News and Media
Read all the latest news and announcements from The UK Sports Association for People with Learning Disability. Don’t forget to regularly check the live newsfeed on our home page too. It provides daily information from a range of newspapers, articles and reports from around the country so you can keep up to date every day!
TAKE A TOUR OF THE LONDON 2012 OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC PARK
17th August 2010
LOCOG, the London Organising Committee of the 2012 Games are inviting you to go along on a bus tour of the Olympic and Paralympic Park. The bus tours will take place on 18th and 19th September 2010. You will be able to see the progress already made on the 2012 venues and park.
The tours will run from the SCORE Complex on Oliver Road in Leyton, London where there will also be an exhibition. The tours will run between 8.30am and 6.15pm on both days. Due to health and safety reasons, no children under the age of 8 will be allowed onto the tour as the site is still a live construction site.
Seats are offered on a first come first served basis. To book a seat on the tour telephone 0300 2012 550 – be quick as places are likely to fill up quickly!
UK ATHLETICS AMEND SELECTION POLICY FOR 2011 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS IN NEW ZEALAND TO INCLUDE ATHLETES WITH LEARNING DISABILITY
16th August 2010
Following the UK Athletics Stakeholder meeting in July 2010, UKA agreed to include athletes with learning disability in the selection policy for the UKA GB Team to the 2011 World Championships.
Athletes have until 19th September 2010 to register an appropriate performance for consideration by UK Athletics. Read the selection policy on the UKA website.
The qualification period is 1st September 2009 until midnight on 19th September 2010. Athletes have to register a qualifying performance from a UKA approved event by midnight on the 19th September. This includes county and regional athletics championships as well as BMC events and also INAS-FID approved events. Any qualifying performance will need to be forwarded to UK Athletics as soon as possible.
Queries relating to selection to the UKA 2011 British Team should be made directly to UK Athletics.
UKSA PUBLISH SELECTION POLICY FOR 2010 INAS-FID EUROPEAN TABLE TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS IN POLAND
16th August 2010
The selection policy for the 2010 European Table Tennis Championships, scheduled for 22nd to 28th November 2010 is now available. You can download the policy here.
Selection will take place on 31st August 2010 and the team announced shortly after this date.
Athletes may be required to complete the new INAS-FID/IPC sports specific classification on arrival at the Championships which will determine their final eligibility to compete.
Any queries on selection should be directed to the UK Sports Association or your Home Country Association.
NATIONAL TABLE TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS ENTRY FORMS
11th August 2010
GB internationals Jackie Smith & Victoria Bromley
Entry forms for the National Table Tennis Championships are now available. The event will take place on 2nd and 3rd October 2010. Entries are open to people with learning disability from across the UK. Players must be have either a UKSA (UK) or INAS-FID (International) classification.
The closing date for entries is 17th September 2010.
Classification application forms are available in the Athlete Classification section of this website or by contacting your Home Country Association.
If you need classification, please contact your Home Country Association without delay. Only applications received on the up to date forms will be accepted. Application for classification is no guarantee that a classification will be granted.
Download your event entry form here (pdf).
ELITE YOUNGSTERS IN SPORT NEED CHAMPIONSHIPS EXPERIENCE SAYS SASCHA KINDRED
9th August 2010
Paralympic star Sascha Kindred speaks about his own experiences and how important it is for youngsters with high ambition to get quality Championship experiences. Sascha speaks about the UK School Games, 2-5th September 2010, which include events in swimming, table tennis and for the first time in 2010, athletics for athletes with learning disability.
GOOD LUCK TO TEAM GB COMPETING AT THE 2010 IPC SWIMMING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS IN EINDHOVEN
6th August 2010
There are just 9 days to go before a total of 655 athletes from 54 different countries take part in one of the largest Swimming World Championships in recent years.
The event begins on 15th August and continues until 21st August. With 30 strong athletes Team GB, managed and selected by British Swimming hopes to build on their successes of the past.
The UK Sports Association wishes Team GB the very best of luck at this important Championships and in particular the best of luck to Dan Pepper, Ben Procter, Natalie Massey and Chloe Selman, four athletes competing in the S14 (intellectual disability) classification.
If you would like to support the Team and send them a message, log onto the British Swimming website here
You can watch coverage of the Championships as follows:
IPC official internet channel www.paralympicsport.tv. Daily live stream will include all the heats from 9.00 - 12.00 CET and all finals from 17.00 - 21.00 CET.
www.youtube.com/paralympicsporttv Highlight clips available on this IPC YouTube channel.
www.facebook.com/IPCswimming - the IPC official Swimming facebook page.
Channel 4 (Great Britain) - the official broadcaster of the London 2012 Paralympic Games will be creating a one hour sports highlights show following the progress of Team GB. On 19 August, Channel Four will also offer a live stream on their website at www.channel4.com.
CENTRAL COUNCIL FOR PHYSICAL RECREATION (CCPR) TO CHANGE ITS NAME
2nd August 2010
CCPR is to change its name to the Sport and Recreation Alliance (SRA).
Brigid Simmonds, CCPR Chair believes the name change will help the organisation communicate the views of the sport and recreation community more effectively.
To find out more about the work of CCPR log onto www.ccpr.org.uk
DO YOU WANT TO BE PART OF THE LONDON 2012 OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC GAMES ?
30th July 2010
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson is looking for 8,000 Londoners to volunteer to support the Games. London Ambassadors will play an important role in London meeting and greeting visitors from all over the world and telling them what London is offering to visitors at the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
If you would like to find out more and see how you can become one of the London Ambassadors, then log onto www.londonambassadors.org.uk
IPC SWIMMING FACEBOOK PAGE LAUNCHED
19th July 2010
IPC Swimming has recently launched a brand new facebook page. The page will include results and rankings from various events. It will also have information on subjects of interest like classification.
