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!
Nominate someone you know to be a 2012 Paralympic Torchbearer
12th December 2011
The next stage of the London 2012 Paralympic Torch Relay Torchbearer nomination process will start this week. Now is the time to nominate a team or individual to take part in the relay, this could be someone who has made a contribution to your own life or maybe you have been inspired by their work.
On the 28th and 29th August 2012, the 580 successful Torchbearers will carry the Paralympic Flame during an overnight relay from Stoke Mandeville to the Opening Ceremony of the Paralympic Games at the Stadium in Stratford, East London.
Sebastian Coe, Chair of LOCOG, said ‘Each of our Paralympians has an inspirational story of courage and determination. In tribute to this, the Paralympic Torch Relay will look to recognise unique talent and some of the amazing feats that teams of people across the UK have achieved.
You can nominate by going to www.btlondon2012.co.uk/torch-form.php
Nominations are open until mid January 2012. To get involved and find more information please visit http://www.london2012.com/paralympic-torch-relay
FINAL 2011 EDITION OF THE PARALYMPIAN NOW AVAILABLE
8th December 2011
The third edition of the Paralympian, the official magazine of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) is now available to read online. This edition, the final one in 2011, focuses on how the IPC is trying to get more athletes and countries participating in Paralympic sport, UK Sports international project, information on London 2012 and lots more!
Read The Paralympian magazine online.
PARALYMPICSGB ON TRACK FOR 2ND PLACE FINISH AT LONDON 2012, SAY UK SPORT
8th December 2011
Great Britain's aim of finishing second in the medal table at the London 2012 Paralympic Games is on track according to the latest Mission 2012 update from UK Sport.
UK Sport rank each sport by three categories - green, indicating that progress is going well; amber, showing a sport with challenges being addressed and red, where help is needed.
In total, 10 Paralympic sports are rated green, with eight amber and none red.
Swimming still represents Britain's probable largest number of medals, with 32 athletes rated at podium level and 18 at development level.
Read the full story on Inside World Parasport.
WHY SPORT, NOT DISABILITY, MUST BE THE PRIME FOCUS OF THE LONDON 2012 PARALYMPICS
7 December 2011
Tim Hollingsworth, Chief Executive, British Paralympic Association (BPA) writes for Inside World Parasport
Abraham Lincoln once said: "Public sentiment is everything. With it nothing can fail. Without it, nothing can succeed." That's a pretty good message for anyone thinking now about how to approach using the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games in order to raise the profile of issues or affect change.
It certainly came to mind for me and many of my colleagues last weekend, when the disability charity Scope published research into public attitudes to the London Paralympic Games. The claims made suggested there was genuine concern that the Games would not provide the right platform for disabled people either to be involved, engaged or inspired. From that was extrapolated a view that scrapping a separate games in favour of combining with the Olympics was preferable - not a view I agree with at all.
What the survey did highlight was the fact that disability groups up and down the country will undoubtedly see 2012 as an opportunity to further their aims for equality and inclusion. I should absolutely state that this is an ambition that the British Paralympic Association (BPA) completely shares. The argument I have is about messaging and focus, not ambition. To go back to Lincoln's dictum, we need to make sure that any arguments put forward can capture public sentiment.
My belief is that the London 2012 Paralympic Games are and will be the best vehicle for that.
Read the full story on Inside World Parasport
BRITISH RECORD FOR S14 (LEARNING DISABILITY), SWIMMER, CHLOE DAVIS
28th November 2011
Congratulations to Chloe Davis as she achieved a British Record at this weekend's Nationwide Short Course Swimming Championships at Ponds Forge, in Sheffield.
Setting a new British record in the 100m backstroke, the twelve year old, South West region swimmer said: "My Dad told me to go out fast and stay fast - that's what I did and now I have broken the British record - I'm so excited!"
Other notable performances from swimmers in the S14 classification came from Aaron Moores (100m backstroke and 100m breaststroke) and Jessica-Jane Applegate (50m, 100m and 200m freestyle).
The Championship saw outstanding performances and records being smashed in many classification groups, including Jonathan Fox (S7), Sascha Kindred (S6) and Paralympic Champions Eleanor Simmonds, Natalie Jones and Liz Johnson.
Nationwide Building Society sponsored the event with other partners assisting the championships- British Swimming, Water Direct, Ponds Forge and the Sheffield City Council's Major Sports Events Unit.
Further full results visit www.disabilitysport.org.uk
ENGLISH LEARNING DISABILITY SPORTS ALLIANCE LAUNCHED
23rd November 2011
Mencap
Sport and Special Olympics GB have launched the English Sports Alliance.
The Alliance shows how the two organisations will work closely together
across England to promote the inclusion of people with learning disability
in sport.
The Alliance will focus on ensuring people with learning disability have the best opportunity to take part in sport both recreationally and competitively across England. It will also raise awareness of learning disability sport.
The UK Sports Association (UKSA) is pleased to see both organisations working closely together. UKSA hopes that this new alliance will help Mencap Sport and Special Olympics GB increase the chances of more athletes from England being able to compete through UKSA and National Governing Bodies of Sport (NGB's) in performance sport and looks forward to continuing to work with both organisations in the weeks and months to come.
Mencap Sport is the England member of UKSA and Special Olympics GB is an important stakeholder. Mencap Sport support athletes from England to reach the GB standards set by UKSA for the Great Britain Team to INAS events and support UKSA in its work with NGB's and athletes seeking Paralympic and INAS Championship selection. For more information on the English Learning Disability Sport Alliance, contact Mencap Sport or Special Olympics GB.
For information on pathways in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, see UKSA Home Country contact details.
2012 INAS EUROPEAN ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS
20th October 2011
UKSA will be selecting a GB Team to compete at the Championships in Sweden from 12th - 18th June 2012. A selection policy including standards will be published by the end of November 2011.
See the Selection Policies on section of this website for more details or contact us on 020 7490 3057 with any queries. You can also view event information at www.inas.org.
ITTF PTT EUROPEAN TABLE TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS
19th October 2011
The GB team left the UK today to compete at the Championships in Croatia.
The team, managed and selected by the British Table Tennis Association for the Disabled (BTTA), includes two players in the T11 (Learning Disability) classification for the first time. This event is the only selection event for the T11 class for the London 2012 Games.
‘This is a significant step forward’ says Tracey McCillen, CEO UK Sports Association, ‘to see athletes with learning disability part of Governing Bodies Paralympic Squads in time for London 2012 marks a major milestone in the history and most significantly the future of performance sport for athletes with learning disability’.
UKSA wishes the Great Britain team every success in Croatia and in particular Victoria Bromley and Adam Thompson.
2012 INAS WORLD INDOOR ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS
19th October 2011
UKSA will be selecting a GB Team to compete at the Championships being held in Manchester, 14th - 18th March 2012. A selection policy including standards will be published here soon.
See the Selection Policies on the UKSA website for more details or contact us on 0207 490 3057 with any queries. You can also view event information at www.inas.org.
