sign in sign up
<<
Home , Aniek van Koot, Aurelie Rivard, BC4, Beatrice Vio, Bibian Mentel, Carioca Arena 1

THE PARALYMPIAN 02|2015 1 OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE PARALYMPICLYMPIC MOVEMENT ISSUE NO. 2 | 2015

www.paralympic.org

RZ_Paralympian_02_2015_title_final.indd 1 24.08.15 01:18 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE THE PARALYMPIAN 02|2015 3

“With Rio 2016 set to be broadcast to more countries than ever before, I am fully confi dent that we will break through the four billion cumulative TV viewers for the fi rst time.”

Welcome to this special edition which celebrates the newly launched IPC Strategic Plan 2015-2018 one year to go until the Rio 2016 . which is featured in this edition. It does not seem too long ago that I passed the Para- lympic fl ag from Mayor Boris Johnson to his Published in June, the plan also aims to increase Rio counterpart Eduardo Paes in London’s Olympic global participation in para-sport and improve the Stadium, but time has moved on and Rio is gearing recognition and value of the Paralympic brand. up to stage the biggest Paralympic Games to date. A lot of work and input went into the document Featuring 22 sports, including debuts for canoe from the whole IPC membership and I would like and triathlon, Rio 2016 has an aspiration to sell to thank everyone who contributed. I hope the fi nal 3.3 million tickets, half a million more than London product can act as a roadmap for the IPC’s future 2012. Should this target be achieved, then in terms and a source of inspiration to the whole Paralym- of tickets sales alone, the Paralympic Games will pic Movement. overtake the FIFA World Cup as the world’s second biggest sporting event. Staying with the theme of growth, I would like to share with you my absolute delight at the long-term With Rio 2016 set to be broadcast to more countries and monumental agreement we announced with than ever before, I am fully confi dent that we will Japanese broadcaster NHK in June. NHK are huge break through the four billion cumulative TV view- advocates of the Movement and I am extremely ers for the fi rst time, showcasing the best of what excited at what can be achieved with them over the Paralympic Movement has to off er to millions the coming years in the lead-up to, during and after of new fans. 2020.

This September, Rio will stage a special one year Finally, I look forward to seeing many of you at to go event, as well as the Chef de Mission seminar November’s IPC General Assembly in Mexico City. and World Broadcasters Briefi ng. Together with the ongoing test event programme, these land- marks will help ensure everything is ready for the Opening Ceremony on 7 September 2016 at the iconic Maracana Stadium.

Consolidating the growth of the Paralympic Games Sir Philip Craven, MBE as a premier event is one of six strategic goals in IPC President 4 THE PARALYMPIAN 02|2015 CONTENTS CONTENTS THE PARALYMPIAN 02|2015 5

2200 12

2222 2288

06 PARALYMPIC NEWS 10 #ASKANATHLETE 12 RIO 2016 ONE YEAR TO GO

Catch up on the biggest news in the Para- Ahead of October’s IPC Athletics World Brazilian Paralympic Committee President lympic Movement, including who will host Championships in Doha, Qatar, ’s Martina Andrew Parsons and swimming sensation the 2022 Winter Games and a new long-term Caironi and ’s Vanessa Low talk look ahead to the Games. Mean- TV deal in . about their T42 class rivalry. while, we give you a closer look at the Rio 2016 venues and the top athletes to watch.

20 IPC STRATEGIC PLAN 22 WORLD SPORT 28 FUTURE GAMES 2015 TO 2018 ROUNDUP

A guide to how the IPC plan to take the Para- A look back at the 2015 Parapan Rio celebrates one year to go, PyeongChang lympic Movement forward over the next four American Games and the other major sport- athlete quota and medal events announced, years. ing events. and Tokyo 2020 marks their fi ve-year count- down.