Over the next few weeks, the page will focus on the 2010 IPC Swimming World Championships in Eindhoven. It will have full coverage, information about athletes, photos and videos.
For more information, visit the IPC Swimming facebook page at www.facebook.com/IPCswimming .
UNDER ONE MONTH TO GO TO THE IPC WORLD SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS
19th July 2010
Four athletes with intellectual disability are amongst the 30 strong British Swimming Team competing at the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) World Swimming Championships. The event is being staged in Eindhoven, Netherlands between 15th and 21st August 2010.
Ben Procter, Dan Pepper, Natalie Massey and Chloe Selman were selected by British Swimming and will join their British Team mates competing with over 650 swimmers from 55 different countries at the event.
Coverage of the competitions will be available on the IPC’s official internet TV channel www.ParalympicSport.TV, as well as on Channel Four, the official broadcaster of the London 2012 Paralympic Games. It will also be broadcast in Australia, Brazil and Spain.
For more information about the 2010 IPC Swimming World Championships and to purchase tickets to the event, please visit www.wcswimming2010.com.
INVITATION TO ATTEND TRIALS FOR FA CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE (DISABILITY)
19th July 2010
Players are invited to attend trials for the Football Association Centre of Excellence (Disability) in Middlesex.
A team of specialist FA qualified coaches will train and develop the players. One team of under 18 and one of under 14 is sought. Those selected will play regular fixtures against other approved Centres of Excellence and Teams. If players excel there is an opportunity to progress further up the player pathway.
The trials for the FA Centre of Excellence (Disability) take place from Tuesday 14th September at Rosedale College, Wood End Green Road, Hayes, Middlesex, UB3 2SE. Players who are interested in attending the trials should contact Andrew Perren on 020 8515 1927 or by e-mailing: andrew.perren@middlesexfa.com
INAS-FID PRESIDENTS NEWSLETTER
14 July 2010
INAS-FID President, Bob Price, has published the July 2010 Newsletter. To get up to date information on INAS-FID rebranding, Global Games, work with IPC, classification workshops and other information, click here to read the full newsletter.(PDF)
The INAS-FID website is at www.inas-fid.org.
Nominations sought for RADAR People of the Year Sports Award
7th July 2010
The Royal Association for Disability Rights (RADAR), has included a sports category for the first time in its prestigious People of the Year Awards. Hosted at Battersea Evolution in London on 29th November 2010, this star studded gala evening will recognise individuals from across the UK who support RADAR's vision and objectives.
In conjunction with Lloyds TSB, the Sports Personality of the Year Award will be made to an individual who has achieved significant sporting success and/or inspired or enabled other disabled people to do so. The judges will look for:
- Evidence of inspiring people living with health conditions or disabilities to engage in sport
- Evidence of raising expectations and aspirations
- Being a role model
- Sporting achievements at any level
The closing date is 17th September 2010. For further details and to download the nominations pack go to the RADAR website by clicking here
ENTRIES INVITED TO 2010 WEST MIDLANDS REGIONAL DISABILITY SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS
6th July 2010
The regional championships will take place on Sunday 28th November 2010 at the Ken Marriot Leisure Centre, Rugby. All swimmers with learning disability will need to have either a UK classification (UKSA) or International (INAS-FID) classification.
Closing date for entries is 5th November 2010
Closing date if swimmers require classification is 13th October 2010
Read the entry pack for more details - click here to view (PDF)
All queries on the event to
Lyndsey Hollands
Tel: 07909 951896
Email: Lyndsey.hollands@swimming.org
West Midland Regional
Tel: 01527 517508
Email: westmidland@swimming.org
NEW PARALYMPIANS CLUB WEBSITE LAUNCHED
5th July 2010
The face of the 2008 Beijing Games, double Paralympic gold medallist Ellie Simmonds has launched a search to find retired Paralympians across Britain and encourage them to sign up to the Paralympians' Club.
The Paralympians' Club is a new website. It wants to reunite former Paralympians and help the British public to get to know their Paralympic Champions.
Ellie Simmonds said: "I am proud to be a Paralympian and to be a member of the Paralympians' Club. Not only does the club offer some great benefits, but it's great for the public as they can use the website to find out more about us. "I would really encourage anyone who competed for Great Britain at a Paralympic Games to contact ParalympicsGB and join the club!"
ParalympicsGB Chief Executive Phil Lane said: "After retiring from sport many Paralympians return to leading everyday lives in their communities and in the past The British Paralympic Association has not kept in contact with Paralympic athletes in any systematic way. We suspect there could be as many as 1,700 Paralympians out there who we are not in contact with. Who knows, there could be someone in your town who represented Britain at the Paralympic Games?"
If you represented Great Britain at a Paralympic Games, please contact Iain Gowans at iain.gowans@paralympics.org
Log onto the new Paralympians club website www.paralympiansclub.org.uk to find a Paralympian near you.
IPC UPDATE ON RE-INCLUSION OF ATHLETES WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY IN PARALYMPIC SPORTS
2nd July 2010
The work to establish the new sports specific classification in time for athletes with intellectual disability to be able to compete in the London 2012 Paralympic Games continues. Work has been on-going in the four sports of athletics, swimming, table tennis and rowing with IPC giving more details on the work, research and dates by which announcements on the criteria for inclusion in the London 2012 Games will be made.