LONDON 2012 PARALYMPIC TICKETS
14th October 2011
LOCOG has confirmed that it is on target to complete the process of taking payment for Paralympic tickets by the end of October. It is anticipated that more than 100,000 people will be allocated approximately 800,000 tickets to the Paralympic Games.
LOCOG CEO Paul Deighton said ‘We are thrilled by the response to Paralympic Games tickets and since the application process closed our teams have been working hard to run the required ballots, ready to begin the process of taking payments’.
You can read the full story here.
JOBS ON OFFER AT LONDON 2012
13th October 2011
The London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG) is urging people to consider research and apply for one of the tens of thousands of job opportunities that will become available between now and games time.
To ensure the Games will be a success a huge workforce will be needed including 6,000 paid staff, up to 70,000 volunteers and around 100,000 paid contractors.
For more information and opportunities available please visit the London 2012 site.
Dan Pepper wins Stockport Award
13th October 2011
Dan Pepper has scooped the Disabled Sports Achiever Award at a ceremony to hail the heroes of Stockport sport. Dan holds numerous swimming titles at European and World level and is part of the British Swimming Squad seeking selection to represent Great Britain at the London Paralympics next year.
Brian Whalley, standing Chair of Sport Stockport said ‘It is important that local athletes are recognised for their fantastic achievements in sport and the annual sports dinner is an ideal event to do this. With the help of Stockport Sports Trust and the local media it is envisaged the event will go from strength to strength over the next few years so we can continue to encourage both a grassroots and world class mentality to sport in Stockport'.
As one of Britain’s top S14 swimmers, Dan has remained focused on London 2012 from the outset. Read the full article in the Stockport Express.
To read Dan’s impressive sports profile see the Athlete Profile section on the UKSA website.
London 2012's International Paralympic Day
18th August 2011
International Paralympic Day will take place on 8th September 2011 in Trafalgar Square, Central London. A full day of activity is planned including demonstrations of a wide range of sports such as Wheelchair Basketball, Powerlifting, Sitting Volleyball and Wheelchair Rugby.
Other highlights of the day include the opportunity to see triple world record holder Oscar Pistorius and Paralympic GB stars Ellie Simmonds, Sascha Kindred and Sam Scowan.
Ticket applications for the Paralympic Games 2012 will be open on 9th September until the 26th September 2011. Tickets are available at www.tickets.london2012.com.
Seb Coe, Chair of LOCOG, said 'We've got a fantastic line up of Paralympic activity taking place in early September and hosting International Paralympic Day in Trafalgar Square is a great way to kick things off.
The Mayor of London Boris Johnson said 'The 2012 Paralympic Games will be a fantastic finale to the ultimate summer of sport. Marking International Paralympic Day at Trafalgar Square will give the world a tantalising taster of what is to come in less than a year'.
For more information visit the London 2012 website at www.london2012.com
Vote for your favourite S14 Swimming Performance of 2011!
15th August 2011
Vote for your top aquatic performance of 2011! Just nominate your favourite performer for the Award and get friends, family and colleagues to do the same. Remember there were a number of S14 swimmers who represented Great Britain during 2011, all of whom could be nominated! Don’t delay as the closing date for nominations is 29th August 2011.
Rio 2016 opens Athletes' Park to coincide with five yours to go to 2016 Olympics and Paralympics
7th August 2011
Inside the Games reports that more than a hundred youngsters have taken part in a special ceremony to launch the Athletes' Park, the first new venue for the 2016 Olympics and Paralympics in Rio de Janeiro to be completed.
They were joined at the event which coincided with the Five Years to Go landmark last Friday (August 5) by Carlos Nuzman, the President of Rio 2016, and Natalia Falavigna, the 2005 world taekwondo champion and 2008 Olympic bronze medallist, and Joao Gabriel Schlittler, the 2007 world judo bronze medallist.
Read the full story by logging onto Inside the Games.
Nominate someone special to be an Olympic torchbearer
5th August 2011
You can nominate someone special to be a Torchbearer in the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay with Lloyds TSB.
It could be the teenager who volunteers with meals-on-wheels, the coach for their dedication to helping young athletes, or the unsung hero who’s always helping others. You can even nominate yourself!
The Relay is a 70-day event that will see the Olympic Flame carried the length and breadth of the UK, all the way to the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Nominate someone who has made a difference, big or small, in your local community and who you think deserves this unforgettable experience at www.lloydstsb.com/carrytheflame
Call for Entries – 2011 Open National Table Tennis Championships
2nd August 2011
Entry forms for the pan-disability 2011 Open National Table Tennis Championships hosted by Mencap Sport are now available. Download your entry form here.
The Championships are part of the Grand Prix Series and will take place on 15th and 16th October 2011 at the Sir William Stainer Leisure Centre, Crewe.
Questions and entries to Mencap Sport on 0121 722 5900.
INAS Athletics Records and Rankings Updated
29th July 2011
INAS has published the up to date records and rankings list. View the new INAS rankings here.
Meet Monique Davis, one of Britains leading athletes
How I got over my nerves about an athlete from the Ukraine
Hi. I’m Monique.
I started running at the age of 10 when Dad noticed that I was fast! It took me about a year to get the courage to join the Herne Hill Harriers Club. I was 11, and I’ve trained there ever since. I made my debut at GB level aged 16 and I have been quite successful.
I try to train four times a week; training can last two to three hours. It’s hard work but I get help from my training partners, family and friends.
Decision time
© Mencap
But the hard work isn’t just the athletics. There are some difficult decisions to take too. Recently I had to decide whether to stick to the 400 metres or change to the 1500. That way, I’ll have more chance of being in the Paralympics. So I’ve only started doing middle distance running again. But it’s not my normal distance and my leg is injured at the moment; it needs to recover. Decisions, decisions!
Is it just the taking part?
It’s not just competing – I want to win! Competition is important for me. In training, I feel I should always have someone to use as my competition, to spur me on. I don’t want to win easily. If it’s a hard slog, then that makes me happy. And sometimes it’s just that – a really hard slog..........
It’s all in the attitude!
Recently I had to work hard to overcome a problem; I was starting to panic in my head about the races, especially if, during the race, someone started gaining on me. I realised I had to have a big change in mindset and I knew that I had to become more competitive. I spoke to various coaches, because a big event was coming up in Croatia. I was actually worried about this girl from the Ukraine. She was strong and I was worried about my form when running against her. The coaches told me that if she got close to me or went past me, I should relax, not worry and concentrate on picking up speed.
On the day of the race, she did pass me. One of the coaches was on the line and he mouthed the word “relax”. I stayed relaxed and even when she passed me, I knew I’d catch her up! I knew I was going to win. She started huffing; I did overtake her again. I was really happy I beat her. And I had a good time. In Croatia I won four gold medals, plus the “Best Athlete Performance” and “Best Women’s Performance” of the Championships. I’d always wanted to receive a trophy in a ceremony and in Croatia my wish came true.
