s 100m freestyle – Down syndrome Brazil’s Caique Aimore (1:06.68) once again topped the podium.  Colombia’s Jaider Stiwen Hernandez (1:08.28) secured silver. Great Britain’s Billy Birchmore (1:11.00) rounded off the podium.

Aimore doubled up with the win in the men’s 50m breaststroke – Down syndrome. Spain’s Carlos Hernandez Ortiz (43.39) was second. Mexico’s Jesus Salvador Montoya (47.83) completed the top three.

In the women’s 50m breaststroke – Down syndrome Kelly Da Silva Antunes (50.40) sealed another gold for Brazil. South Africa’s Melisa Van Bosch (51.42) grabbed the silver and Estonia’s Maria Rein (52.49) the bronze.

The women’s 100m freestyle – Down syndrome saw Dunia Camacho Marenco (1:21.35) claim the title. Spain’s Camino Martinez De La Riva (1:23.28) and Mexico’s Paola Veloz Barcenas (1:29.70) won silver and bronze respectively.

A close race highlighted the men’s 100m butterfly – Down syndrome. France’s Axel Belig (1:17.23) went head-to-head with Mexico’s Jesus Garcia Gonzalez (1:17.67). Belig emerged the victor as Gonzalez settled for silver. Mexico’s Steven Martinez Arellano (1:25.00) took the bronze.

The women’s was won by France’s Cleo Renou (1:44.35). Mexico’s Daniela Michelle De Lorea (1:51.66). Colombia’s Yeimy Carolina Cortes Murci (1:55.17).

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.

Trial eligibility groups are being run in Down syndrome and autism.

Two eligibility groups are being trialled in Aguascalientes -1. Athletes with significant additional impairment – for athletes with an intellectual impairment and a further significant impairment. Initially this will be restricted to athletes with Down syndrome. 2. For athletes with autism.

#Aguascalientes2017: Day four morning review

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The heat swims of the 2017 International Federation for Intellectual Impairment Sport (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) Swimming Championships delivered great performances on Saturday (2 December).

In the women’s 100m freestyle S14 Brazil’s Ana Karolina Soares Oliveira (1:03.41) had a successful return to the pool. The 17-year-old went quickest in the women’s 100m freestyle S14 after winning gold in the women’s 50m butterfly S14 on Friday (1 December).

The USA’s Leslie Cichoki (1:06.75) was second and Australia’s Jade Lucy (1:07.50) third.

France’s Nathan Maillet (58.15) advanced to the final of the men’s 100m freestyle S14 as the quickest.

Brazilian teammates Andre Luiz Bento Silva (1:00.31) and Gutemberg De Souza (1:00.74) finished within a whisker of each for second and third respectively.

Japan’s Yasuhiro Tanaka (33.01) heads through to the final of the men’s 50m breaststroke in pole position. His teammate Shinichi Hirota (33.71), the bronze medallist from 2015, was second. The Czech Republic’s Vladimir Hlavac (34.23) was third.

The women’s was led by Brazil’s Debora Borges Carneiro (38.13). Australia’s 2015 silver medallist Jaime-Lee Getson (39.73) was second and Japan’s Remi Watanabe (41.52) third.

In the men’s 100m butterfly Japan’s Haruki Takayanagi (1:04.82) is in a good position to improve on his silver medal from 2015. He leads compatriots Shunya Murakami (1:05.51) and Shota Zayasu (1:07.33) into second and third, respectively.

Cichoki (1:15.56) led the women in the 100m butterfly S14 heats. Australia’s Nikesha Sophia Harding (1:16.07) was second quickest and Chinese Taipei’s defending champion Jo Lin Tu (1:18.74), third.

Trial significant additional impairment groups

Brazil’s Caique Aimore (1:07.67) qualified fastest in the men’s 100m freestyle – Down syndrome heats. Colombia’s Jaider Stiwen Hernandez (1:10.90) was second. Great Britain’s Billy Birchmore (1:11.28) was third.

In the women’s equivalent Mexico’s Dunia Camacho Marenco (1:23.26) went quickest. Spain’s Camino Martinez De La Riva (1:29.02) was second. Mexico’s Paola Veloz Barcenas (1:29.46) was third.

The men’s 50m breaststroke – Down syndrome heat was also won by Aimore (39.55). Spain’s Carlos Hernandez Ortiz (43.70) was second and Mexico’s Jesus Salvador Montoya (46.22) was third.