For full information, read the IPC announcement - click here to view or download (PDF).
UK SPORTS ASSOCIATION SEEKING VOLUNTEERS
1st July 2010
Do you want to use your skills to support athletes with learning disability on their way to the London 2012 Paralympic Games? Do you need some on the job experience? Can you commit time each week? If yes, then we want to hear from you! We are seeking volunteers in administration, Press/PR and Events Admin. The positions are voluntary (unpaid). Reasonable London travel expenses paid. Apply now for July start.
Send your CV and short letter explaining why you are interested and which position you are interested in. Send it by post or email addressed to the Chief Executive The UK Sports Association for People with Learning Disability, 1st Floor, 12 City Forum, 250 City Rd, London EC1V 2PU. Email info@uksportsassociation.org
FISA EXCLUDES ATHLETES WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY FROM LONDON 2012 PARALYMPIC GAMES
30th June 2010
FISA is the international body responsible for rowing. Rowing was one of the anticipated four sports for athletes with intellectual disability at the London 2012 Games. At its meeting on 19th June 2010, the FISA Council decided to exclude athletes with intellectual disability from London 2012.
Click here to read the FISA statement (PDF) for full details.
See also www.worldrowing.com
BADMINTON TASTER SESSION IN LISBURN
28th June 2010
A free Badminton Taster Session is being held for anyone with a learning disability, sensory or physical disability in Lisburn, County Antrim by the Pan-Disability Lisburn Badminton Club.
The session will be held at the National Badminton Centre, Lisburn on Saturday 31st July 2010, between 2 and 4pm.
The session is being run alongside a 4 Nations training camp for physical disability players (including wheelchair, restricted growth, amputees, cerebral palsy, etc.). This includes some of the top players from England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland so anyone coming along will get a chance to watch them training and possibly get to chat with them afterwards to find out more about the sport and what it is like at the top level.
If you wish to go along please contact, in advance, Terry Conroy on 07789 682 446 or pandisabilitylisburn@irishbadminton.com
ENTRIES INVITED TO YORKSHIRE & HUMBER REGIONAL DISABILITY SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS 2010
15th June 2010
The Regional Disability Swimming Championships will take place on Sunday 12th September at The Hydro, Jennyfield Drive, Harrogate, HG1 2RP.
For any "new" athlete wishing to be classified prior to the event, entry forms must be returned by Friday 30th July 2010.
For all other entries, the closing date is 14th August 2010
Click here to read the entry pack for more details as a PDF or click here to download a version as a Microsoft Word Document
Queries to David Dickenson telephone 0114 2815488 or email ddickenson@yahoo.com
REPORT DOPING IN SPORT HOTLINE LAUNCHED BY UK ANTI DOPING AGENCY
2nd June 2010
A new confidential hotline has been launched by the UK Anti-Doping Agency. The Hotline is a new service for athletes, support personnel or concerned family and friends to pass on information to the Agency about the use, supply or trafficking of banned substances.
The hotline number is 0800 032 2332. Callers will be able to speak to someone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Callers can remain anonymous. Any information they share will be treated in confidence and researched and investigated.
The phone line is powered by Crimestoppers and calls will be answered by professional call handlers trained in anti-doping. All information will be fed into the UK Anti-Doping Intelligence Unit.
For more information on the hotline and anti-doping, click here to visit the UK Anti-Doping Agency website.
INAS-FID ANNOUNCE SERIES OF CLASSIFICATION AND ELIGIBILITY WORKSHOPS
28th May 2010
Throughout 2010, INAS-FID will stage four workshops aimed at INAS-FID member nations, National Eligibility Officers, National Paralympic Committee's, Governing Bodies and other organisations involved in classification.
The first workshop takes place in Singapore on 3rd and 4th June, with further plans for Egypt in September, France in November and Brazil. Full details of the workshops can be found at www.inas-fid.org
2011 INAS-FID GLOBAL GAMES ANNOUNCED
21st May 2010
The INAS-FID Executive Committee has announced that the next Global Games will take place in Italy.
The event will take place between 25th September and 4th October 2011. Further information will be announced later this year.
UKSA congratulates Italy on their successful bid to host this important Championship event and looks forward to bringing Team Great Britain to compete in Italy in 2011.
INTRODUCING THE MASCOTS FOR LONDON 2012 OLYMPIC AND PARALYMPIC GAMES
19th May 2010
Wenlock and Mandeville are unveiled as the London 2012 Mascots.
Both are created from the last two drops of steel used to build the Olympic Stadium and sport is at the heart of the mascot's story.
On their journey to London 2012, they will travel around the UK, meeting people and learning about all the Olympic and Paralympic sports.
If you want to find out more about the Mascots, try to win a visit to your local school, find out where their names came from and influence what sports they learn next, then log onto the Mascots website at www.london2012.com/mascots
England Cricketers Make their Mark in Australia
7th December 2009
England’s cricketers continue their offensive in Australia at the Tri Nations Cricket Series. Following a defeat against Australia at the MCG in Melbourne last Thursday and victory against South Africa on Friday, England is firmly focussed on their final group game against Australia tomorrow at Geelong.
A 15 man squad, managed and supported by the England and Wales Cricket Board, travelled to Melbourne on November 27th and will remain until December 13th in what is their first major international series and with a new captain in place for this tournament, Gav Randall (pictured).
ECB, National Disability Cricket Manager Ian Martin said “We feel we have the strongest squad that we have ever entered the Tri series with, and are determined to improve on our performances in the last two tournaments. There is no bigger challenge to an English cricketer than going to Australia, and we are well up for the task.”
