A man holds his arms open in front of a banner for the Americas Paralympic Committee

World Intellectual Impairment Sport sends condolences to family of Jose Luis Campo

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The International Federation for Intellectual Impairment Sport (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) has joined other members of the Paralympic Movement in sending its condolences to the family of Jose Luis Campo, President of the Americas Paralympic Committee (APC), who passed away suddenly on Monday (16 October).

Campo was instrumental in the development of the Paralympic Movement in the Americas, and was hugely supportive of sport for athletes with an intellectual impairment.

“This is such a huge shock and our thoughts are with his family at this very difficult time,” Marc Truffaut, World Intellectual Impairment Sport President, said. “We have lost a very important figurehead not just from the APC but from the Paralympic family as a whole.”

“Jose Luis was a great advocate for World Intellectual Impairment Sport and its athletes. He was always keen to be as inclusive as possible and we will remember his passion and determination with great fondness.”

On Wednesday (18 October), Campo would have celebrated his 60th birthday and leaves behind his wife Sonia Incaurgarat and three children Bernardo, Manuel and Josefina.

A physical education teacher for youngsters with an impairment, Campo was elected the APC’s founding President in 1997. He served two terms until 2005 during which time he worked to establish and develop National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) in the region.

He was elected President once again in 2013 and was currently serving his fourth term following re-election in March 2017 in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Campo oversaw the organisation of the inaugural Parapan American Games in Mexico City in 1999. He played an influential role in bringing them to his home city of Mar de Plata in Argentina four years later and then to Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in 2007. Campo also helped create the Youth Parapan American Games.

In 2013 he led the organisation of an eligibility workshop in Costa Rica for Americas NPCs on athletes with intellectual impairments.

In December 2015, months after the hugely successful Toronto 2015 Parapan American Games, Campo signed a historic agreement on behalf of the APC with the Pan American Sports Organisation (PASO). This includes working together on the bid process for the Pan Am and Parapan Am Games as well as the promotion and development of Paralympic sport.

During his current term as President, Campo was working closely with the Organising Committees of the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games and Managua 2018 Para Central-American Games, once again, in order to strengthen the Paralympic Movement in the Americas.

Away from the APC, Campo served on the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Executive Committee from 1997 to 2005 and was an IPC Governing Board member between 2009 and 2013. He was part of the Rio 2016 International Olympic Committee Co-ordination Commission overseeing Latin America’s first Paralympic Games, an event that saw NPCs from the Americas win more medals than ever before.

Campo passed away in Mar del Plata after suffering a suspected heart attack while participating in a fundraising walk/run event to raise funds for organisations fighting children’s cancer.

With thanks to the International Paralympic Committee for additional reporting.

 

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.

A group of dignitaries and athletes pose for a group shot for the 2019 Global Games

Countdown to 2019 Global Games is on

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By the Global Games Sports Company

The countdown to the 2019 International Federation for Intellectual Impairment Sport (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) Global Games in Brisbane, Australia, began on Thursday (12 October) with organisers making a series of announcements.

The Global Games Sports Company (GGSC) and the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Corporation (GOLDOC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in which both organisations will share knowledge before, during and after the Commonwealth Games in April 2018.

The leadership teams from both organisations will work together to identify potential legacy projects, initiatives and programmes that benefit each event.

Over the term of the agreement the GGSC will work closely with GOLDOC and their workforce team. They will identify opportunities for volunteers and paid team members to transition or re-engage with the 2019 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Global Games.

“This is a monumental occasion for the area of inclusion and testament to the role sport plays in Australia to provide opportunities and pathways for athletes with an impairment,” said Robyn Smith, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the GGSC.

“GOLDOC is committed to ensuring that the 2018 Commonwealth Games leaves a lasting legacy for all Australians on the power of sport to change lives. We are delighted to be working with the Global Games Sports Company in sharing information to assist the delivery of the World Intellectual Impairment Sport Global Games – Brisbane 2019,” Mark Peters, CEO of GOLDOC, said.

The Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games will take place on 4-15 April. It will be the largest sporting event in Australia since the Sydney 2000 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“We are excited to bring the Games to Brisbane and to work with the Queensland Government and Brisbane City Council, to deliver the best Games ever. Australia did it in Sydney in 2000 and we have no doubt with the support of the Queensland Government, Brisbane City Council and the State and national sporting organisations and over 300 volunteers that we will do it again here in Brisbane in 2019.” Smith concluded.

As part of a celebration held in Brisbane, Assistant Minister of State Assisting the Premier Jennifer Howard MP, officially launched the countdown.

“The Queensland Government is proud to be the presenting partner of the World Intellectual Impairment Sport Global Games – Brisbane 2019, and I have no doubt Brisbane will be an amazing host city for this international event,” Howard said. “The Games will be a week-long Championship, celebrating ability and promoting the power of sport to achieve social cohesion.