Preparation is important
I know this may be hard to believe, but people do try to psych you out. I’ve even had people looking at me and smirking when we’re preparing for a race. Later, we’re friends again. But, in the call-up room, just before an event, it can be really tense and we don’t speak. So I’ve learnt how to cope. I listen to music, sing, smile and don’t look at anyone. I also don’t want to think I’m psyching them out!
It’s important to get your routine right. I only eat up to two hours to go and after that only have sips of water. I do a variety of training: track training, gym work, circuits. But one of the main secrets is to train with men. During the practice I start the distance 10 – 20 metres in front of the men. My coaches say I am not allowed to let them pass me and I have to stay ahead of them. This helps to maintain and improve my speed.
Coaching
I do some coaching in a school. This is for Premier Sport, a children’s coaching company. And I coach five after-school clubs in Surrey. I coach children in gymnastics, athletics and racquet sports. I’d love to do more coaching in the future.
I also do community work and run disability programmes. I’m about to work on a big disability event at Crystal Palace.
It feels great to encourage young people into the sport and my advice to young athletes starting out is: “Keep consistently training – do not let long breaks interfere with your schedule. During the competitions run your own race and have fun.”
Fame!
My sporting hero is Dame Kelly Holmes but I have to make it clear that I felt this even before she was famous. I admire her running tactics, particularly the way she runs the 800m.
I also walked past Usain Bolt once or twice before he was a gold medalist. I’d like to meet USA sprinter and Olympic champion Michael Johnson – he could give me some advice on tactics in the 400m.
Travelling the world
It’s very rewarding to know that I’ve been to so many countries like Brazil, France, the Czech Republic and many more. But it’s not a holiday! Anyone can go on holiday; but to represent your country is really good and I can say I’ve done it.
The only downside is that we have to pay our own way to the events. As a team, we need better funding. Our kit is the worst one there is and it’s not fair that we don’t have the official kit. I would like to see our sports receive more recognition, and that athletes with a learning disability are taken more seriously.
Free time
OK. It’s not all about athletics. I love Chinese take-away and Mum’s cooking; it’s very spicy food. In music I prefer hip-hop, R&B and funky house. I often listen to this type of music before races. I enjoy surfing online, going shopping, watching movies and, of course following sporting events on TV, e.g. the Olympic Games or the World and European Athletics Championships. During these competitions I look at how other athletes run the 400m, the 800m and I enjoy watching the sprint events like the 100m and relays.
Future ambitions
I’d love to be a head coach in a school and be able to coach all day, teach PE lessons, and be involved in all sorts of sports. And a big event is coming soon – Italy. This is part of the run-up to the 2012 Paralympics. My dream is to compete in those games. And who knows, maybe the mainstream Olympics..........
Calling all Sports Coaches!
9th June 2011
Proactive North London have launched a new online survey for 2011 – What coaches want 2011 - The survey will keep you updated with coach specific issues such as funding opportunities and up and coming courses and programmes. You can complete the survey at www.surveymonkey.com/s/whatcoacheswant2011
For further information contact Ben Boatman, Coaching Development Manager at Pro-Active North London, on 020 8411 6496 or email b.boatman@mdx.ac.uk
Paralympians vie for places
2nd June
The country’s top disability swimmers turned out in force for the British International Disability Championships in early April, knowing it was their last chance to book a place on the GB team for the IPC European Championships in July and take a step towards Paralympic qualification.
Over 300 swimmers from 19 countries competed at the Sheffield championships. Sasha Kindred (Leominster) led the way winning two of the multi-classification events and breaking his own world record in the 200m IM. The 33 year old took nearly 0.2 sec off his record ahead of S14 swimmers Daniel Pepper (Stockport Metro) and Ben Procter (Truro City). The next day he won the 100m breaststroke ahead of German swimmer Christoph Burkard and Dan Pepper.
In the women’s event Dutch swimmer Magda Toeters took the gold ahead of team mate Marylou Van Der Kulk and Natalie Massey (Aquabears) with a new European record – all three are S14 swimmers. The Dutch women’s team won seven of the twelve women’s events with Lisette Teunissen taking three titles – 50m backstroke, 200m freestyle and 150m IM. Van Der Kulk, the youngest of the Dutch quartet at 18, took gold in the 100m backstroke with a new European record, ahead of Stephanie Millward (Swansea Performance) and Germany’s Kirsten Bruhn. Mirjam De Koning-Peper, the oldest Dutch swimmer at 41 years, won the 50m and 100m freestyle, beating S14 swimmer Jessica Applegate (Lowestoft) in the sprint event.
Natalie Massey set a new world record in the women’s 100m backstroke of 4:44.48. The 22 year old beat double Paralympic champion Ellie Simmonds (second) and De Koning-Peper (third).
In the men’s 100m freestyle Ben Proctor held off Brazil’s Daniel Dias and Andre Brasil Esteves who hold eight Paralympic titles between them. Proctor also took the 200m gold.
Team of 43 for Berlin
2nd June
The British Disability Swimming Team, powered by British Gas, has been announced to face Europe’s elite at the IPC Swimming European Championships in Berlin. The Championships, from July 3 – 10, will be the last benchmark meet for the athletes before the 2012 Paralympic Games.
The men’s team includes S14 swimmers Nicholas Boylan, Daniel Pepper, Benjamin Proctor, Craig Rodgie and Thomas Young. The women’s team includes S14 swimmers Nicole Lough and Natalie Massey.
Nominate someone you know to be an Olympic Torch Bearer!
18th May 2011
With one year to go until the Olympic Flame arrives in the UK, the London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) today reveals the dates and locations for the evening celebration events and island visits on the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay route.
The Olympic flame will arrive in the UK from Greece and the 70-day Olympic Torch Relay which is presented by Coca-Cola, Lloyds TSB and Samsung will start at Land’s End, Cornwall on the morning of 19 May 2012.
The Olympic Flame is expected to travel an estimated 8,000 miles around the UK before arriving at the Olympic stadium on 27 July 2012 for the lighting of the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony, signifying the start of the London 2012 Olympic Games.
Sebastian Coe, Chair of LOCOG, said ‘The Olympic Flame will shine a light across every nation and region of the UK and showcase the very best of who we are and where we live’. For more information and details of how to nominate someone you know to be one of the 8,000 torch bearers, visit www.london2012.com/press/media-releases/
World’s largest rehearsal begins a year before the games
11th May 2011
Athletes, volunteers and the British public will help the London 2012 Organising Committee (LOCOG) in what will be the world's largest rehearsal before the Games next year. More than 10,000 volunteers, 8,000 athletes from more than 50 countries and more than 250,000 spectators will be part of a twelve month rehearsal that runs between May 2011 and May 2012.
The four LOCOG events this summer that will be ticketed are:
Mountain Bike: 31 July – Hadleigh Farm, Essex
Beach Volleyball: 9-14 August – Horse Guards Parade
Basketball: 16-21 August – Basketball Arena, Olympic Park
BMX: 19-20 August – BMX Track, Olympic Park
Basketball and BMX will be the first competitive sports to take place on the Olympic Park.