The England Team comprises: Gav Randall (Captain); Pete Brown; Danny West; Lee Jay; Lee Stenning; John Taylor; Mark O’Brien; Chris Edwards; Kyle Topping; James Dickens; Allun Hughes; Jonny Simpson; Doug Randall; Tom Savage and James Higgins.
The UK Sports Association wishes the Team every success for the Tournament, and extends its congratulations to the players and ECB on their successes so far. To keep up to date with all of the action from the Learning Disability Tri Nations Cricket series click here
Sunday Mail Sports Awards Honour Allan Stuart
6th December 2009
Congratulations to sprinter Allan Stuart on being awarded the Sunday Mail Disability Sports Awards at the star studded ceremony this weekend.
Allan’s achievements at this years INAS-FID Global Games, combined with his exceptional athletics career to date, has earned him the recognition on the night amongst other sporting greats including Colin Montgomerie and Catriona Matthews.
The 27 year old, from Glasgow, won gold in the 400m and 200m at the Global Games and silver in the 100m and is firmly focussed on claiming gold in London 2012 building on his success from the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games.
Speaking on the night Allan said, "This has been such a surprise and it feels amazing to be recognised for what I do".
Do you have what it takes to compete at the London 2012 Paralympic Games?
3rd December 2009
With just 1000 days to go to the London 2012 Paralympic Games, Paralympics GB and UK Sport have launched “Talent 2012” to try and find sportsmen and women who have the potential to become Paralympic Champions in 2012.
If you think you have what it takes to become a Paralympian and you can answer yes to the following questions then they want to hear from you.
- Do you have a disability?
- Do you have a UK Passport or are you eligible for one?
- Are you aged between 15 and 35 years of age?
- Do you have a sporting background in any sport?
- Do you have the determination, commitment and real desire to win?
- Do you want to take up a once in a lifetime opportunity?
If this sounds like you then register your interest straight away. The closing date for applications is Monday 11th January 2010. Registering means that Paralympics GB will know that you are interested in being assessed. This does not guarantee you a place on the GB Team. Paralympic Talent Assessment Days will be held during 2010. If you are a person with learning disability, you will need to meet the eligibility requirements - view them here.
Complete the online “Talent 2012” questionnaire by clicking here.
Remember the closing date is Monday 11th January 2010 so don’t delay!
IPC General Assembly starts in Kuala Lumpur
19th November 2009
The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Conference and General Assembly started today with an official opening ceremony in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
Tomorrow approximately 350 people will take part in workshops and discussions. One of the workshops will discuss the INAS-FID classification system for people with intellectual disability. It is hoped that this will give the voting nations and sports the information they need to support the inclusion of athletes with intellectual disability in the London 2012 Paralympic Games.
The vote on whether athletes with intellectual disability are eligible for the London 2012 Paralympic Games will be announced this weekend.
115 National Paralympic Committees are at the General Assembly and will vote. Some sports also have a vote. Great Britain is represented at the General Assembly by the British Paralympic Association (BPA).
The UK Sports Association (UKSA) will announce the IPC decision on its website as soon as possible.
If you have any questions on this issue, please contact Tracey McCillen at the UK Sports Association on 020 7490 3057.
3rd Open National Cross Country Championships for People with Learning Disability
9th November 2009
A reminder that the closing date for the 2009 National Cross Country Championships is Friday 13th November 2009. UKSA will be considering the results from this event as part of the selection process for Team GB to the INAS-FID World Cross Country Championships in Hungary in March 2010.
To enter the National Cross Country Championships, contact Mencap by telephoning 01924 234912 or by clicking here for entry forms.
For more information on the GB Team Selection Policy for the World Cross Country contact the UK Sports Association.
BT seeking nominations for "Everyday People on the Road to 2012"
9th November 2009
BT has launched their "Everyday Heroes" competition and is looking for nominations. The competition recognises people working behind the scenes to make the London 2012 Games a success. This could mean coaches giving up their free time to train athletes, fundraisers or even mini bus drives taking athletes to training.
The winner will have their photo taken by a top photographer. The photo will be put in the National Portrait Gallery in London. They may also win £5,000 to be shared between them and the person who nominated them.
Click here for entry forms and terms and conditions on BT’s website.
UK Disabled People’s Council launch their new website
9th November 2009
The UK Disabled People’s Council (UKDPC) has launched its new website.
UKDPC was set up in 1981 by disabled people, to promote full equality and participation in UK society and to strengthen the voice of disabled people in the UK.
Click here to look at their new website click here
The Paralympian – Issue Number 3 (2009)
3rd November 2009
Read the latest version of the online magazine – “The Paralympian”. This is an official IPC publication. Page 17 is dedicated to the work and research being undertaken by INAS-FID and IPC and outlines the eligibility requirements and highlights how the research has developed to determine sports specific criteria.
Read The Paralympian here (pdf)
New Football appointment in Scotland
30th October 2009
Scottish Disability Sport (SDS) has announced the appointment of Greig Taylor into the new and exciting position of Assistant National Football Development Officer. The post is supported by the Scottish FA and Sport Scotland. The main aim of the post is to increase opportunities for players with a disability to access football across Scotland.
For further information, contact Greig Taylor at Scottish Disability Sport on 0788 322 7833 or email greig.taylor@scottishdisabilitysport.com
NEW "ATHLETE PROFILE" SECTION OF WEBSITE LAUNCHED
29th October 2009
Do you want to know more about athletes with learning disability who have reached the top of their sport? Then have a look at the new “Athlete Profile” section of the UKSA website.