“Athletes will compete across nine internationally sanctioned sports including: athletics, basketball, cycling, futsal, rowing, swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, and tennis as well as a number of demonstration sports in many of Brisbane’s world class venues.

“This is such a wonderful legacy event following the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games.”

Along the way organisers hope to use the Games to challenge perceptions, change attitudes and strengthen communities locally and globally. This will leave a lasting legacy for the people of Brisbane, Queensland and Australia of the power of sport to break down barriers and create social inclusion.

Howard said the Queensland Government was committed to ensuring people with impairments could live the life they choose:

“We want to create a better future by driving the changes we need to ensure our State is more inclusive and that people with disability can participate fully in all aspects of our communities.”

The GGSC rounded off their celebrations by announcing the Accor hotels will be the Official Provider of Accommodation for the 2019 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Global Games.

Matthew Young, Vice President Operations Accor Hotels, commented, “We are delighted and honoured at our appointment as the official accommodation provider for this major international sporting event. Accor Hotels is committed to continuing to use our considerable experience and expertise in the accommodation services sector to support the Global Games Sports Company to deliver a first class event for the 1,000’s of visitors to Brisbane in 2019.”

Accor Hotels that will provide accommodation during the Global Games include Sofitel Brisbane Central, Pullman and Mercure Brisbane King George Square, Quay West Suites Brisbane, The Sebel Brisbane, Novotel Brisbane, Novotel Brisbane Southbank, Mercure Brisbane, Ibis Brisbane and Ibis Styles Brisbane Elizabeth street.

The 2019 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Global Games will see more than 1,000 of the world’s best athletes with an intellectual impairment compete across nine sports at some of Brisbane’s iconic international sporting venues.

In addition organisers will also showcase the sports of netball, Australian rules football, cricket and hockey. Demonstrations were held in Brisbane’s King George Square on Thursday, allowing members of the public to try some of the sports for themselves.

 

An athlete with an intellectual impairment smiles after receiving her medal

Sharp zones in on home 2019 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Global Games

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Australia’s Caytlyn Sharp may only be 15-years-old but she already has big dreams for her career, including a gold medal at the 2019 International Federation for Intellectual Impairment Sport (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) Global Games in two years’ time.

Sharp has the added motivation that the Games will take place in her home country, in Brisbane from 12-20 October.

“I’m very excited. I really want to go. It’s pretty big here and I’m just excited,” Sharp said. “It’s good to have an Australian event and a world event taking place here. I think I’ll feel more comfortable and more relaxed knowing that I’ll be in Australia as well.”

Despite being a teenager, Sharp will be one of the faces to watch for the home crowds in 2019. Earlier in 2017 she got her first taste of success, winning high jump gold at the World Intellectual Impairment Sport Athletics Championships in Bangkok, Thailand.

“It was amazing. I never thought I would have the chance at winning medals so when I found out, after I jumped and the other person knocked it and I cleared it, my whole mood changed,” Sharp said. “My coach was like ‘calm down and just finish the next few jumps’ but I was just so excited.

“It was amazing, especially when I found out that I was the only one from Australia to win gold. And getting to hear the national anthem play when I was on the podium, that was amazing. I just felt proud to be an Australian.”

But Sharp’s athletics career has not always gone smoothly. Her mother Cindy recalled the first time her daughter ran the 100m, apparently crying the whole way down the straight. The next week Sharp had to be lifted into the car to go to her training session.

However everything changed when Sharp’s sister found a junior athletics programme in their home town. Then Sharp’s school introduced para-sport, including athletics, onto the curriculum and she never looked back.

“She really began to love it and excel it in and it pretty much became a lifestyle for her instead of just a sport, and it’s something she thinks about a lot and is wanting to do all the time,” Cindy said.

Sharp first tried cross-country running, achieving success nationally. She has also competed in swimming but it is the high jump she loves. As for any Paralympic dreams, Sharp said she hopes that more events can be added onto the programme. Her favourite event is currently not contested.

Longer term the teenager has already thought about what she wants to do when she has finished competing.

“Where I’m from in Victoria, para-sport isn’t really that big. What I want to be when I’ve finished athletics is to be a sport teacher to encourage anyone to do sport, mainly trying to get more para-athletes involved. The amount of my friends who just think they can’t do it is really upsetting. I know that they can because they have it in them and I started off encouraging people to go to the para-regionals this year, and the amount of kids who medalled and stuff and they enjoy it so much more. That’s what I want to see more of.

“I definitely want to do sport as long as I can. I love sport, I don’t ever want to give it up.”

The 2019 Global Games will gather more than 1,000 athletes competing in nine sports between 12-20 October. It will be the world’s biggest gathering of athletes with an intellectual impairment.

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. 