30 UPCOMING EVENTS 34 ISSUE OF THE SEASON 36 GUEST COLUMN

A look ahead to major events in athletics, What more can the Paralympic Movement do Dutch snowboarder and Paralympic gold badminton and sailing, among others. to grow in between the Paralympic Games? medallist Bibian Mentel-Spee gives her reaction to the growth of her sport.

THE PARALYMPIAN CONTACT IMAGES

Editor Craig Spence International Paralympic Committee © Photo Credits: Luc Percival (p. 1/16/17/25/28), AECOM (p. 4), Getty Images (p. 5/6/7/9/10/ Assistant Editor Rosalind Dumlao Adenauerallee 212-214 D-53113 Bonn, Germany 12/18/19/21/23/24/25/26/27/29/30/31/32/33/35/36), Tokyo 2020 (p. 5/29), Graphic Design designfee Bianca Werninghaus NHK (p. 6), Ryerson University (p. 7), Mark Garten (p. 8), Rio 2016 (p. 12/13/ Tel. +49 228 2097-200 14/15), Alexandre Magno (p. 18), Guilherme Taboada (p. 18), Art Editors Yosof Rohesh, Mariel Avalos Fax +49 228 2097-209 Wander Roberto (p. 18), Marcio Rodrigues (p. 18), Daniel Zappe (p. 18), Printing welzel + hardt GmbH International Federation of Cerebral Palsy Football (p. 18/24), [email protected] Jean-Baptiste Benavent (p. 5/19), Gael Marziou (p. 19), All rights reserved www.paralympic.org DTU/Jo Kleindl (p. 19), Lieven Coudenys (p.20), Joachim Radtke (p. 21), © 2015 International Paralympic Committee Bill Wippert (p. 22), Fotolia (p. 24/27), Toronto (p. 26), PRINT The views expressed in The Paralympian are not necessarily those of the IPC. In case of republication of any part of The Paralympian, please ISSN 1609-1329 Jon Blacker (p. 26/27), Jonne Roriz (p. 27), PyeongChang 2018 (p. 29), send a copy to the IPC. The publisher reserves the right to edit submitted articles. The International Paralympic Committee endeavours to Alan Spink (p. 32), International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports Federation be as current and accurate as possible with this publication, aiming to treat all readers with courtesy and respect. We cannot guarantee (p. 32), Hungarian National Paralympic Committee (p. 32), however that the information contained in this publication is complete and accurate in all respects and readers are taken to understand The Federation of Russia (p. 32), James Jordan (p. 33), Print compensated and agree to this disclaimer upon reading any part of The Paralympian. No infringements upon any law, including sport regulations, from Walter Cooper (p. 33), istockphoto (p. 34/35) Id-No. 1549603 people within the photographs and/or featured in the magazine’s content were known at the time of publication. Articles, pictures and other www.bvdm-online.de written or graphic devices published in The Paralympian may not be reproduced without the prior written permission of the International Paralympic Committee. 6 THE PARALYMPIAN 02|2015 PARALYMPIC NEWS PARALYMPIC NEWS THE PARALYMPIAN 02|2015 7