The women’s event was led by South Africa’s Melisa Van Bosch (51.01). Brazil’s Kelly Da Silva Antunes (52.22) follows Van Bosch into the final in second. Mexico’s Daniela Michelle De Lorea (54.97).

In the men’s 100m butterfly – Down syndrome Birchmore (1:20.82) went quickest. France’s Axel Belig (1:21.03) was second and Mexico’s Jesus Garcia Gonzalez (1:21.31) third.

In the women’s France’s Cleo Renou (1:47.08) led the field. Mexico’s De Lorea (1:57.20) was second and Antunes (1:59.66), third.

The USA’s Anna Beam (1:37.70) won gold in the women’s 100m freestyle – autism.

Youth (under-17s)

Mexico’s Alejandro Alvarado Alvarado (1:03.13) clinched the men’s 100m freestyle title. His teammate, Angel Fernando Gutierrez (1:05.37), claimed silver.

Mexico’s Nahum Hernandez Cetina (40.99) claimed the victory in the men’s 50m breaststroke. Australia’s Jarrod Le (41.55) grabbed the silver. Cetina(1:12.51) also won gold in the men’s 100m butterfly.

Austria’s Janina Falk, 14, won gold in the women’s 50m breaststroke under-17s after her heat swim.

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.

Trial eligibility groups are being run in Down syndrome and autism.

Two eligibility groups are being trialled in Aguascalientes -1. Athletes with significant additional impairment – for athletes with an intellectual impairment and a further significant impairment. Initially this will be restricted to athletes with Down syndrome. 2. For athletes with autism.

Day three finals set to be close at World Intellectual Impairment Sport Swimming Champs

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Women dive into the pool at the 2017 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Swimming Championships

The finals of day three at the 2017 International Federation for Intellectual Impairment (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) Swimming Championships promise to be an exciting affair after a series of close heats highlighted the morning action on Friday (1 December).

In the women’s 200m freestyle S14 Australia’s 2015 bronze medallist Jade Lucy (2:25.21), qualified fastest. The USA’s Leslie Cichoki (2:25.80) was amongst the quickest yet again, leading Mexico’s defending champion Beatriz Resendiz De Garcia (2:25.82) into the top three.

In the women’s 100m backstroke Australia’s Jaime-Lee Getson (1:17.21) led 2015 bronze medallist Cichocki (1:17.47) to the wall. Japan’s Kasumi Fukui (1:18.08) was third.

Brazil’s 2015 silver medallist Gustavo De Oliveira Nunes (28.76) went quickest in the men’s 50m butterfly S14. Nunes’ Teammates Felipe Caltran Vila Real (28.84) and Andre Luiz Bento Sila Filho (29.05) were second and third.

France’s Nathan Maillet (1:12.10) led the men’s 100m backstroke S14 heats. His compatriot Simon Blaise (1:15.00) was second. Putz (1:15.52) qualified for his second final in third.

In the men’s 200m freestyle S14 heats Japan’s Shunya Murakami (2:07.22) led the field. France’s Nathan Maillet (2:11.22) was second and Macau’s Yu Chia Chen (2:17.22) third.

South Africa’s Aaron Putz (2:19.29) also qualified for the final in fourth: “I feel good actually. I can’t be unhappy with that, it was a good morning swim,” Putz said. “I just kept my pace like I was meant to and put it up each 50.”

There was further Brazilian success in the women’s 50m butterfly. Ana Karolina Soares (32.67) and Deborah Borges Carneiro (33.46) will go for further golds this evening as the first and second fastest, respectively. Australia’s Nikesha Sophia Harding (34.34) completed the top three.

Down syndrome

Mexico’s Jesus Garcia Gonzalez (2:41.67) is in pole position in the men’s 200m freestyle heats. Colombia’s Jaider Stiwen Hernandez (2:41.89) was close behind in second. Great Britain’s Billy Birchmore (2:44.37) was third.

In the women’s equivalent Mexico’s Dunia Camacho Marenco (3:06.31) was first. Spain’s Camino Martinez De La Riva (3:09.21) and Paola Veloz Barcenas (3:17.43) were second and third respectively.

Brazil’s Caique Aimore (1:19.86) qualified fastest in the men’s 100m backstroke heats. Birchmore (1:24.13) was second and Hernandez (1:26.94) third.