LOCOG Chief Executive Paul Deighton said 'The London Prepares series is essentially about putting our plans into practice... For more information visit http://www.london2012.com/news/
TIME RUNNING OUT TO BUY OLYMPIC GAMES TICKETS
14th April 2011
Ticket applications close at 11:59pm on 26 April 2011 for ticket applications for the Olympic Games. With prices starting at just £20 and more than 600 sessions to choose from, there is something for everyone.
To apply, and to read step by step guides on the application process, go to www.tickets.london2012.com
The process for Paralympics Games tickets will be available in the autumn.
CONSTRUCTION COMPLETE ON LONDON 2012 STADIUM
14th April 2011
LOCOG reported that the construction on the 2012 Olympic & Paralympic Stadium has been completed on time, under budget and with an exemplary safety record. More than 240 UK businesses have worked on construction of the stadium and more than 5,250 people have worked on the project.
Read more about it at www.london2012.com
LONDON 2012 STRIKES GOLD, SILVER AND BRONZE WITH RIO TINTO
13th April 2011
The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) has announced Rio Tinto, a leading international mining group, as the 40th domestic sponsor of the Games. Rio Tinto will provide the gold, silver and copper to produce the 4,700 medals for the London 2012 Olympic Games and Paralympic Games, having already done so once before for the Salt Lake City Winter Olympic Games in 2002.
The metal will come from opposite sides of the globe, from Rio Tinto’s Kennecott Utah Copper mine in Salt Lake City, USA and the Oyu Tolgoi mine in Mongolia.
LOCOG Commercial Director Chris Townsend said ‘The medals are one of the great traditions and enduring images of any Olympic or Paralympic Games, so Rio Tinto will play a significant role in the successful delivery of London 2012. We welcome them to the London2012 family and we look forward to working with them to ensure that our medals will be both spectacular and sustainable.’
Tom Albanese, Rio Tinto Chief Executive said ‘All of us at Rio Tinto are excited to have the special job once again of digging the ore that will become treasured medals for the world’s elite athletes. We are right behind London 2012’s commitment to delivering sustainable Games, which aligns with Rio Tinto’s passionate commitment to sustainable development wherever we operate around the world.’
For more information on the Olympic and Paralympic 2012 sponsors visit www.london2012.com
2011 NATIONAL TABLE TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS (Part of the Grand Prix Series)
6th April 2011
Entries are invited to the 2011 National Table Tennis Championships, co-ordinated by EFDS Events.
The Championships will take place on 11th and 12th June 2011 at the Grantham Meres Leisure Centre.
The closing date for entries is 22nd May 2011. All players with learning disability wishing to enter will need to have either a UK or international classification.
For further information contact EFDS Events on 0161 953 2499 or log onto www.efds.co.uk or www.disabilitysport.org.uk for entry forms.
LOCOG ANNOUNCE PLANS FOR “INTERNATIONAL PARALYMPIC DAY”
6th April 2011
The London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) have announced there will be an International Paralympic Day on 8th September 2011 in Trafalgar Square, London.
The day will showcase Paralympic sports by allowing the public to get involved in some events and will also feature some of the inspiring Paralympic hopefuls and previous competitors.
Seb Coe Chair of LOCOG said ‘It’s a fantastic way for the public to learn more about Paralympic sports’ and Tim Reddish Chair of the British Paralympic Association said ‘International Paralympic day. is a great way of helping the public engage with the Paralympics’.
If you would like to find out more about International Paralympic Day on 8th September, then visit www.london2012.com
LONDON 2012 PARALYMPIC TICKETS
6th April 2011
Are you interested in going to the Paralympic Games in London during 2012?
There will be a ticket application process similar to that of the Olympic Games. Ticket applications for the London 2012 Paralympic Games opens on 9th September 2011.
Visit www.london2012.com for more details.
ENTRIES INVITED FOR LONDON REGIONAL DISABILITY ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS
14th March 2011
The event is being held at Lee Valley Athletics Centre, Edmonton, London N9 on Monday 9th May 2011. Events are open to athletes with learning disability. Athletes will be required to have a UK classification (UKSA) or international (INAS) classification.
Closing date for the event is Friday 8th April 2011.
Download the entry form (pdf) or for further information on the event, please contact Yvonne Jacobs, c/o Lee Valley Athletics Centre, Meridian Way, Edmonton London N9 0AR. Tel: 07906 885 713 (Leave a message) or email athletics.coaching@hotmail.co.uk
LONDON 2012 AND MAYOR OF LONDON UNVEIL FIRST GIANT OLYMPIC RINGS
3rd March 2011
Londoners and visitors travelling through St Pancras International witnessed a spectacular unveil of the first set of giant Olympic Rings, marking the first step in using the Olympic symbols on iconic landmarks to transform the capital into the Host City for the London 2012 Games.
Built in Hitchin, Hertfordshire over 4 weeks by a team of 25 people, the aluminium Rings measure 20 metres wide by 9 metres high and weigh 2,300 kilograms. They were transported to St Pancras International by lorry in 39 separate parts where they were secretly assembled and installed over 7 nights. The Olympic Rings are suspended from the roof of the Barlow Train Shed at St Pancras International.
Boris Johnson, the Mayor of London said: 'London is going to be at the centre of the world's attention throughout 2012 and I want the whole city to harness every opportunity offered by the Games. The rings will be a powerful symbol for millions of visitors using the iconic station that the capital is poised and ready to welcome the world's greatest sporting stars and put on the best show on earth.'
The programme of placing Olympic Rings and the Paralympic Agitos across London is being developed in partnership by LOCOG and the Mayor of London.
PHIL LANE, CEO, LEAVES PARALYMPICS GB
28th February 201
Today, The British Paralympic Association announced that Phil Lane will step down from his role with immediate effect. Phil Lane has been CEO for the past 10 years during which time the GB Team finished 2nd place in the medals table in Athens and Beijing.
Tim Reddish, Chairman of Paralympics GB said, "Phil has chosen to focus attention on new challenges and I respect that. I would like to thank Phil, on behalf of myself and the Board, for the work he has done over the last ten years promoting the Paralympic movement and his significant contribution in successfully taking the ParalympicsGB Teams to the last five Winter and Summer Paralympic Games. We wish him all the very best in his future endeavours."
Commenting on his departure Tracey McCillen, CEO UK Sports Association said "We wish Phil the very best of luck in his new career. Phil and ParalympicsGB were an important part of the campaign to have the ban on athletes with learning disability competing in London 2012 lifted and we are grateful for his support on this and other issues over the years. We wish BPA well in securing his successor in the very near future and to working with them as we approach London 2012."
ENTRIES INVITED FOR THE 2011 OPEN NATIONAL ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR ATHLETES WITH LEARNING DISABILITY
18th February 2011
Mencap Sport has published the entry criteria for the 2011 National Championships. The Championships will be held at the Woodside Stadium, Watford on 25th June 2011.
