Tokyo 2020 celebrates three years to go

/in /by
A blind footballer weaves between two people

Credit: Tokyo 2020

By Tokyo 2020

The Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (Tokyo 2020) on Friday (25 August) co-hosted a “3 Years to Go to the Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020” event, to mark three years until the Opening Ceremony of the Games.

The event was held in conjunction with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Japanese Paralympic Committee at a scenic waterfront deck venue in Toyosu, overlooking Tokyo Bay.

The programme kicked off with greetings by Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike and Minister in Charge of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Shunichi Suzuki. Tokyo 2020 CEO Toshiro Muto also attended, and Sir Philip Craven, President of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), delivered a congratulatory message to everyone by video. Around 3,000 people stopped by to see the event.

Tokyo 2020 used the event to highlight its commitment to deliver a fully inclusive Games. It included some amazing performances by Paralympic athletes, including Kento Kato, a leading member of the Japanese football 5-a-side team, who wowed everyone with his talent, scoring an incredible goal in front of the huge crowd. Hiroshi Miura, a two-time Paralympian in powerlifting, was challenged by the event organisers to see how many times he could lift a 100 kg barbell. With the crowd cheering him on, he managed to lift it 12 times.

Muto commented, “I feel the weight of expectation for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games from all those who attended today’s event. Also, the Paralympians’ powerful demonstrations allowed us to appreciate their amazing abilities.”

He added “Tokyo 2020’s mission is to provide a stage on which all athletes can deliver their personal best performance, and we are confident that everyone who watches or participates in the Paralympic Games will remember the Tokyo 2020 Games as the best in history. Beyond the Games themselves, our aim is to allow people of diverse abilities to live in harmony. And we believe that by improving accessibility for those with impairments, for the elderly and for those with young children, we can create a fully-inclusive community that provides all people with equal opportunity.”

Junichi Kawai, five-time gold medallist commented, “Paralympic sport is all about finding out what’s possible. Use your imagination and be honest to your feelings to find out what each athlete is capable of doing. That way, you can enjoy watching the Paralympic Games at their best, and that is the best part of it. Please come and see the Games in three years. I hope all of the venues will be filled with fans!”

There is already substantial interest in the Paralympic Games right across Japan, but Tokyo 2020 wants to raise public awareness of the need to improve accessibility and eliminate psychological barriers even further. A number of projects aimed at connecting people with the Games is being run, including the Tokyo 2020 Nationwide Participation Programme and the Tokyo 2020 “Yoi Don!” (“Get Set”) Nationwide Education Programme. The Nippon Foundation Paralympic Support Centre is additionally offering an IPC education programme entitled “I’m Possible” which is targeting to make Para sports more available in schools across Japan

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 society without your support.

We are a registered charity and your help can make a big difference.

Portugal, England, Netherlands claim Euro Parahockey titles

/in /by
Two hockey players collide

Credit: EHF

By European Hockey Federation and World Intellectual Impairment Sport

 The 2017 Euro Parahockey Championships concluded in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, on Wednesday (23 August) with Portugal, England and the hosts claiming titles in their respective groups.

Around 200 athletes, nine countries and 12 teams competed for honours at the Pinoke HC and then in the Wagener Stadium alongside the Rabo EuroHockey Championships.

In the final games, England won the Challenge beating Spain in a tight game 1-2. The Challenge Division is for beginners and was introduced for the first time in Amsterdam. Belgium 2 took bronze with a win over a very young Irish side 1-0.

In the Trophy Division another incredibly tight game saw The Netherlands 2 beat Germany 1-2. France had a great game against Belgium and took the bronze.

In the Championship division, with incredible skill Portugal narrowly pushed Italy into 2nd place with a 3-2 win to retain their title. In the bronze medal game Spain just pipped the Netherlands in a nine goal thriller 5-4.

Speaking about the event, first timer at the Parahockey Championships French Captain Pierrick said: “I have appreciated it was the first time it was with people that I don’t know. It was a great experience, it was superb”

Ross Faville, England Captain, added: “I think it has been great for everyone involved and I loved the organisation of the event and playing a sport I am passionate about at this level is amazing for everyone”

Marijke Fleuren, President of the European Hockey Federation (EHF) thanked sincerely the volunteers of the HC Pinoke, the KNHB (Dutch hockey federation), the umpires and especially the youth leaders from the EHF Youth Panel who together this incredible festival of hockey and was delighted that the ParaHockey Championships continues to grow.