In the women’s 100m backstroke heats Mexican teammates Marianna Escamilla (1:43.82) and Daniela Michelle De Lorea (1:49.31) were first and second. Estonia’s Maria Rein (1:51.44) completed the top three.

In the men’s 50m butterfly heats Mexico’s Jose Enrique Melo Cruz (35.41) led the field. France’s Axel Belig (35.48) was not far behind his rival in second. Spain’s Carlos Hernandez Ortiz (35.99) completed the top three.

France’s Cleo Renou (46.75) led the women’s 50m butterfly heats. Spain’s Camino Martinez (47.90) was second and Brazil’s Kelly Da Silva Antunes (50.75) third.

Youth (under-17)

Mexico’s Alejandro Alvarado Alvarado (2:20.40) claimed gold in the men’s 200m freestyle. Alvarado’s teammate Nathum Hernandez Cetina (2:25.39) secured silver.

Certina (32.58) went on to claim gold in the men’s 50m butterfly.

Kaio Adriano Olivier (1:08.06) was the victor in the men’s 100m backstroke, claiming another title for Brazil.

Full results are available here.

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.

Trial eligibility groups are being run in Down syndrome and autism.

Brazilian women secure World Intellectual Impairment Sport relay world record

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Relay teams line-up up on the podium

The Brazilian women’s 4x100m freestyle S14 relay team set a new International Federation for Intellectual Impairment Sport (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) world record at the 2017 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Swimming Championships on Thursday (30 November).

Debora Borges Carneiro, Stephanie Ariodante, Beatriz Borges Carneiro and Ana Karolina Soares (4:30.19) dominated the race in Aguascalientes, Mexico. They shaved more than one second off the previous record of 4:31.68.

Australia’s Jade Lucy, India Biesse-Fitton, Jaime-Lee Getson and Nikesha Sophia Harding (4:48.42) secured silver.

Mexico impressed with a top three finish at home. Darianna Stefania, Arleth Alacantra Rico, Nora Elisa Garcia Sanchez and Mariana Diaz De La Vega (5:17.79) claimed bronze.

There was also a new World Intellectual Impairment Sport record in the mixed 4x100m medley relay S14. As it was the first time the event has been run at this level, Brazil’s winning time of 4:41.59 lays down the marker for the rest of the world.

Kaio Adriano Olivier Branco, Beatriz Borges Carneiro, Felipe Caltran Vila Real and Ana Karolina Soares Oliveira claimed the gold.

Japan’s Kasumi Fukui, Yasuhiro Tanaka, Haruki Takayanagi and Haruna Ogawa (4:43.88) sealed silver.

South Africa’s Michaela Kretzen, Aaron Putz, Paulse Ethan and Cornelia Fowler (5:17.27) completed the top three with bronze.

In the men’s 200m breaststroke S14 Japan’s Sninichi Hirota (2:44.75) improved on his silver medal from 2015. The 21-year-old led a Japanese one-two as Ryo Muramatsu (2:44.93) claimed silver. South Africa’s Aaron Putz (2:46.71) added to his medal haul with bronze.

Brazilian twins Beatriz (3:02.94) and Debora Borges Carneiro (3:04.59) claimed gold and silver respectively in the women’s 200m breaststroke SB14. Japan’s Remi Watanabe (3:12.70) completed the podium.

Just three-tenths of a second separated gold and silver in the women’s 50m backstroke S14.

Australia’s Jaime-Lee Getson (34.69) just pipped Japan’s Kasumi Fukui (34.99) to gold. The USA’s Leslie Cichocki (35.07) completed the top three.

In the men’s 50m backstroke S14 Brazil’s Gutemberg De Souza (31.83) touched in first. Australia’s Jarrod Lee (32.99) was second and Brazil’s Andre Luiz Bento Silva (33.17) was third.

The Brazilian men claimed gold in the men’s 4x100m freestyle S14. Andre Luiz Bento Silva Filho, Gustavo De Oliveira Nunes, Gutemberg De Souza and Felipe Caltran Vila Real (3:55.70) dominated.

France’s Maxime Dutter, Simon Blaise, Mathis Daniel and Nathan Maillet (4:04.52) swam well to secure the silver. The Spanish team of Luis Francisco Paredes, Javier Labrador Fernandez, Alejandro Meneses Madero and Adrian Manuel Santana (4:12.66) took bronze.