The entry closing date is Friday 3rd June 2011.
Further details and entry forms are available on the Mencap Sport website.
For further information, contact Mencap Sport on 01924 234912
EFDS FESTIVAL OF SPORT
23rd February 2011
The English Federation of Disability Sport is hosting a Festival of Sport on 13th & 14th May 2011, for disabled children between 6 - 16 years.
The days will offer taster sessions in a number of sports including Table Tennis as well as competitions in others including swimming and athletics.
The event is being held at the Leigh Sports Village. The closing date for entries is 22nd April 2011.
For further information and entry forms, see www.efds.co.uk or contact Gary Hyndman at EFDS on ghyndman@efds.co.uk or telephone 0161 9532765.
ENTRIES INVITED FOR 25TH ANNIVERSAY OPEN THROWS MEETING
16th February 2011
Kingston AC & Polytechnic Harriers are inviting entries for their annual open meeting to be held on 9th and 10th April 2011. The event will take place at Kingsmeadow Stadium, Kingston Road, Kingston upon Thames, Surrey KT1 3PB
The programme includes a throws event for athletes with learning disability (F20 classification).
Closing date for entries is 25th March 2011.
The event is endorsed by England Athletics and UKA Athletics and is IPC endorsed.
As well as competitive programme, the event contains a series of talks which are open to all whether competing or not on the day. These include: Psychology in competition; Coaching disabled athletes; Strength and Conditioning; Nutrition preparation for competition.
For further details contact camilla.thrush@london2012.com or call 01372 273600 up to 10pm. Download an entry form (.doc Word file) or visit the website at www.kingstonandpoly.com
ENTRIES INVITED FOR THE 2011 BRITISH LEARNING DISABILITY SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIP
9th February 2011
The entry criteria for the 2011 Championships are now available. The Championships will be held at Ponds Forge, Sheffield on 6th August 2011.
The entry closing date is Friday 21st May 2011.
For further details and entry forms, please go to the Mencap Sport website.
Any general queries about entering the event should be made to Diane Dart on telephone 07717 362 616 or email diane.dart@dsiso.org
CLEAN SWEEP FOR MOATE AND CASEY
18th January 2011
Congratulations to S14 swimmers, Craig Moate and Sarah Louise Casey for their performances at the London Region Winter Short Course Swimming Championships in Bexleyheath. Craig Moate (Dagenham) made it a clean sweep in the freestyle events, winning the men's 50m, 100m, 200m and 400m freestyle and Sarah-Louise Casey (Kent) the 100m butterfly and 200m freestyle.
ASA OFFERS OPPORTUNITIES AT AQUATIC EVENTS
18th January 2011
My Games offers young people a unique opportunity to promote and celebrate the value of the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The ASA, British swimming governing body, will offer 42 young disabled people the opportunity to volunteer at aquatic events and gain valuable experience.
For more information go to www.swimming.org/asa/volunteering/bmy-bgames or contact francesca.kelly@swimming.org
S14 WORLD RECORD FOR BEN PROCTER AT NATIONAL SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS
13th January 2011
A stunning performance from Ben Proctor (Truro) at the National Disability Swimming Championships saw him winning all seven of his events and setting a world record time of 2:01.56 in the 200m freestyle as well as British records in the 100m backstroke (1:04.16) and the 200m IM (2:16.29).
Aaron Moores (Trowbridge), although new to the event, took home two gold, one silver and two bronze medals.
Congratulations to both on their outstanding performances, but in particular to Ben on claiming the World Record.
NATIONAL JUNIOR ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS 2011
17th December 2010
The
date for the National Junior Athletics Championships have been changed. The
Championships will now take place on the 9th and 10th of July at Preston
Sports Arena..
The organisers have confirmed that all athletes with learning disability wishing to compete in the event will require either a UK or international classification to be eligible to compete. Classification should be in place by the closing date which is likely to be set for June 2011.
For information on the event, please contact Garry Hyndman, National Events Co-Ordinator at EFDS on telephone 0161 953 2765 or email ghyndman@efds.co.uk
For information on UK and international classification, visit the classification pages of the UKSA website or contact your relevant Home Country Association.
FUNDING OPPORTUNITY – SPORT ENGLAND SPORTSMATCH PROGRAMME
16th December 2010
Does your club or organisation need match funding? Sport England’s Sportsmatch programme gives awards to organisations running projects at a community level which meet one or both of Sport England’s objectives of Grow or Sustain. They match eligible sponsorship pound for pound up to a maximum of £100,000.
Any funds raised by sports clubs, voluntary organisations, local authorities, schools, universities or national governing bodies of sport can be matched to effectively double the funds raised. And sponsorship contributions can be either cash or in-kind, although in-kind sponsorship cannot consist of more than 50% of your total sponsorship amount.
Sportsmatch will be re-opening to new applications on the 17 January 2011 for projects starting after the 1 April 2011. For full guidance about making an application have a look at the Sportsmatch pages of the Sport England website.
NEW INAS WEBSITE
15th December 2010
The International Sports Federation for People with Intellectual Disability (INAS-FID) has re-branded and launched its new website.
Now known as “Inas – for para athletes with an intellectual disability”, you can visit their new website at www.inas.org.
LONDON 2012 MEDALS MADE IN THE UK BY ROYAL MINT
14th December 2010
The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) today announced that the Royal Mint will produce around 4,700 victory medals at their headquarters in South Wales, for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Paul Deighton, London 2012 CEO, said: ‘We’re delighted to be working with the Royal Mint, a company established in the UK for 1,100 years, to produce the London 2012 victory medals. The Olympic and Paralympic medals are presented to elite athletes at the biggest sporting events in the world – a moment which represents the pinnacle of their career and we’re pleased to announce that they will be produced in South Wales.’
The gold, silver and bronze medals, which are awarded to athletes in the London 2012 Victory Ceremonies watched by a worldwide audience, will be designed by a UK-based artist. LOCOG is currently short-listing invited artists and an announcement on the chosen design will be made in summer 2011.
UK SPORTS ASSOCIATION CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR OFFICE HOURS
10th December 2010
The UKSA office will be closed on Wednesday 22nd December through to and including Friday 6th January 2011. The office will re-open as normal on Monday 10th January 2011.
May we take this opportunity to wish you Seasons Greetings and look forward to working with you all throughout 2011.
IPC CONSIDER BASKETBALL FOR ATHLETES WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY
9th December 2010
The International Paralympic Committee's (IPC) Governing Board will meet for the third time this year in Guangzhou, China, prior to the Opening Ceremony of the 2010 Asian Para Games between 10-12 December.
The Board will consider at its meeting which sports should be included in the programme for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. The Board will decide whether basketball for players with intellectual disability should be included in the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.
Other items on the agenda to be discussed include the Post Games Report on the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games, IPC Sports Governance, as well as reports and recommendations from IPC Standing Committees.