IPC Athletics coaching conference + + + + Mactavish earns Paralympic Scientifi c Award + + + + NEWS IN-BRIEF comes to USA NEWS IN-BRIEF Canadian Professor fully belongs to a dedicated community of IRAN: A new building was dedicated IPC Athletics will stage the fi rst ever Para- Jennifer Mactavish academics, graduate students, coaches and ALPINE SKIING: Vincent Gauthier- as National Paralympic Day Head- athletics Coaching Conference from 12-13 will receive the IPC’s sport federations from around the world, Manuel, ’s six-time Paralympic quarters in Tehran, Iran, by NPC Iran. December in Colorado Springs, USA, 2015 Paralympic who have worked together over the years to medallist and fi ve-time world champion National Paralympic Day will also be featuring a stellar lineup of speakers Scientific Award in address a complex question that unanswered in the men’s standing class, announced included in the Iranian annual calendar from the world of high performance October at VISTA would continue to exclude athletes with his retirement. on 16 October. para-athletics. 2015 in recognition intellectual impairment from showcasing their of the role she played talents at the highest level of sport. TAEKWONDO: The World Taekwondo GERMANY: Three-time Paralympian “Destination Rio 2016 – preparing in the re-inclusion of Federation was introduced as a full IPC Kirsten Bruhn was elected as the for prime performance” is targeted at athletes with an intellectual impairment into Mactavish’s work in the international member in June and published a full list new chairman of the board of trustees high performance directors, national the Paralympic programme. sporting community for athletes with of world rankings in para-taekwondo of the German Disabled Sports coaches, classifi ers and team support an i ntellectual impairment provided the kyorugi which consists of four classifi - Association. staff including strength and condition- The award is given biennially to an academic framework for the “Eligibility Classifi ca- cations. ers, nutritionists and physiotherapists. researcher for his or her contributions to tion Research” project, directed by the joint EGYPT: Powerlifter Fatma Omar’s research in the fi eld of sports for persons with IPC – International Sports Federation for SAILING: ISAF announced a new suspension for an anti-doping violation Speakers will include five-time an impairment, and it serves to promote and Persons with an Intellectual Disability (INAS) Paralympic Development Programme, was reduced from two years to one after Canadian Paralympian Chantal encourage further study in this area. Taskforce. This successful project eventually aimed to increase participation and presenting new evidence at an appeal Petitclerc, a winner of 14 Paralym- led to 120 intellectually impaired athletes attendance of nations competing at hearing to the Court of Arbitration for pic gold medals; head coach of the “I am delighted and humbled to be the competing at London 2012 after a 12 year major events, amongst other goals. Sport. Dutch para-athletics team Guido Bonsen; recipient of the 2015 Paralympic Scientifi c absence in athletics, swimming and table ISAF also named Betsy Alison as National Chairman of the USA Track award,” Mactavish said. “This tribute right- tennis. the new chair of the Disabled Sailing RUSSIA: More than 200 participants and Field for Coaches Committee. from the 17 regions gathered in Moscow Education Lawrence W. for the 2015 Para-Fest from 15-17 May, Judge; and professor of SWIMMING: Funchal, on the island an annual celebration of para-sport in physical education at McFadden wins Laureus Sport Award of Madeira, Portugal, will host the Russia. the Federal University 2016 IPC Swimming European Open of Sao Paulo, , US Paralympian Tatyana McFadden won the 2015 Championships from 30 April – 7 May. AUSTRIA: Swimmers Andreas Onea Ciro Winkler. Laureus World Sportsperson with a Disability award It will run as an Open Championships to and Sabine Weber-Treiber met Austrian at a glittering ceremony in Shanghai, , for her ensure swimmers have opportunities Minister of Sport Gerald Klug as part of achievements in 2014 in both athletics and cross- to qualify for Rio 2016. “Project Rio 2016” which will support NHK secures Paralympic Games country skiing. 15 para-athletes on their way to the Rio TRIATHLON: The Gold Coast, , 2016 Paralympic Games. broadcasting, exhibition rights In her fi rst full season in snow sports, will host the 2018 ITU World Triathlon McFadden won silver in the 1km cross- Grand Final, which will also include the USA: US Paralympics’ Road to Rio The IPC has also announced two separate fi ve country at the Sochi 2014 Paralym- Para-Triathlon World Championships. Tour began 4 July. The nine-stop tour is year agreements with premium pay broad- pic Winter Games and 32 days later won circling the country and wraps up on 10 caster WOWOW and Dentsu Inc. the . ROWING: Para-rowers tested the September 2016. IPC’s Proud Paralympian education In the leadup to Tokyo 2020, WOWOW will With further wins in Boston, Chicago and programme – a project designed JAPAN: Japan’s WOWOW Inc. has In June, the IPC awarded NHK the exclusive produce a series of documentaries on para- New York, she repeated her feat of 2013, when to support athlete development on become the fi rst broadcaster in the broadcast and exhibition rights in Japan for athletes, whilst Dentsu Inc., will lead market- she became the fi rst athlete ever to win all four and off the fi eld – from 8-10 May, at a world to screen all four wheelchair the Paralympic Games through to 2024, in an ing eff orts in Japan. major world marathons in a calendar year. workshop in Gavirate, Italy. tennis events. agreement that is the biggest in Paralympic On the track, she also set new world records broadcasting history. Dentsu will have the exclusive rights to sell over 1,500m and 5,000m to cap a POWERLIFTING: Mexico City will SWITZERLAND: Allianz Suisse and partnership and sponsorship packages memorable year. host the 2017 World Championships, the Swiss National Paralympic NHK, Japan’s only public broadcaster, to Japanese companies for all 10 summer alongside Cartagena, Colombia, Committee extended their partnership acquired the rights for television, radio, and (athletics, swimming, To win the award, McFadden beat which will stage the 2018 Americas agreement for two more years. internet, mobile and all other media platforms powerlifting, shooting, alpine skiing, snow- fi ve other fi nalists, including Russian Championships. for the PyeongChang 2018, Tokyo 2020, board, ice sledge hockey, cross-country Nordic skier Roman Petushkov and IOC: The IOC announced in July that 2022 and 2024 Paralympic Games. skiing, biathlon and wheelchair dance sport) German alpine skier Anna Schaf- ICE SLEDGE HOCKEY: A search it is to increase payments to the the IPC acts as the International Federation felhuber, who between them won has started for hosts for the 2016 IPC from the Host City of the 2022 During Tokyo 2020, NHK plans to show dedi- for. 11 gold medals at Sochi 2014. European Championships, which will Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games, cated live coverage across their networks, in- Great Britain’s para-cyclist Sarah feature a maximum of 180 athletes from Beijing, China, to USD 7.5 million, cluding television, radio, digital services and In addition to these package sales, Dentsu Storey, Hong Kong’s boccia world up to 10 teams. an increase of USD 1.5 million. 8K Super Hi-Vision. In addition to the Opening will provide support for promotional champion Yuk Wing Leung and and Closing Ceremonies, NHK will broadcast activities in Japan as well as for communi- ’s para-cycling world competition from Tokyo 2020 on terrestrial cations between the IPC and its Japanese champion Shelly Gauthier were and satellite television channels every day. sponsors. also nominated. 8 THE PARALYMPIAN 02|2015 PARALYMPIC NEWS PARALYMPIC NEWS THE PARALYMPIAN 02|2015 9