An intellectually impaired runner

Global Games were important stepping stone for Martins

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Brazil’s Paralympic and world champion Daniel Martins has spoken of how the 2015 International Federation for Intellectual Impairment Sport (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) Global Games helped him on the road to claiming gold at Rio 2016.

In two years’ time, hundreds of athletes with intellectual impairments will travel to Brisbane, Australia, for the 2019 Global Games. They will be hoping that the event can have a similar impact for them as it did for Martins when he made his international debut there in Guayaquil, Ecuador.

“At the Global Games, I was able to study my adversaries for the next year,” Martins said. “So it helped a lot in terms of getting to know them beforehand. My coach was able to see my running and was able to correct any mistake during the race. So, I could get better at that time.”

Martins won multiple gold medals in Guayaquil, including wins in the 100m and 400m. But it was also important preparation for what has become a successful international career.

“It was a lot of fun, because I went to another country for the first time, was able to see another culture and could win five medals there,” he said.

Just one month after Guayaquil 2015 he made his World Para Athletics Championships debut in Doha, Qatar, and claimed his first world title in the 400m T20.

Then a year later Martins stormed to gold in a new world record time of 47.22 seconds at his home Paralympic Games. In 2017 he competed at the World Para Athletics Championships in London, Great Britain, where he defended his title.

“People now recognise me in the streets!” Martins said when asked how his life has changed. “I also feel like my family is prouder of me now.”

Martins is just 21-years-old and has a promising career ahead of him. This includes the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, but he is not taking anything for granted.

“I want to go strong for Tokyo but I have to think one step at a time,” Martins said. “I still have three years and a lot of competitions to come before 2020.”

His idol is Brazilian Olympian João da Barreira, who comes from Marilla in Sao Paulo – the same city as Martins. The youngster is grateful to have had the opportunity to train with da Barreira as well as make a wider difference to society through sport.

“I could do so many things… A lot of friends, could go to many places in the world and overcome the prejudice as a person with an impairment,” he said.

The 2019 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Global Games will gather more than 1,000 athletes competing in nine sports between 12-20 October. It will be the world’s biggest gathering of athletes with an intellectual impairment.

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: Table tennis players to go for gold in October

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October will be headlined by the 2017 International Federation for Intellectual Impairment Sport (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) World Table Tennis Championships.

World Intellectual Impairment Sport World Table Tennis Championships

The event in Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic, will run from 21-29 October and attract some of the sport’s biggest names.

Amongst those expected to compete are the Hong Kong duo of Ka Man Wong and Mui Wui NG.

Mui Wui NG is a bronze medallist from the women’s singles at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. She beat defending champion Wong to the final podium spot last year.

The table tennis Worlds will also be the first World Intellectual Impairment Sport competition to feature the trial of eligibility groups for Down’s syndrome and autism.

Around 65 athletes from 14 countries are expected to compete in Hradec Kralove. Updates and pictures will be available at World Intellectual Impairment Sport’ Facebook and Twitter throughout the event.

World Championships for Judoka

The German Judo Federation will host the competition for athletes with an intellectual impairment in Cologne between 19-22 October. It is being sanctioned by the International Judo Federation and World Intellectual Impairment Sport.

7th World Para Taekwondo Championships

The world’s best para-athletes will return to the Copper Box Arena in London’s Olympic Park on 19 October.

This includes those competing in Poomsae P20, for athletes with an intellectual impairment.

2017 World Intellectual Impairment Sport European Handball Championships

World Intellectual Impairment Sport Europe are organising this competition which takes place in Cavalaire, France, between 4-8 October.

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. 

The logo of the World Anti-Doping Agency

WADA publishes 2018 list of prohibited substances, methods

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By The World Anti-Doping Agency

The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has published the 2018 List of Prohibited Substances and Methods (List); along with the 2018 Summary of Major Modifications and Explanatory Notes.

The List, which was approved by WADA’s Executive Committee on 24 September 2017, comes into force on 1 January 2018.

The List, which is one of five International Standards that are mandatory for all signatories of the World Anti-Doping Code (Code), designates what substances and methods are prohibited both in- and out-of-competition. It also details which substances are banned in particular sports.

“WADA is pleased to publish the 2018 Prohibited List,” said WADA President, Sir Craig Reedie. “Updated annually, the List is released three months ahead of taking effect so that all stakeholders – in particular athletes and their entourage – have sufficient time to familiarise themselves with the document and its modifications,” Reedie continued. “It is vital that all athletes and entourage take the necessary time to consult the List and that they contact their respective anti-doping organisations (ADOs) if they have any doubts as to the status of a substance or method.”

“Annually, the Prohibited List review involves a very extensive stakeholder consultation process over the course of nine months,” said Director General, Olivier Niggli. “In reviewing the List, experts examine such sources as: scientific and medical research; trends; and, intelligence gathered from law enforcement and pharmaceutical companies in order to stay ahead of those that endeavour to cheat the system,” Niggli continued.