Down syndrome

Brazil’s Caique Aimore (35.91) won the men’s 50m backstroke Down syndrome with ease. The 24-year-old triumphed over Great Britain’s silver medallist Billy Birchmore (37.48). Mexico picked up their latest medal courtesy of Jesus Garcia Gonzalez (40.94) with bronze.

In the women’s Mexico’s Mariana Escamilla Brana (47.85) was the victor, followed by her teammate Sarahi Narvaes Alarcon (50.77). Estonia’s Maria Rein (51.83) 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.

Trial eligibility groups are being run in Down syndrome and autism.

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.

The 2017 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Swimming Championships will be hoested in Aguascalientes

Preparations intensify for World Intellectual Impairment Sport Swimming Champs

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The International Federation for Intellectual Impairment Sport (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) has carried out the latest site visit to Aguascalientes, Mexico, the location of the 2017 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Swimming Championships.

With less than 50 days until the competition gets underway on 28 November, swimming Sport Director Dave Harman spent 48 hours in Aguascalientes in early October. He assessed progress in a number of areas including timing, medical, broadcast, branding and volunteers with the Local Organising Committee (LOC).

“Only a few weeks remain before 150 of the world’s best athletes from 20 countries arrive for the 2017 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Swimming Championships,” Harman said. “As this is the biggest competition for swimmers with an intellectual impairment since the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, it is important that everything is run to the highest possible standard.

“With the help of the Aguascalientes Institute of Sport the LOC are making good progress and things are starting to fall into place. We are particularly excited by the interest from Mexican television and the enthusiasm of the volunteers. As ever these people will be a huge part of the success of the event.

“There is still a lot to do in order to make Aguascalientes 2017 the best it can be, but we are confident that the LOC is firmly headed in the right direction.”

During the site visit Harman was shown plans to brand the Jesús Terán Peredo airport where most teams will arrive. Some striking look elements for the competition venue – the Alberca Olimpica swimming pool – were also presented to World Intellectual Impairment Sport.

Aguascalientes 2017 will run from 28 November – 3 December and is being organised by the Federación Mexicana de Deportistas Especiales (FEMEDE). As well as athletes with intellectual impairments, trial groups for Down’s syndrome and autism will also be contested for the first time.

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.

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#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.”

 

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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.

Countries name teams for swimming World Championships

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Credit: Getty Images

A series of countries have named their best swimmers with an intellectual impairment who will compete at the 2017 World Para Swimming Championships in Mexico City between 30 September – 6 October.

Rio 2016 hosts Brazil will be aiming to build off their performances from last year’s Paralympic Games, fielding two S14 swimmers.

Felipe Vila Real and Beatriz Borges Carneiro will compete in the men’s and women’s events respectively. Vila Real is a multiple medallist and champion from the International Federation for Intellectual Impairment Sport (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) Global Games in 2015.

Amongst a 26-strong team travelling to Mexico from Great Britain is World Intellectual Impairment Sport Ambassador and Rio 2016 medallist Jessica-Jane Applegate. The 20-year-old left Brazil with two silver medals from the women’s 200m freestyle and 200m individual medley. Applegate is also the defending 100m backstroke world champion.

Jack Thomas is another highlight for the British team who returns to the global stage. After a promising performance at the 2014 European Championships where he claimed three medals, Thomas was forced to miss the 2015 Worlds because of a wrist injury.

Jordan Catchpole and Connor Morrison round off the men’s team with Louise Fiddes completing the women’s squad for Great Britain.

“The team we have selected is a strong team based on their impressive performances at the British Summer Championships [in Sheffield, Great Britain],” British head coach Rob Aubry said.

“In Sheffield, we saw athletes break records and show that they were at their best at the right time. What impressed me the most in Sheffield is that they took on board the importance of the meet and showed the best possible race plan at the right time.

“I’m pleased with the continued progress and the support we are able to put around our athletes. We are continuing to strive to be the best both in and out the water.

“In Mexico we will have a tough challenge and we know there will be some new athletes that our athletes will face. It will be testing environment and athletes will be expected to race consistently while continuing training at a key point in the season.”

Fifteen-year-old Lawrence Sapp will make his major international debut for the USA in the men’s S14.

Around 550 swimmers from more than 60 countries are expected to compete at the Francisco Marquez Olympic Swimming Pool during the 2017 World Para Swimming Championships.

Many of the same athletes will then return to Mexico for the 2017 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Swimming Championships in Aguascalientes between 28 November – 3 December. The competition will be the biggest gathering of swimmers with an intellectual impairment of 2017.