British Athletes to Global Games Announced
Sprinter, Abbie Greetham
The UK Sports Association for People with Learning Disability is pleased to announce its talented team of 25 elite athletes across four sports representing Great Britain at the 2009 INAS-FID Global Games in the Czech Republic, July 5th to 14th.
Team GB will comprise competitors in swimming, athletics, table tennis and cycling with the best of British joining an expected 2000 athletes from across the world in a multi sport Championships and 7 days of fierce competition.
Swimming
Dan Pepper (Poynton), Ben Procter (Newquay), Nicholas Boylan (Ashford), Craig Moate (Barking), Craig Rodgie (Fife), Matthew Bell (Newtownards), Jack Thomas (Swansea), Stephanie Bird (Lowestoft)
Table Tennis
Neil Handley (Rochdale), Alistair Feltham (Bournemouth), Duncan Feltham (Bournemouth), Jeffrey Jarvis (Melton Mowbray), Adam Thompson (Sale), Victoria Bromley (Wolverhampton), Jacqueline Smith (Chelmsford), Jessica Bromley (Wolverhampton)
Cycling
Scott Walker (Inverurie)
Athletics
Allan Stuart (Glasgow), Neill Collins (Rainham), James Simpson (Ulverston), Andrew Kaar (Solihull), James Shaw (Tameside), Monique Davis (Croydon), Claire Ryan (Bradford) and Abbie Greetham (Halifax)
Amongst this impressive line up are both experienced performers and international newcomers. With many Gold Medallists, World, European and British Record Holders, Team GB will present a formidable challenge to its opponents. This talented team, are proud to accept the challenge at this important Championship, but without funding will be unable to compete for Great Britain at the Global Games.
"This is a Team of highly committed and motivated athletes who are driven to be the best in the world", says Tracey McCillen, National Director, UK Sports Association for People with Learning Disability (UKSA), "but despite being selected to represent Great Britain, they must also bear the financial burden of competition. We invite athletes to represent GB, but must send an invoice to them for that privilege. This is a critical year for our athletes and for UKSA. Without immediate financial support, our work in facilitating these opportunities for athletes with learning disability will end and the athletes themselves will be unable to compete at the Global Games and other significant Championship events in their programmes".
Team GB is led by Chef de Mission, Verona Elder MBE an experienced athlete and Commonwealth Games Gold medallist and a host of professional coaches and support staff all of whom are providing their time voluntarily.
Recently recognised by the International Paralympic Committee, the Global Games is a significant event for British athletes. The eyes of the sports world will be on the Games both from a performance perspective and in anticipation of the outcomes from the collaborative work of the joint INAS-FID/IPC Working Group. The Group has been tasked with determining the methods by which athletes with intellectual disability may be included in the London 2012 Paralympic Games.
The ban on athletes with intellectual disability competing in the Paralympic Games, imposed after the Sydney 2000 Games continues although progress is being made by the joint Working Group. The IPC decision on inclusion in London 2012 is expected in November 2009.
UKSA working with its members and organisations across the UK, has led a campaign since 2001 for the ban to be lifted. UKSA urges Government to address the lack of funding for athletes across the UK as a result of the IPC ban and LOCOG, the Mayor of London and MP's to ensure that athletes are re-admitted in time for London 2012.
To make a donation to a local athlete or the work of the UK Sports Association, contact us on 020 7490 3057. All donations welcome.
2009 UK School Games Open to Swimmers with Learning Disability
Swimming events for young athletes with learning disability at the UK School Games are set to open up for the first time, following an agreement reached between the Youth Sport Trust, British Swimming and the UK Sports Association for People with Learning Disability.
The Youth Sport Trust announced this week that athletes with learning disability (S14 disability category) will be eligible to compete in swimming at the 2009 UK School Games. S14 competitors must have an INAS-FID classification and will be eligible for selection by their respective team within the multi disability events.
"This is a significant development and illustrates the positive change in attitude to sport for athletes with learning disability," comments Tracey McCillen, National Director, UK Sports Association for People with Learning Disability. "I am grateful for the commitment from the Youth Sport Trust and Governing Bodies in Swimming and Table Tennis to reach this point; but it doesn't stop here as there is still much more work to be done to ensure our athletes have the same opportunities in other sports events across the UK as well as access to funding to support them on this competitive pathway."
Following a nationwide campaign in 2008, table tennis was the first event to be included in the UK School Games for athletes with learning disability, but on an exhibition basis, which will be repeated in 2009. Discussions continue regarding the 2009 athletics event. Read the full story here (Opens PDF)
See the full statement from the Youth Sport Trust here
2009 INAS-FID Global Games
The Local Organising Committee of the 2009 Games has launched a dedicated website to the Games. For up to date information on Countries entering, provisional schedules and much more, log onto www.globalgames09.com
The Games will take place between 5th - 14th July 2009 (revised date) in Liberec, Czech Republic and UKSA is planning to send a strong Great Britain Team!
If you are interested in sponsoring an athlete or would like to find out more about Team GB or the Games, then contact us at the UK Sports Association office or read the Sports and Competition section of our site.