The List’s annual revision process is led by WADA, beginning with an initial meeting in January and concluding with the publication of the List by 1 October. This is an extensive nine-month consultation process that includes WADA’s List Expert Group gathering information; circulating a draft List amongst stakeholders; taking their submissions into consideration and revising the draft; followed by review by the Agency’s Health, Medical and Research (HMR) Committee. The HMR Committee then makes its recommendation to WADA’s Executive Committee that approves the List during its September meeting.

For a substance or method to be added to the List it must be determined that it meets two of the following three criteria: 1. it has the potential to enhance or enhances sport performance; 2. it represents an actual or potential health risk to the athletes; or, 3. it violates the spirit of sport.

It should be noted that, for athletes who have a legitimate medical reason for using a prohibited substance or method that is on the List, they may be accommodated if they meet the criteria outlined in the International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions (ISTUE).

The TUE process has overwhelming acceptance from athletes, physicians and anti-doping stakeholders worldwide.

To view the changes made in the 2018 Prohibited List as compared to the 2017 version, please see the 2018 Summary of Major Modifications and Explanatory Notes.

Languages and formats

The 2018 Prohibited List, the Summary of Modifications, and the 2018 Monitoring Programme are available for download on WADA’s website in English and French. Spanish will follow shortly.

Stakeholders wishing to translate the List into other languages are kindly asked to signal their interest at info@wada-ama.org, by 27 October. If interested, WADA would provide the necessary files; and, once the translation is finalised, would make the List available on the WADA website.

The List’s mobile-friendly digital edition will go live on 1 January 2018.

Visit the World Intellectual Impairment Sport anti-doping pages to find out more about clean sport for athletes with an intellectual impairment.

Male rowers from Italy

Italy, France to host rowing, cross-country Worlds

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The International Federation for Intellectual Impairment Sport (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) has added indoor rowing and cross-country running to its 2017 World Championships calendar.

The 2017 World Intellectual Impairment Sport World Indoor Rowing Championships will take place in Gavirate, Italy, from 25-26 November. Featuring six medal events, athletes will compete for individual and mixed relay medals over 500m and 1,000m.

It will be the fifth edition of the World Championships and the third time top class rowers have travelled to Italy for the event. Also in Gavirate in 2015, Hong Kong dominated the medals table with six podium finishes

Gavirate 2017 is being organised by the A.S.D. Canottieri Gavirate and the Italian Rowing Federation.

The 2017 World Intellectual Impairment Sport World Cross Country Championships in Epernay, France, will conclude the major international competition calendar on 10 December.

Returning to France for the second time, it will be the eighth edition of the World Championships. The organisers are the Fédération Française du Sport Adapté.

The last cross-country World Championships were held in 2014 in Ostrzeszów, Poland. The host’s European track champion Daniel Pek and Paralympic track gold medallist teammate Barbara Niewiedzial dominated the men’s and women’s respectively.

Nick Parr, World Intellectual Impairment Sport Executive Director, said: “These two high-level competitions complete the 2017 calendar perfectly.

“It brings the number of World Championships held this year to 10 across a wide variety of sports. We have also sanctioned and organised a series of other competitions.

“I am sure that rowers and runners will put on a huge show to win coveted world titles and end the year on a high. Our thanks go to the organisers for providing athletes with the perfect stage to reach their best.”

Entries for both World Championships are now open. More information can be found at www.inas.org/events.

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.

A Russian equestrian rides her horse

Kirienkova claims historic para Equestrian title

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Russia’s Ekatarina Kirienkova has become the first equestrian to win an International Federation for Intellectual Impairment Sport (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) title.

Riding Lady Lux, Kirienkova claimed first place in an World Intellectual Impairment Sport Para Equestrian Video Competition.

Footage of her and 13 other riders from four countries were submitted for judging in a unique format, designed to make the inaugural competition more accessible to athletes around the world. The horses were required to wear bandages to show the video had not been used in another competition.

Competing in a Grade IV novice A test in a 20×40 arena, the Russian worked with great synergy with her horse to top the rankings with 67.012%.

Sui Watts, a national champion in her native Australia, finished second on Springfield Festivity with 64.770%.

Great Britain’s Oliver Peace (63.730%) was third.

Full results can be found here: First World Intellectual Impairment Sport Para Equestrian Video Competition – results

Equestrian was added to the World Intellectual Impairment Sport sport programme in 2016 in the form of dressage. The organisation wants to offer the best riders with intellectual impairments the chance to compete regularly.

The video competition featured one medal event but it is hoped that in the future a novice test B, team test, individual Championship test and a freestyle test will be added.

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.

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.

ESPAÑOL

#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.