IPC President Sir Philip Craven said: "The IPC Governing Board has a number of major decisions to make this weekend, such as approving the new Strategic Plan and the Rio 2016 Sports Programme, both of which will have a major influence on the direction of the Paralympic Movement for years to come."
BBC RADIO 4 BROADCAST “A LEVEL PLAYING FIELD FOR PARALYMPICS”
8th December 2010
Journalist Peter White explores classification and looks in detail at classification for athletes with learning disability in this broadcast as part of a series looking at the Paralympic Games. Contains an interview with swimmer (S14) Ben Procter and INAS-FID President, Dr Bob Price as well as commentary on classification from Baroness Tanni Grey Thompson.
You can hear the broadcast by logging onto BBC iplayer.
2011 SPORTS CLUB OF THE YEAR AWARDS
8th December 2010
The Sport and Recreation Alliance (formerly CCPR) is in its 18th year. Nominations are now invited for these important awards, the deadline for nominations is 5pm on 25th February 2011.
The Awards for 2011 are:
- Community Sports Club of the Year
- Open and Inclusive Club of the Year
- Best Club Volunteer Management Programme
- Community Amateur Sports Club (CASC) of the Year
- School Club Links Award
- Professional Sports Club Community Programme of the Year
Nominations need to be endorsed by either an NGB in membership of the SRA or the County Sports Partnership.
Download the nomination form and guidelines here.
If you have any questions on the awards, then contact Pippa Tooher on 0207 976 3928 or email ptooher@sportandrecreation.org.uk.
ENGLAND ATHLETICS LAUNCH NEW DISABILITY ACTION PLAN
6th December 2010
England Athletics has launched its Disability Action Plan at the National Coaching Conference at Lee Valley Athletics Centre. Among those present to support the launch were Paralympic gold medalists Danny Crates and Noel Thatcher.
The Action Plan is designed be totally integrated and aligned to the England Athletics core development strategy for 2009 - 2013.
It identifies the additional positive actions, partnership working and culture change needed to ensure that the England Athletics mission, priorities and goals can be truly achieved for all athletes. It also clearly demonstrates the shared responsibility and understanding needed across the whole sport as everyone who is involved in athletics is involved in disability athletics.
National Disability Club and Coach Support Officer Helen Pearce said, "Our vision for disability athletics is to develop an informed, educated and inclusive athletics community and create a clear pathway to ensure that disabled people are supported to participate, progress and perform in athletics."
To find out more and download a copy of the Plan go to the England Athletics website.
Jacqueline Smith in Action
GREAT BRITAIN’S BRONZE RETURN
2nd December 2010
Congratulations to Team GB who returned home with a bronze medal courtesy of the Ladies team event featuring Victoria Bromley (Wolverhampton), Jessica Bromley (Wolverhampton) and Jacqueline Smith (Essex) at the 5th INAS-FID European Table Tennis Championship in Ciechanow, Poland, 21st to 28th November. In a tight, hard fought match the British Ladies lost narrowly in the fifth game to the eventual gold medal winners and hosts Poland. Spain came out on top in the men’s singles competition where GB gold medal hopeful Adam Thompson (Cheshire) was defeated by Spanish and world number 1 ranked player Eduardo Cuesta.
To read the full story, download the press release here.
2011 IPC EUROPEAN SWIMMING CHAMPIONSHIPS - CRITERIA FOR SWIMMERS WITH LEARNING DISABILITY PUBLISHED
1st December 2010
The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) today announced the programme for the European Championships plus the criteria for inclusion of swimmers with learning disability (S14).
The criteria refer to sports specific classification testing at the event.
The European Championships expects to attract more than 500 swimmers from across Europe in this important pan disability event.
The Championships will take place from 3rd to 10th July 2010. Entries for swimmers with learning disability (S14) will be managed by British Swimming.
To view the criteria for swimmers with learning disability and the event programme go to the IPC website
PLACES PEOPLE PLAY: LONDON 2012 MASS PARTICIPATION LEGACY PLANS UNVEILED
17th November 2010
The Olympic and Paralympic stakeholders announced plans today for the mass participation legacy from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Unveiled by the Minister for Sport and the Olympics, Hugh Robertson MP, and Sport England, Places People Play aims to bring the sporting legacy to life in communities across the country.
The £135 million initiative has been made possible by the Government’s National Lottery reforms, which are bringing additional funding into grassroots sport.
Places People Play will be delivered by Sport England, in partnership with the British Olympic Association (BOA) and the British Paralympic Association (BPA) with the backing of The London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) and the London 2012 Inspire mark.
It will bring the inspiration and magic of a home Olympic and Paralympic Games into the heart of local communities, encouraging more people to get involved in sport.
Hugh Robertson said:
"This is the cornerstone of a grassroots legacy from hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games, because it delivers on the bid pledge of enabling more people of all ages and abilities to play sport. With more Lottery money being invested in facilities, volunteering and protecting and improving playing fields, there will be opportunities for everyone to get involved. When people talk about the legacy of the Games, we want them to talk about Places People Play - and then we want them to get out there and join in."
ParalympicsGB CEO, Phil Lane, said:
"We know that the performance of the ParalympicsGB team on home soil has the potential to inspire many more disabled people to get active and involved in sport. Places People Play will help them do just that in their local community. We welcome the additional £8m investment in disability sport to make sure this happens."
LOCOG Chair, Seb Coe, said:
"When we bid for the Games in Singapore in 2005, we said that we would use the power of the Games to inspire young people to take up sport. Places People Play will harness the inspirational power of the Olympic and Paralympic Games to promote sport across the country to leave a lasting legacy of sporting facilities, trained volunteers and more people participating in sport. This is what we set out to achieve from bringing the Games to London and the UK."
IPC ATHLETES’ COUNCIL MEETING
8th November 2010
The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) held a meeting of its Athlete’s council in Paris, France on 5th and 6th November 2010.
The meeting was given updates and information on classification, anti-doping and other matters important to athletes in the Paralympic Games. Reports were also received about the Athlete Career Programme, IPC Athlete leadership. The meeting also discussed the possibility of creating the "Athlete’s Club" which would mean launching a new Facebook Group.
Karon Nicol, Secretary General of the International Sports Federation for People with Intellectual Disability (INAS-FID) also attended the meeting. She was discussing with IPC how INAS and IPC can work together to include athletes with intellectual disability in the IPC Athletes’ Council.
The IPC Athletes’ Council is seen as the voice of Paralympic athletes within the IPC.
INAS-FID EUROPEAN GENERAL ASSEMBLY RE-ELECTS BRITONS TO EXECUTIVE AND HOSTS CLASSIFICATION WORKSHOP
8th November 2010
INAS-FID Europe re-elected Geoff Smedley (GB) as President and Nick Parr (GB) as Member at Large for another term of 3 years at its European General Assembly on Saturday 6th November 2010.
Fausto Pereira (Portugal) took on the role of INAS European Technical Director and Marc Truffaut (France) was re-elected as Secretary General for a further 3 years.