IPC personnel appointed to Olympic + + + + + + + + NEWS IN-BRIEF Education Commission NEWS IN-BRIEF

LEBANON: The Lebanese Paralympic IPC President Sir Philip Craven was appointed growth and development of the Olympic APC: The Asian Paralympic Committee Committee hosted their fi rst National as Chair of the Olympic Education Commis- Channel. organised the fi rst APC Gathering held Paralympic Day on 11 June in Beirut. sion following a review by the International 9- 11 May in Abu Dhabi, UAE, where It was attended by dignitaries and Olympic Committee (IOC) of scope and Jane Jones, former Director of Communica- the APC, the IPC and sport institution sports clubs from across the country. composition of their commissions for 2015. tions and Marketing at the British Paralympic members discussed the APC’s Sir Philip will also serve on the Olympic Association, will serve as IPC represent- future direction and informed of their BOTSWANA: Equipped with training Channel Commission, as well as the Board ative on the newly formed Communica- fi rst strategic plan drafting. from the Agitos Foundation’s Organi- of Directors of the Olympic Channel Services tions Commission, which will help develop sational Capacity Programme in 2014, S.L. . strategies to support the promotion of the FIMS: The IPC and the International the Association of Olympic values, and the IOC’s vision and Federation of Sport Medicine (FIMS) Botswana held their National Paralym- IPC President speaks at UN Headquarters A number of IPC representatives have mission, to a global audience. extended their Partnership Agree- pic Day on 27 May. About 400 athletes been re-appointed to IOC commissions: ment for fi ve and a half years, taking it competed, and 58 offi cials oversaw IPC President Sir Philip Craven told an audi- of practicing sport as a fi ve-time Paralympian IPC Vice President Andrew Parsons, who Johnson Jasson, President of NPC Tanzania, beyond the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. the competitions. ence at United Nations headquarters in New in wheelchair and described sport is also President of the Brazilian National has been appointed as IPC representative York, USA, on 15 April that he believes the as “life’s great educator.” Paralympic Committee to the Tokyo 2020 to the new Sustainability and Legacy Com- : The All Eng- CANADA: The Canadian Paralympic Paralympic Games are the world’s leading Co-ordination Commission; IPC Governing missions, the former Sport and Environment land Club announced that from 2016, Committee launched a multiplatform sporting event for driving social inclusion. “In my opinion, no other sporting event in the Board member Jose Luis Campo to the Commission. Wimbledon will feature singles as well campaign “The Games are Tough; the world can deliver such seismic shifts in atti- Rio 2016 Co-ordination Commission; Rita as doubles events. Athletes are Tougher” to generate Sir Philip, together with three-time Para- tudes or drive social inclusion as well as the van Driel, also IPC Governing Board mem- Xavier Gonzalez, the IPC’s Chief Executive excitement for their athletes ahead lympian Dr. Cheri Blauwet, was speaking Paralympic Games,” said Sir Philip, who high- ber, to the 2022 Evaluation Commission; Offi cer, will represent the IPC on the Sport and ATHLETICS: The Abbott World Mara- of August’s Toronto 2015 Parapan at “United action towards sustainable de- lighted that around 20 million people in Great IPC Athletes’ Council chair Todd Nichol- Active Society Commission (former Sport for thon Majors is expanding its series to American Games. velopment for all through sport,” a special Britain, one third of the population, changed son to the IOC Athletes Commission as well All Commission). The IOC has also appointed include elite wheelchair athletes. For event hosted by UN Secretary General Ban their view of people with an impairment as a as the PyeongChang 2018 Co-ordination IPC Governing Board Member Kyung-Won the fi rst time, a male and female win- SPAIN: Long-distance athlete Javi Ki-Moon to commemorate the International result of the London 2012 Paralympic Games. Commission; and Tine Rindum Teilmann to Na to this commission. ner will be determined over a 12-month