This has individual sports profiles of Britain’s top athletes with learning disability, including their performance history, details about their life and interests, their ambitions for the future as well as a gallery of photos.
We will be adding more athletes to the site in the weeks to come, so check back regularly to see if your favourite sports star’s details have been added.
Any questions on the Athlete Profile section should be made to the UK Sports Association office.
WATCH HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE IPC EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHPS ON BBC iPLAYER
29th October 2009
Watch race highlights for the GB Team, including races for swimmers with learning disability (S14 classification) on BBC iPlayer. There are also interviews with Dan Pepper, Craig Rodgie, Natalie Massey and Stephanie Bird. The highlights are available on BBC iPlayer until Wednesday 4th November 2009.
Watch highlights on BBC iPlayer by clicking here.
CONGRATULATIONS TO TEAM GB AT THE IPC EUROPEAN SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS & SEE RACE HIGHLIGHTS
29th October 2009
Congratulations to Team GB on an impressive medal haul at the Championships recently held in Reykjavik, Iceland. The GB Team won 39 gold, 32 silver and 23 bronze medals.
There were 7 athletes with learning disability (S14 classification) competing in Team GB. This is the first time athletes with learning disability have competed at an IPC Swimming Championships since the IPC ban in 2000.
Particular congratulations go to Craig Rodgie, Dan Pepper, Ben Procter, Nick Boylan, Natalie Massey, Stephanie Bird and Amberley Hoar on their medal success and contribution to Team GB.
See the full event results on the Championship website.
Watch highlights of the event on BBC iPlayer by clicking here.
BRITISH SWIMMERS SUCCEED AT THE 2009 IPC EUROPEAN SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS, ICELAND
21st October 2009
The 2009 IPC Swimming Championships have opened in Reykjavic, Iceland on Saturday 17th October with day three bringing medal success for British Swimmers with a learning disability. 7 swimmers with learning disability were selected by British Swimming to compete in this important event. Follow the British Team’s successes and all the results and news from the event by logging onto the event website; www.ifsport.is/ec2009/default.asp.
Joint Motion to IPC General Assembly Announced
19th October 2009
INAS-FID has released details of the motion being proposed to the membership of the IPC General Assembly at its November meeting in Kuala Lumpur. Significantly this is a joint motion from both INAS-FID and the IPC Governing Board clearly advocating the re-inclusion of athletes with intellectual disability into the Paralympic Games - starting with London 2012.
The motion shows that the IPC Governing Board has accepted fully the work of the Joint Working Group on classification procedures. It is the first time that a joint motion has been achieved and if agreed by the membership of IPC when they vote at the General Assembly, will end the 9 long years of the IPC ban.
Read the full details in the UKSA update letter here (pdf)
Read the full INAS-FID President's newsletter here (pdf)
Medal Success for British Athletes at Global Games
14th July 2009
Gold Medallist, Monique Davis in action
8 Gold, 9 silver and 7 bronze medals, together with 1 World Record and a number of personal bests from a talented team of 25 British athletes at the INAS-FID Global Games.
Yesterday marked the end of a challenging 10 days for the small but strong British Team managed and selected by the UK Sports Association for People with Learning Disability (UKSA).
Exceptional individual performances from sprinters Allan Stuart (Glasgow) and Monique Davis (Croydon), together with swimmers Dan Pepper (Poynton) and Craig Moate (Barking) resulted in individual gold. The dynamic combination in the men's relay swim teams including Pepper and Moate, with Craig Rodgie (Fife), Ben Procter (Newquay) and Nick Boylan (Ashford) resulted in two additional gold medals and a new world record for Team GB in the 4 x 100 medley. A range of performances from across the British Team comprising experienced and first time internationals saw athletes achieve numerous finals, personal bests and many impressive performances.
Read the full press release (pdf)
See the full results from the Global Games (pdf 4Mb)
BRITISH SWIMMING PUBLISH EUROPEAN SWIMMING SELECTION POLICY FOR S14 COMPETITORS
8th May 2009
British Swimming has confirmed that athletes with learning disability (S14 swimmers) will be eligible for consideration for Team GB to the 2009 IPC European Championships in Iceland. Today, the British Swimming selection policy and standards have been published.
Trials will take place during the weekend of 15th -17th May as part of the British International Swimming Championships in Sheffield. British Swimming will announce Team GB on 20th May 2009.
Download the British Swimming Selection policy here.
Download the British Swimming female standards here.
Download the British Swimming male standards here.
Download the IPC entry criteria for the event here.
POSITIVE MOVES BY INTERNATIONAL PARALYMPIC COMMITTEE
1st May 2009
The INAS-FID Executive Committee reported at the recent INAS-FID General Assembly that IPC have officially "recognised" the 2009 INAS-FID Global Games. Additionally it has been confirmed that the 2009 IPC European Swimming Championships in Iceland in October 2009 will include events for swimmers with learning disability (S14). This is a significant move forward as this will be the first event at which athletes with learning disability are permitted to compete since the Paralympic ban.
Great Britain welcomes these important decisions from the IPC and believes that they demonstrate the positive level of co-operation between INAS-FID and IPC as they work together to re-introduce athletes with intellectual disability into the Paralympic Games.
INAS-FID GENERAL ASSEMBLY APPROVES WORKING GROUP ACTION PLAN
30th April 2009
At the INAS-FID General Assembly in Puerto Rico on 25th April 2009, the member nations unanimously approved the Action Plan and work of the Joint INAS-FID/IPC Working Party. The Working Party continues to work to find a way in which athletes with intellectual disability may be re-included in the London 2012 Paralympic Games.