Fleuren is looking forward to welcoming everyone back to the Championships in 2019 in Antwerp, Belgium, where the EHF hopes to have 12 countries represented.

The 2017 Euro Parahockey Championships were sanctioned by the International Federation for Intellectual Impairment Sport (World Intellectual Impairment Sport).

Support us

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 society without your support.

We are a registered charity and your help can make a big difference.

Australian tennis champs to feature mixed doubles, increased prize money

/in /by

A tennis player prepares to swing at the ball

Tennis Australia has announced that its 2018 Australian Tennis Championships for athletes with an intellectual impairment, running from 24-27 January in Melbourne, will feature mixed doubles for the first time as well as increased prize money.

Taking place in partnership with Sport Inclusion Australia, the competition is being sanctioned by the International Federation for Intellectual Impairment Sport (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) once again.

It is the 21st edition of the tournament and is open to players from around the world. It will be run alongside the Australian Open with athletes playing on the same outside courts.

As well as mixed doubles, titles in men’s and women’s singles and doubles will be contested. Preliminary round and main draw matches will be held at the Albert Reserve and finals at the iconic Melbourne Park.

Singles winners will receive AUD 850, doubles AUD 400 each and AD 300 for the mixed doubles. Runners-up will be handed AUD 400, 250 and 150 respectively.

Entry information is available at the World Intellectual Impairment Sport events page.

Euro Parahockey Championships get underway

/in /by

Twelve teams from nine countries have arrived in the Dutch capital of Amsterdam for the 2017 Euro Parahockey Championships which begin on Monday (21 August).

The competition is an official side event of the Rabo EuroHockey Championships 2017 being organised by the European Hockey Federation and sanctioned by the International Federation for Intellectual Impairment Sport (World Intellectual Impairment Sport).

Matches will be played at the Pinoke Hockey Club with the final on 23 August taking place at the newly refurbished Wagener Stadium.

Portugal will be keen to defend their title whilst newcomers Ireland and France hope to make an impact. Italy, hosts the Netherlands, Belgium, England, Spain and Germany will also compete.

Teams are divided into three pools of four teams with seven players each.

The full schedule is available at the Rabo EuroHockey Championships 2017 website.

As well as playing, athletes and teams will get the chance to watch the Euros and will be treated to various celebrations and functions during their stay.

Support us

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 society without your support.

We are a registered charity and your help can make a big difference.

Countries name teams for swimming World Championships

/in /by

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.

World Intellectual Impairment Sport Swimming Championships sanctioned by World Para Swimming, mascot revealed

/in /by

The mascot of the 2017 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Swimming Championships

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The global governing body of para swimming, World Para Swimming, has sanctioned the 2017 International Federation for Intellectual Impairment Sport (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) Swimming Championships taking place from 28 November – 3 December in Aguascalientes, Mexico.

The status means that results achieved by swimmers in the intellectual impairment classification, known as S14, will count towards the world rankings and any world records will be recognised.

The Local Organising Committee also revealed the mascot for Aguascalientes 2017 – a chicken named Rooster complete with swimming cap, trunks and goggles.

The biggest competition for athletes with an intellectual impairment, the World Intellectual Impairment Sport Swimming Championships take place every two years and are a crucial stop on the road to the Paralympic Games and the 2019 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Global Games. The programme features all strokes, distances and relays.

Aguascalientes 2017 is open to swimmers from all around the world and will feature athletes with Down’s syndrome and autism competing in two additional eligibility groups for the first time as part of an World Intellectual Impairment Sport trial. Around 150 swimmers from 20 countries are expected to compete.

The 2019 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Global Games is set to take place in Brisbane, Australia, and is tipped to be the most competitive in history as athletes build towards the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.

Support us

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 society without your support.

We are a registered charity and your help can make a big difference.