The Assembly, considered a number of important issues for INAS including its events programme, and INAS-FID plans for the future. The early days of the Assembly also included an Eligibility and Classification workshop at which a presentation was made by Professor Jan Burns, INAS-FID Head of Eligibility outlining the progress made in sports specific classification and the continued work with IPC and the International Sports Federations.
It was reported that sports specific classification in Table Tennis will take place for the first time at the 2010 European Championships in Poland at the end of November, with swimming and athletics being on track for 2011.
BRITISH SWIMMING ANNOUNCE 2011 WORLD CLASS DISABILITY PROGRAMMES
3rd November 2010
Swimmers with learning disability (S14) may be included in the British Swimming Fastrack programme if they meet the criteria set by British Swimming.
To read the policy for S14 swimmers, go to the British Swimming website.
INAS-FID PRESIDENTS NEWSLETTER
26th October 2010
Read the INAS-FID President's, Dr Bob Price latest update and newsletter here.
PETER ERICKSSON - "IT'S MORE THAN JUST MEDALS"
26th October 2010
There was a justified media frenzy over the summer as we celebrated "Two years to go" to the London 2012 Paralympic Games, but as I write this we're just over two months out from the IPC Athletics World Championships in New Zealand, says Peter Ericksson in his latest blog in Inside the Games. This is hugely significant for many reasons; not least the fact that it's the last major Paralympic event at senior level prior to 2012. Perhaps more importantly however, as athletes fight to make it to the top of the podium, they're also making their case for funding support for one of the most important years of their lives so far in the countdown to London. It's more than just the medals.
Read the full blog on Inside the Games.
DISABILITY FOOTBALL CONFERENCE: "MAKING THE DIFFERENCE - PATHWAYS TO SUCCESS"
25th October 2010
The Second FA Disability Football conference, 'Making the Difference', will be held at Wembley Stadium on Wednesday 8th December 2010 and tickets are now on available to organisations, disability football clubs, coaches, individuals and anybody with a interest in the development of football for all.
The day will be a mix of interactive sessions which will enable conference attendees the opportunity to see the difference they are making to their communities, the development of the player pathway and receive an overview of the success of The FA Disability Football Strategy.
A guest speaker from the London Organising Committee of the Olympic/Paralympic Games will be in attendance to discuss the legacy of the games and how football can play its role. Sport England will address the success of the Playground to Podium and Club and Coaches initiatives. Alistair Smith will lead a session on the "changing world" and how this will impact football.
A forum including The FA, Premier League and Football League Trust will discuss the funding "ticking time bomb" to identify ways to meet the funding gap as we move forward.
Finally a number of players that represent the player pathway from grassroots to elite will be present to tell their story of their own personal journey. Stuart Pearce will also be discussing his journey from semi professional football to the England team identifying barriers he had to overcome to reach his dream, David Clark, the most capped Blind England Footballer will also relay his journey to the Paralympics in London.
There will be additional speakers to be announced, keep checking TheFA.com for updates on other speakers attending the event. All attendees will be given a copy of 'new grassroots version of The Future Game' - the new coaching document from The FA.
If you're keen to keep up with all of the latest initiatives and how you can effect disability football then make sure you book your place early. The price is £59.95 and includes:
- Conference entry
- A copy of 'The Future Game' grassroots coaching manual
- A Talent Identification DvD for disability football
- Lunch
- Refreshments
- Information pack
Book your place on the conference here.
TEAM GB TO EUROPEAN TABLE TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS REVEALED
13th October 2010
Congratulations to the nine athletes selected by the UK Sports Association to compete at the 2010 INAS-FID European Championships in Poland 21st to 28th November.
Flying the British flag and taking on the strongest teams in Europe will be Adam Thompson (Cheshire), Victoria Bromley (Wolverhampton), Jeffrey Jarvis (Leicestershire), Jacqueline Smith (Essex), Jessica Bromley (Wolverhampton), Alistair Feltham (Dorset), Duncan Feltham (Dorset), Neil Handley (Lancashire) and Simon Green (Bedfordshire).
77 PING PONG TABLES TO REMAIN PERMANENTLY ACROSS LONDON!
3rd October 2010
Inside the Games reports that more than three-quarters of the ping-pong tables set up in London to turn people on to table tennis in the build-up to the 2012 Olympics and Paralympics are to become permanent fixtures.
During the craze, which swept the capital this summer, more than 30,000 people had a go at the game.
The project has been hailed a huge success, with dozens of people volunteering for the London 2012 Olympic Games as a result.
Sing London and the English Table Tennis Association (ETTA) - backed by Sport England and sponsors Yahoo - placed 100 temporary and permanent tables at London landmarks such as Heathrow Airport, Westfield Shopping Centre and the Barbican.
The most popular tables were the pair in Soho Square with an average of 32 people playing per hour. 340 Ping! London coaching events were held, with 2,810 people taking part.
To get a list of where the tables are located across London click here.
Read the full story by logging on to Inside the Games.
INAS-FID CLASSIFICATION CARDS – CHANGES
1st October 2010
INAS-FID has changed its procedures on issuing classification cards to athletes who successfully complete the primary eligibility checks – “Stage 1” INAS-FID classification.
INAS-FID will no longer be issuing the traditional “INAS Classification card” to athletes.
The INAS-FID Eligibility Committee has confirmed that following the introduction of the INAS-FID Classification Master List in 2009, they have taken the decision that INAS-FID will no longer issue “Registration Cards” to athletes. The Master List on the INAS-FID website will be seen as the definitive list of athletes who have successfully completed the primary eligibility check.
Athletes will be expected to arrive at accreditation at INAS-FID events and competitions carrying a passport and the INAS-FID officer checking classification will use that, together with reference to the master list to confirm that the athlete has successfully completed the primary eligibility checks for stage 1 classification.
The UK Sports Association (UKSA) will continue to retain a list of all GB athletes classified at INAS-FID (international) level. At any point, if a name does not appear on the INAS-FID master list, or an athlete, coach, Home Country, NGB or other person is concerned that it has not yet appeared, they should contact the UK Sports Association who will liaise with INAS-FID to resolve the problem and ensure the accuracy of the master list is maintained in respect of GB athletes.
Finally reference to “INAS Classification cards” and “INAS Registration Cards” are referring to the same thing.
Should you have any questions please contact the UK Sports Association in the first instance.
SCOTTISH DISABILITY SPORT
30th September 2010
Scottish Disability Sport has launched their new and exciting website. For all the news, views, stories and successes for athletes and disability sport in Scotland, visit www.scottishdisabilitysport.com
Read the latest Scottish newsletter here (pdf).
SIR PHILIP CRAVEN: GREAT TO SEE TABLE TENNIS ATHLETES WITH INTELLECTUAL IMPAIRMENTS AT LONDON 2012
25th September 2010
It is fantastic news that the Paralympic Movement and Paralympic Sport will include athletes with Intellectual impairments at the London 2012 Paralympic Games writes Sir Philip in his blog on Inside the Games.