The General Assembly recognised that there is still a tremendous amount of work that needs to be put in place before the IPC General Assembly in November, however, it was agreed that a lot of positive steps had already been taken, that INAS-FID and IPC were working well together and that re-inclusion in London 2012 remains has moved a step closer.
Some of the work of the joint Working Group will be tested at the 2009 Global Games.
ACTION PLAN APPROVED BY INTERNATIONAL PARALYMPIC COMMITTEE (IPC)
9th April 2009
The IPC released a statement on 31st March which said they are pleased with the progress being made and approved the action plan submitted by the INAS-FID/IPC Working Party. This is another important step in the work to re-include athletes with learning disability back in the Paralympic Games.
Read the full IPC statement here.
The General Assembly of INAS-FID will meet on 23rd - 27th April 2009 in Puerto Rico to discuss the detail of the action plan, how it will be put in place and what this means for each member nation. UKSA is the official member of INAS-FID and will represent Great Britain at the General Assembly.
TRAIN TO BE A FOOTBALL COACH!
31st March 2009
Coach-ability is run by London Sports Forum for Disabled People. It supports disabled people living in London to become sports coaches.
London Sports Forum for Disabled People is offering an FA Level 1 Certificate in Coaching Football. The course will take 5 days and support is given to help people to manage the coursework and learning.
The dates are 20th April to 25th April 2009, 9am to 5pm, in London.
If you are interested in becoming a Football Coach, contact Shaun Powell for more information. Telephone 020 7717 1699 or email shaun@londonsportsforum.org.uk
2009 IPC EUROPEAN SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS, ICELAND
29 March 2009
British Swimming and the UK Sports Association have discussed whether swimmers with learning disability (S14) will be part of the British Swimming Team GB competing at the IPC European Championships in Iceland this October.
British Swimming wants to include S14 swimmers, but must wait for the IPC decision on whether events for S14 swimmers will be included and what IPC say will be the eligibility and classification criteria. This decision will depend upon the work being carried out by the IPC and INAS-FID Working Party.
British Swimming has released the following statement:
2009 IPC European Swimming Championships Selection Policy
and Qualifying Standards for S14 athletes
It is British Swimming's intention to select S14 athletes for the 2009 IPC European Swimming Championships if IPC agree to include events for S14 athletes, however, the IPC have yet to establish and publish both the classification eligibility criteria and the events that will be offered for S14 athletes. British Swimming will continue to press IPC on this matter.
Due to this British Swimming is currently unable to publish the selection criteria and qualifying standards for S14 athletes. The S14 selection policy and qualifying standards will be consistent with all other section criteria for those events which we understand will be part of this Championships. British Swimming will publish the S14 selection policy and qualifying times as soon as IPC have published their classification eligibility criteria and events being offered.
If you have any questions about the statement or the IPC event, please contact the UK Sports Association on 020 7490 3057.
CYCLING SELECTION POLICY FOR 2009 GLOBAL GAMES
20th March 2009
UKSA has published the selection criteria for Cycling for athletes and staff to be considered for the 2009 INAS-FID Global Games in the Czech Republic, 5th - 14th July 2009.
You can read the policy in the GB Selection Policy section of this site.
Only athletes who have an INAS-FID classification are eligible for selection. See earlier announcements regarding classification deadlines for the Global Games.
UK Athletics launch the Aviva Parallel Success Championships
16th March 2009
UK Athletics have launched the Aviva Parallel Success Championships. This new event is scheduled for 9th and 10th May 2009 in London as part of The Middlesex County Championships. The event is open to athletes from across the UK. If you are interested in entering the event visit the UK Athletics website for more information. A copy of the entry form can be downloaded here (Opens PDF).
Closing date for entries is Tuesday 28th April 2009.
All athletes with learning disability will need to have either a UK or INAS-FID classification. If you need advice on how to get a classification then speak to your Home Country Association or contact us here at the UK Sports Association office.
PARALYMPIC WORLD CUP TICKETS ON SALE NOW!
13th March 2009
To get your tickets to see the Paralympic World Cup in Manchester between 20th - 25th May 2009, telephone the ticket hotline on 0844 847 1622.
Wheelchair Basketball Manchester Regional Arena 20th-23rd May
Track Cycling Manchester Velodrome 20th - 22nd May
Athletics Manchester Regional Arena 24th May
Swimming Manchester Aquatics Centre 24th - 25th May
You can also log onto www.btparalympicworldcup.com for more information.
WORK EXPERIENCE OPPORTUNITY WITH BBC AND PARALYMPIC WORLD CUP
13th March 2009
BBC Sport and Radio Manchester are looking for a talented person with a disability who loves sport and is interested in learning about TV and radio broadcasting. If you're that person, then this is an ideal opportunity
BBC is offering of a 2 week work experience placement. During the placement the successful person will see how radio and television programmes are made and how web pages are built. The 2 week placement will focus on sport and in particular the BT Paralympic World Cup. The Paralympic World Cup takes place in Manchester between 20th to 25th May 2009.
Other things you will work on are press conferences and setting up athlete interviews at the Paralympic Cup itself. You will be working alongside BBC staff as they write the articles and film some of the footage for the event. You will also be asked to tell BBC your opinion about their coverage of disability sport - what they do well and what they could do better and what they could change to improve their coverage.
BBC will want to know what support you will need if you are offered the work placement. They will provide expenses of £10 per day
IMPORTANT DEADLINES
- You will need to apply to the BBC by Tuesday 31st March 2009.
- Interviews will be held during the week of Monday 20th April 2009.