Conde became the fi rst Spanish Para- Day of Sport for Development and Peace. the Women in Sport Commission. period based on scoring earned via lympian appointed as ambassador for “Together we need to embark on a long-term The Commissions will support the IOC results from six iconic global races; the Laureus Sport for Good Foundation. During a short address to an audience which programme of education where sport and ac- Parsons will also represent the IPC on the Session, the IOC Executive Board and the each will be awarded USD 50,000 for He will collaborate on projects to included Member States, athletes, high-level tivity play a key role in encouraging people to new Olympic Channel Commission, which IOC President in the implementation of the the championships. support young people and children representatives of the sport sector and UN of- maximise their development of what they pos- is meant to ensure all relevant stakeholders roadmap designed to shape the future of the living in challenging environments fi cials, Sir Philip shared his own experiences sess, not worrying about what they don’t.” and experts are consulted throughout the Olympic Movement. SNOWBOARD: Giant slalom will be around the world. added to the Regional Cup programme in 2015-16 to make the sport more FRANCE: Emmanuelle Assmann, the accessible for new athletes. It comes President of NPC France and Secretary after the conclusion of the 2014-15 General of the French Federation of Beijing wins 2022 Winter Games bid season, which saw a World Champion- Disabled Sports, received the prestig- ships take place under IPC Snowboard ious Legion d’honneur. The award is the Beijing, China, was awarded the right to stage 2022 Paralympic Winter Games can have a for the fi rst time. highest decoration in France. the 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Winter similar impact and China could emerge as a Games at the 128th IOC Session in Kuala Paralympic superpower in winter sports, just BRAZIL: The Brazilian Paralympic MALAYSIA: The Malaysian Wheelchair Lumpur, Malaysia, on 31 July. as they are now in summer sports. Committee and the Kinoplex Group, Rugby Federation hosted the inaugural Brazil’s largest chain of cinemas, South East Asia Wheelchair Rugby Beijing received 44 votes from IOC members, “Although China made their debut at the Salt announced a partnership that will Workshop. The event, held 24-26 April, whilst rival city Almaty, Kazakhstan, polled Lake City 2002 Paralympic Winter Games bring videos of para-sport heroes to drew representatives from Malaysia, 40 votes. they have yet to win a medal and participation cinemas across the country. Thailand, Singapore and Indonesia, and in winter sport remains relatively low. focused on teaching basic game skills “I would like to send my heartfelt congratula- AUSTRALIA: Kate McLoughlin was and growing the sport in the region. tions from the whole Paralympic Movement to “Therefore I am excited that these Games appointed as the Australian Paralympic the bid committee of Beijing on winning the are a real opportunity for China’s 85 million Committee’s Chef de Mission of the OBS: The inaugural Paralympic Sport right to stage the 2022 Paralympic Winter people with an impairment to engage in win- Australian Paralympic team that will Technical Meeting took place 11-13 Games,” Sir Philip Craven, IPC President, ter sport and become more active, not just in compete in Rio 2016. May in , Spain, with sports said. sport but most importantly in society. broadcasting as the main focus of the SWEDEN: Margareta Israelsson was three-day meeting. It saw 25 delegates “In 2008 Beijing raised the bar for all future At Sochi 2014, China sent a team of 10 re-elected as chairman of the Swedish from 19 International Federations. , delivering an athletes and fi nished fourth in wheelchair Para Sports Federation and Swedish event that acted as a catalyst for a more in- curling. Earlier this year the team won the Paralympic Committee. clusive Chinese society and increased partic- silver medal at the 2015 World Wheelchair ipation in summer sport. I am confi dent the Curling Championships in Finland. 10 THE PARALYMPIAN 02|2015 ASK AN ATHLETE DIGITAL BONUS THE PARALYMPIAN 02|2015 11