He congratulates ITTF and INAS-FID on their hard work to date to make this happen and re-affirms IPC’s commitment to achieve full inclusion of athletes with intellectual disability in the Paralympic movement.
NEW CHANNEL 4 PARALYMPIC WEBSITE
16th September 2010
Channel 4, the official broadcaster of the London 2012 Paralympic Games has launched a dedicated Paralympic website with news, stories, blogs and profiles of different athletes in the lead up to London 2012.
The site also provides links to the new programme series "Inside Incredible Athletes" and their plans for the coming months.
Visit the Channel 4 website here.
2011 WORLD ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS WILL GO AHEAD DESPITE RECENT EARTHQUAKE
15th September 2010
The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has announced that the 2011 IPC Athletics World Championships in Christchurch, New Zealand will go ahead next year as planned, despite an earthquake hitting the city earlier this month.
Following 4 September's earthquake a full structural assessment of the Queen Elizabeth II (QEII) Stadium, the venue of next January's Games, has taken place. Engineers have given the stadium the structural `all clear' and the facility is now open again to staff and essential services.
Christchurch City Council also reported that the Athletics track for competition and warm-up areas are in good condition and, although there are some localized areas of damage, these will not directly affect the competition.
Xavier Gonzalez, the IPC's Chief Executive Officer, said: "It is tremendous news that Christchurch will still host our World Championships in January and is another step in the city's road to recovery. I would like to thank the Local Organizing Committee and other bodies involved in giving the event the green light so soon after the earthquake.
Taking place from 21-30 January 2011, the IPC Athletics World Championships are expected to see hundreds of athletes from around the globe compete.
For the latest updates about the 2011 IPC Athletics World Championships, please visit www.ipcathleticsworldchamps.com.
VOLUNTEER AT LONDON 2012 – “GAMES MAKER” APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN!
15th September 2010
Be part of the Olympic and Paralympic experience in London in 2012 by becoming a volunteer Games make. The Organising Committee (LOCOG) is keen for disabled people to consider becoming a Games maker. If you are a disabled person and wish to apply then email the London 2012 Games Maker Contact Centre directly on info@gamesmaker.london2012.com quoting the reference “ADVOCATE”
They will provide you with an activation code and link to access the application form online. LOCOG will also ensure that Games Makers who have a disability will be provided with reasonable adjustments required for undertaking the application, interview and volunteer process. These include the provision of a Support Contact Centre for those applicants who cannot use the online application, the inclusion of support workers and sourcing of necessary equipment.
To find out more about what it takes to become a London 2012 Games Maker, please visit www.london2012.com/get-involved/volunteer/index.php
The closing date for applications is midnight on Wednesday 27th October 2010.
FREE GOLF FESTIVAL WITH PGA TUITION
13th September 2010
On Saturday 25th to Monday 27th September 2010, the Scottish Disability Golf Partnership (SDGP) will host three days of PGA supervised golf tuition with two major competitions. Disabled players and their coaches may attend.
The venue for the three days is the Wellsgreen Golf Academy, Standingstane Road, Kirkcaldy Scotland KY8 5RU.
There are 3 packages available. For full details of the Festival, how to enter individually or as a team, handicaps, conditions of entry and the packages available contact the SDGP.
SDGP
38 Crawley Crescent
Springfield Cupar
Fife
KY15 5SF
Tel: +44 (0) 1334 650 963
Email: sdgp@btinternet.com
Website: www.sdgp.co.uk
DISABILITY SPORT NI LAUNCH CAMPAIGN TO FIND NEXT GENERATION OF DISABLED SPORTS STARS
9th September 2010
Northern Ireland’s Minister for Sport, Nelson McCausland MLA was joined by Paralympic Integration Director and multi gold medalist, Chris Holmes, plus Northern Irish gold medalist Michael McKillop to launch DSNI’s “Be Active Be the Best” Talent ID Programme today.
The programme funded by Sport Northern Ireland aims to identify new talented young disabled sports people in the lead up to the London 2012 Paralympic Games.
The ‘Be Active Be the Best’ programme was developed by Disability Sports NI to encourage more young disabled people to become more involved in sport, and to make talented young disabled sports people, their teachers and coaches more aware of the opportunities available in competitive sport.
The September poster campaign will be followed by a ‘Talented Athlete Assessment Day’ planned for the 20th November 2010, during which talented young disabled people identified through the poster campaign, will be assessed by coaches from over ten sports and advised of the most appropriate competitive sports pathway available to them.
If you know talented athletes and in particular a talented athlete with learning disability and would like to know how they can attend the Talented Athlete Assessment Day then contact Disability Sports NI on 028 9038 7062 or email email@dsni.co.uk.
Read the full story on the campaign launch here.
2012’s SPORTING LEGACY: INSPIRIGIN YOUNG PEOPLE, RAISING PARTICIPATION, ENSURING ELITE SUCCESS
9th September 2010
Westminster Briefing is hosting a one day 2012 Sporting Legacy Conference on 16th November in London. Places are limited. Speakers include the following:
- Baroness Sue Campbell, Chair, UK Sport & Youth Sport Trust
- Steve Grainger, Chief Executive, Youth Sport Trust
- Mike Diaper, Director, Children and Young People, Sport England
- (Chair) Tim Lamb, Chief Executive, CCPR
- Phil Lane, CEO, Paralympics GB
- Chelsea Warr, Head of Athlete Development & Dr Scott Drawer, Head of Research and Innovation, UK Sport
- Chris Hespe, Head of Sport, Leisure and 2012 Games, Kent County Council
- Shaun Dawson, Chief Executive, Lee Valley Regional Park Authority
- Cllr Stephen Castle, Essex CC Cabinet Member for Education and the 2012 Games
- Jane Ashworth, CEO, StreetGames
- Alison Moore Gwyn, Chief Executive, Fields in Trust
For full details on the event, how to book a place and the cost of each place, contact Westminster Briefing on 020 7096 2926
NEW INCLUSIVE BADMINTON CLUB IN CARRYDUFF, NORTHERN IRELAND
3rd September 2010
For people with learning disability, physical or sensory disabilities, on Wednesdays between 3rd November and 1st December, 4.45pm to 6pm at the Lough Moss Centre, Carryduff.
Junior Section 11+ and Senior section 18+
Cost is £1 per person per night.
For more information contact the Active Communities Coach for Disability Sport, Christine Duncan at Castlereagh Borough Council on 02890 814884 or 07786 338030 or email christineduncan@castlereagh.gov.uk.
IPC PRESIDENT, SIR PHILIP CRAVEN COMMENTS “LONDON 2012 HAVE DEMONSTRATED EXTRAORDINARY ENTHUSIASM FOR THE PARALYMPICS”
29th August 2010
As today we celebrate the two year countdown to the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Paralympic Games, Sir Philip Craven reflects on the moment in 2008 when he handed the flag over to the Mayor of London Boris Johnson and what the greatest sporting showcase on earth will mean for London and the UK.
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.