 

World Intellectual Impairment Sport Global Games organisers welcome Chinese delegation

/in /by

Members of the Chinese National Paralympic Committee (NPC) have met with Sport Inclusion Australia and the 2019 Global Games Sports Company to discuss the development of sport for athletes with an intellectual impairment in the Asian country.

Sport Inclusion Australia and Global Games Sports Company Chief Executive, Ms. Robyn Smith, and General Manager of the Global Games Sports Company, Mr. Greg Dunk, welcomed NPC Vice President Mr. Jia Yong, Deputy Secretary General Mr. Zhijun Yong and Chief Officer for Foreign Affairs, Ms. Wang Bo to Brisbane, Australia, on Monday (7 August).

Smith has been working with China through the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and its Asian Sport Partnership programme to develop opportunities for athletes with an intellectual impairment.

As Vice President of the International Federation for Intellectual Impairment Sport (World Intellectual Impairment Sport), Smith has also been working to assist the country with a new eligibility process. When completed it will open the door for Chinese athletes to compete at World Intellectual Impairment Sport events and on the Paralympic stage.

“The opportunity to meet with the Chinese National Paralympic Committee delegation face to face is so important, it provided an opportunity to demonstrate the work that we have been doing and to obtain feedback directly from the delegates. Establishing personal relationships is also extremely important as we move forward,” Smith said.

“The delegation were impressed with the presentation, our commitment to people with an intellectual impairment and in particular our efforts to be inclusive of Chinese people. The delegation also confirmed they have a large number of athletes with an intellectual impairment participating in sport, many of whom will be ready to compete in the World Intellectual Impairment Sport pathway once the eligibility process has been developed in China.”

China do not currently have any athletes registered with World Intellectual Impairment Sport and had no athletes with an intellectual impairment compete at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. The country dominated the medal tally in Rio with a staggering 239 medals and now have their sights set on the additional 54 medals on offer in swimming, table tennis and athletics.

“Having the Chinese delegation in Brisbane and having the opportunity to discuss World Intellectual Impairment Sport, World Intellectual Impairment Sport eligibility, classification, Oceania/Asia relations, the 2019 Global Games and the Australia/China relationship with him [Jia Young] and obtain his commitment to our movement was so invaluable,”  Smith concluded.

The 2019 World Intellectual Impairment Sport Global Games will take place in Brisbane from 9-21 October and feature hundreds of athletes competing in nine sports. As another part of its legacy in China, Kelly Bowen, who plays for the Australian women’s basketball 3×3 team, gave training to students and teachers at the Yuanping Special School in Shenzhen in May 2017.

Support us

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 and on the Paralympic stage. But we cannot continue our work towards the inclusion of the world’s biggest impairment group in society without your support.

We are a registered charity and your help can make a big difference.

France grab three medals, Byland shocks in Assen

/in /by

French cyclists dominated the podium at the 2017 International Federation for Intellectual Impairment Sport (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) World Cycling Championships in Assen, the Netherlands, on Tuesday (1 August), grabbing three medals.

However it was British cyclist Kiera Byland that headlined the results, toppling France’s defending world champion Aurelie Minodier in the women’s individual time trial.

Minodier was first on the 3.8km course but lost momentum on the turns. Despite pulling back valuable tenths on the straights she was dramatically pushed into second by Byland (6:18.73) who raced last.

Russia’s Liubov Tarasova claimed bronze to add to her silver medal from the 2016 World Championships in Racice, Czech Republic.

The men’s individual time trial saw France’s Jeremy Pereira retain the rainbow jersey after a last minute surge from the Belgians threatened his lead over 7.5km.

Pereira was keen to show his form, registering a time of 11:07.37.

It was left to Belgium’s Lars de Jong to give the French a scare. At one point de Jong was just one second behind Pereira but crossed the line just over three seconds shy of his rival to take silver. Alexandre Morel reached his first international podium for France with third.

Lionel Geldenhuys made history further down the field, finishing a respectable 12th to become the first South African to represent his country at a cycling Worlds.

Assen 2017 continues with the men’s and women’s team time trial on Thursday (3 August). The road race concludes the programme on Friday (4 August).

Full entries, course maps and results are available at inasdrenthe.com/ and live updates posted to Facebook.com/World Intellectual Impairment Sportsport and Twitter (@World Intellectual Impairment Sportsport).