- The successful person will start their placement on Monday 18th May 2009 to Friday 29th May 2009.
To find out more about the work placement follow this link
For information on the Paralympic World Cup click here
If you have any problems with accessing the online application, please contact the BBC's recruitment team at 0370 333 1330
INAS-FID ANTI DOPING GUIDANCE
12th March 2009
INAS-FID has updated its anti doping guidance in line with the World Anti Doping Authority rules (WADA). It is very important that all athletes, coaches, event organisers and sport technical officers should read and understand what doping controls mean for them. To read the INAS-FID policies click here
Check on the UKSA site later this month when more information about doping controls will appear.
COUNCIL AWARDS FUNDING TO TALENTED BRITISH ATHLETE
12th March 2009
British record holder and swimming gold medallist Nicholas Boylan was among 20 top level athletes selected from the Kent region to receive an award of £1,000 from Kent County Council to support his training and sporting ambitions.
Kent County Council Cabinet Member for Communities Mike Hill said: "We are delighted to be able to offer support to these promising athletes on their bid for Olympic and Paralympic success. To be recognised by their national sports organisations shows their exceptional abilities and I look forward to hearing about their promising futures."
The athletes will also benefit from a year long sport science support programme; branded sports clothing and access to workshops and training.
Nicholas is a British record holder in the 200m backstroke and achieved gold at the 2008 INAS-FID European Swimming Championships in Poland in the 200m backstroke and team relay. He has recently been selected by the UK Sports Association to represent Great Britain at the 2009 Global Games.
Read his full sports profile here
UK SPORTS ASSOCIATION APPOINTS VICE CHAIR
9th March 2009
small.jpg)
The UK Sports Association is pleased to announce that Janice Eaglesham was elected as Vice Chair at its recent Board of Directors meeting.
Based in Glasgow, Janice has worked for the Disability Sports Team at Glasgow City Council for the past 24 years. She has had a close association with Scottish Disability Sport for 27 years and been involved with UKSA since 1980, becoming a Trustee in 2003. Her sports interest began as an athlete herself competing for Edinburgh Southern Harriers and in 1990 she co-founded with her husband Ian, Red Star AC - an athletics club for people with a disability.
Janice is an experienced athletics coach and worked with Richie Collins, in his preparation for the 1994 World Championships and 1996 Paralympic Games, where he won 2 bronze medals and during 2006-2008, Libby Clegg, who achieved silver at the 2006 World Championships in Assen and a silver in the 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games.
"Janice is dedicated to sport for disabled people and in particular people with learning disability" says Bernard Atha, Chairman UKSA, "I'm delighted to welcome her to the new role on the Board".
British Swimming Team to 2009 Global Games Announced
6th March 2009
The UK Sports Association for People with Learning Disability has announced the talented team of 8 elite swimmers representing Great Britain at the 2009 INAS-FID Global Games in the Czech Republic in July.
The 2009 Team has been named as Ben Procter (Oldham), Dan Pepper (Poynton), Craig Rodgie (Dalgety Bay), Craig Moate (Barking), Nicholas Boylan (Ashford), Matthew Bell (Newtownards), Jack Thomas (Swansea) and Stephanie Bird (Lowestoft).
Supported by GB Team Manager, Wendy Thomas (Swansea), Head Coach, Mark Thomas (Swansea) and Coach, Mark Watson (Pembrokeshire), the Team is keen to retain its impressive medal tally and Champion status from the 2008 INAS-FID European Swimming Championships in Poland .
"I am looking forward to working with this exciting GB Team at the 2nd Global Games", says Mark Thomas, Head Coach. "They are a great group of elite athletes who are highly committed and motivated to be the best in the world. It'll be a tough challenge to become the Swimming World Champions; there are some very impressive teams from other countries, but we will be aiming for the top!"
"We've got high expectations for our swimmers, comments Tracey McCillen, National Director, UK Sports Association for People with Learning Disability, "It's a strong team and I am confident they will do their job as athletes well". I am also delighted to welcome our Chef de Mission, Verona Elder MBE who is an experienced athlete and Commonwealth Games Gold medallist. This is a critical event for our athletes as the eyes of the sports world will be on the Global Games for a number of reasons, not least of which is it will be the first time the outcomes from the work of the joint INAS-FID/IPC Working Group will be tested in anticipation of inclusion in the London 2012 Paralympic Games".
Swimming events at the INAS-FID Global Games are run under INAS-FID and FINA regulations. The Games is a multi sport event at which over 2000 athletes with intellectual disability from across the world are expected to compete between 5th - 14th July 2009.
The ban on athletes with intellectual disability competing in the Paralympic Games, imposed after the Sydney 2000 Games continues. The joint Working Party of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and the International Sports Federation (INAS-FID) continues to look at how athletes with intellectual disability will be re-admitted. 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.
2009 UK School Games Open to Swimmers with Learning Disability
6th March 2009
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.
The UK Sports Association for People with Learning Disability will continue to work with its Member Organisations, the Youth Sports Trust and Sports Governing Bodies to ensure there are clear competitive pathways for young athletes with learning disability to access the UK School Games and other opportunities on the sports performance pathway.
The UK School Games is a competitive event for young athletes of school age from across the UK. The event is scheduled for 3rd - 6th September 2009 in Cardiff. It aims to provide talented young sports people with the opportunity to compete in an event which aims to mirror the experience of competing at a major multi-sport event such as the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Global Games Selection Policies Published
5th February 2009
UKSA has published the performance standards and selection criteria in both Athletics and Table Tennis for athletes and staff to be considered for the 2009 INAS-FID Global Games in the Czech Republic, 5th - 14th July 2009.
