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The International Federation for Intellectual Impairment Sport (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) has re-launched its dedicated day for celebrating and raising awareness of high performance and grassroots sport worldwide.

The occasion – formerly known as Global Intellectual Disability Day – has been renamed the International Day of Sport for Athletes with an Intellectual Impairment. It will be held on 3 December, 2017.

This year’s edition will have a theme of ‘the world’s best athletes’. The aim is to showcase and promote the incredible abilities of the sportspeople World Intellectual Impairment Sport supports.

The organisation is encouraging its 80+ member organisations, the wider para-sport movement and the public to get involved on a national and international level.

“From arranging meet and greets with athletes and trying out sports with them, to sharing memories, photos and videos on social media of their favourite stars, there is something everyone can do to celebrate the new International Day of Sport for Athletes with an Intellectual Impairment,” World Intellectual Impairment Sport President, Marc Truffaut, said.

“There is no better way for people to get to know the most successful athletes from their country and to raise awareness of their achievements. It is also a great way to promote grassroots sports for people with intellectual impairments, autism and Down’s syndrome.

“We are timing this year’s celebrations to coincide with the 2017 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Swimming Championships – one of our biggest competitions – as well as the United Nations’ International Day of Persons with Disabilities to really maximise the reach of the event.

“We want as many people as possible to know about high performance sport for athletes with intellectual impairments, to follow them during their careers and share their favourite moments and memories using #SupportTheBest.”

At the 2017 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Swimming Championships, a range of digital content, videos, images and athlete stories will be shared to celebrate the day. The Championships begin on 28 November and closes on 3 December in Aguascalientes, Mexico

World Intellectual Impairment Sport will also be sharing updates from member organisations and athletes. As a charity it aims to use the day to raise funds to support its work.

Aguascalientes 2017 is expected to attract around 150 athletes from 20 countries. It will be the biggest gathering of swimmers with an intellectual impairment this year.

About World 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 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.