Support us

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 and on the Paralympic stage. But we cannot continue our work towards the inclusion in sport and society of the world’s biggest impairment group without your support.

We are a registered charity and your help can make a big difference.

Preview: Cycling Worlds highlight August’s action

/in /by

With the summer season now in full swing, the world’s best athletes with an intellectual impairment continue their quest for glory on the global stage in August.

2017 World Intellectual Impairment Sport World Cycling Championships

Athletes from nine countries, including hosts the Netherlands, will compete on the road between 1-4 August in and around Assen. The French duo of Jeremy Pereira and Aurelie Minodier are both defending champions, and will contest their titles in the men’s and women’s individual time trial and road race. A team time trial is also scheduled.

Live updates and pictures from Assen 2017 will be available World Intellectual Impairment Sport’ Facebook and Twitter throughout the event.

Route maps, results and entries are available at the Championships website.

Table tennis Asian Championships

From 23-31 August Para table tennis players will light up Beijing, China, for one of the most competitive regional Championships in the sport.

More information is available at the International Table Tennis Federation website. 

2017 World Para Athletics Junior Championships

The competition in Nottwil, Switzerland, is the first of its kind and will feature around 275 aspiring young athletes. These will include future stars of track and field with an intellectual impairment competing in T/F20 events.

Portugal’s Ana Filipe will compete on the back of a bronze medal in the women’s long jump T20 at July’s World Championships in London, Great Britain.

Expect a fast and furious few days between 3-6 August as athletes take to the notoriously fast track at the Sport Arena.

More information is available at World Para Athletics’ website.

2017 Pan American Para Taekwondo Championships

Featuring Poomsae for athletes with an intellectual impairment, the Pan Ams will see three age categories contested – junior (12-15 years), under 30 (16-29 years) and over 30.

The event will take place on 29 August in San Jose, Costa Rica.

More information is available at the Pan Am Taekwondo Union’s website.

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 sport and society without your support.

We are a registered charity and your help can make a big difference. Find out more. 

World’s best cyclists ready to take on World Championships

/in /by

Elite level cyclists from nine countries have arrived in Assen, the Netherlands, for the 2017 International Federation for Intellectual Impairment Sport (World Intellectual Impairment Sport) World Cycling Championships which get underway on Tuesday (1 August).

The competition, featuring team and individual time trials and road races for men and women, is being run alongside the European Junior Cycling Tour.

The field is highlighted by the return of respective French men’s and women’s world champions Jeremy Pereira and Aurelie Minodier.

In 2016 Pereira claimed the men’s road race and individual time trial titles in Racice, Czech Republic.

The 23-year-old wants to “win the world champion title once again” in Assen but is also aware of the threat from the hosts.

“I think the Dutch could beat me, especially as we are racing in their home country, it is definitely an advantage for them,” Pereira said. “I am planning to follow thoroughly the instructions of my coach.”

One of Pereira’s toughest competitors will be Joannathan Duinkerke. The Dutch athlete was the bronze medallist from the 2016 road race and one-half of the title-winning duo from the team time trial with teammate Davy Mertens.

Mertens will challenge for gold in the individual time trial as the third place finisher from the last edition.

Minodier meanwhile will try to defend her road race and individual time trial golds from Racice.

The 24-year-old Frenchwoman aims to “keep [her] titles and pursue [her] efforts to the end” but will be looking over her shoulder at the Polish and Russian racers.

Russia’s Liubov Tarasova will be looking to improve on her silver medal from the individual time trial and bronze in the road race from 2016.

Action gets underway with the men’s and women’s individual time trial on 1 August. The men’s and women’s team time trial follows on 3 August (subject to entries) with the men’s and women’s road race on 4 August.

Full entries, course maps and results are available at https://inasdrenthe.com/ and live updates posted to Facebook.com/World Intellectual Impairment Sportsport and Twitter (@World Intellectual Impairment Sportsport).

Support us

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 and on the Paralympic stage. But we cannot continue our work towards the inclusion of the world’s biggest impairment group in society without your support.

We are a registered charity and your help can make a big difference.