For Athletics - information from staff and athletes should reach UKSA by 19th February 2009.
For Table Tennis - information from staff and athletes should reach UKSA by 20th February 2009.
All players and interested staff should contact their own Home Country Association in the first instance for guidance on what is required.
Copies of both selection policies and the "Expression of Interest" forms can be found in the GB Selection Policies section of this site.
Only athletes who have an INAS-FID classification are eligible for selection. See earlier announcements regarding classification deadlines for the Global Games.
Classification Announcement for 2009 Global Games
16 January 2009
INAS-FID has announced a final classification deadline for new INAS-FID registrations/classifications for the 2009 Global Games.
To meet the INAS-FID deadline, The UK Sports Association will require all new applications to reach the UKSA office by 9am on Friday 20th March 2009. Applications received in the UKSA office after this date are unlikely to be processed as a priority or in time for the 2009 Global Games.
This does not change the UKSA policy on athlete selection to the Games. All athletes must be possession of an INAS-FID registration/classification number at the point of selection to Team GB, otherwise they will not be considered. There are no exceptions to this policy.
All INAS-FID applications must only be made on version 2 of the INAS-FID form - a copy can be found in Athlete Classification Procedures.
Any queries on Athlete Classification should be directed firstly to the relevant Home Country Association contact.
UK Delegate elected to INAS-FID European Executive
1 December 2008
Congratulations to Chris Hindley FCCA who was elected Treasurer for INAS-FID Europe for the next 4 years. Elections took place at the INAS-FID Europe General Assembly in Gavle, Sweden on 23rd November 2008 at which 16 European nations were present.
Chris was nominated by the UK Sports Association for People with Learning Disability and has been on the European Executive since 2004. He also supports UKSA as its Treasurer sitting on the UKSA Board of Directors.
Visit us at the “Learning Disability Today” Exhibition in London
7 November 2008
UKSA, together with the FA and Special Olympics, are hosting the Sports Zone on 27th November 2008 at the Business Design Centre in Islington, London. The Exhibition brings together a full seminar programme, 60 exhibitors and different interactive zones. Over 2,500 visitors are expected. If you are interested in sport, but don’t know where to start, come and visit us in the Sports Zone on the day!
For further information on the Exhibition log onto www.pavpub.com/pavpub/ldtoday/LondonNov2008
Success for British Table Tennis Team in Spain
31st October 2008
Team GB returned home with Gold and Silver courtesy of great play from Adam Thompson, Victoria Bromley and Jacqueline Smith. This is the first time that this Team has reached the podium and marks a great achievement for the whole team. Read the full story here.
Success for UKSA runners in the 2008 Royal Parks Half Marathon Challenge
13th October 2008
To raise money for The UK Sports Association, runners took part in the 2008 Royal parks Half Marathon in Hyde Park, London on Sunday 12th October. The unique 13.1 mile route wound through Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, Green Park, St James's Park and along the River Thames, taking in superb views of Buckingham Palace, the Houses of Parliament, Marble Arch, the London Eye and the Royal Albert Hall and will give each of the 12,500 runners a true feeling of running in one the Worlds most stunning capital cities!
Congratulations to Mya Stevens and Eve Leonard who completed the event in under 3 hours and raised money for UKSA too. If you would like to acknowledge their achievement by making a donation, log onto www.bmycharity.com and search for “The UK Sports Association” to make a donation! Plans for next years event is already underway, so if you are interested in a place in this exciting event, contact us at UKSA.
Team GB to European Table Tennis Championships
6th October 2008
The Great Britain Table Tennis Team is in the final stages of preparation for the 2008 European Table Tennis Championships in Valencia in Spain. Led by GB Team Manager, Dennis Beech, a team of 8 talented athletes will leave the UK on Monday 20th October for 5 days of intensive competition. With some of Europe’s top players on the Team, hopes are high for British success. For more information on the British Team Entry contact UKSA.
UKSA Response to the INAS-FID and IPC Statement
15th September 2008
The UK Sports Association responded to the Joint Statement issued on Saturday. UKSA is disappointed that the IPC have delayed the decision to include athletes with learning disability in the Paralympic Games until November 2009. Read UKSA's full response here (pdf).
INAS-FID and IPC issue a Joint Statement
13th September 2008
INAS-FID and IPC issued a joint statement today giving details of the progress of their work to get athletes with learning disability back into the Paralympic Games. Read the full statement here (pdf).
British Athletes invited to be part of London 2012 Handover Ceremonies
24th August 2008
As two of the most successful GB athletes in recent times, GB swimmers, Nicholas Boylan and Dan Pepper were invited to raise the 2012 flag at the official Handover Ceremonies of the Olympic Games from Beijing to London on 24th August 2008 in their home counties of Kent and Cheshire.
Joining the impressive line up was GB staff member and Paralympic Medallist, Francis Dart, who was invited to do the same at a Handover Ceremony in Reading.
All three sportsmen have recently returned with Team GB from the 2008 European Swimming Championships in Poland, where Team GB were crowned European Champions.
Preparation underway for the 2009 INAS-FID Global Games
The second INAS-FID Global Games will take place in Liberec, Czech Republic, 5th -12th July 2009. UKSA will be sending a Great Britain Team to the Games. It is anticipated that the Team will have athletes from Scotland, Wales, England and Northern Ireland, all competing together as Great Britain. More here...
Changes to UK Registration System
The UK Sports Association for People with Learning Disability (UKSA), together with its member organisations have been reviewing the basis on which UK registrations are granted to athletes in Northern Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales. More here...