At October’s IPC Athletics World Championships, one of the biggest rivalries will be in the T42 class between Martina Caironi and Vanessa Low. Here’s what the two had to say about How ‘social’ are they? each other. A look at the Facebook and Twitter accounts of International Federations (IFs) and how they stack among others. 236.822 Number of Facebook likes and Twitter followers as of 31 July. 51.000 39.156 31.155 234.926 Martina Caironi VanessaV Low @smartinella @low_vanessa 13.193 9.827 7.691 7.021 6.681

My ambitions are to improve my level, Doha is an important step on my way to Rio. 5.381 4.922 4.742 3.002

both in and jumping. I want to go below In the last years I worked very hard and I really 2.605 1.379 1.258 1.298 1.077 1.003 750 617 651 536 405 15 seconds in the 100m. My previous aim What are your ambitions hope I can execute all that and deliver a perfect 28 i n the was to jump more than 4.5m for Doha 2015? race. I want to give an exciting race for the BISFED FEI IBSA IBSA IBSA ICF IFCPF IFDS IPC IPC IPC IPC IPC and now that I am at 4.6m I’m just curious people watching, so getting as close as possible Boccia Equestrian* Football Goalball Judo Canoe* CP Football Disabled Alpine Athletics Ice Sledge Nordic Powerlifting about how long could I “fl y.” to my main competitor is the goal. Sailing Skiing Hockey Skiing

She has a lot of talent and took our class to a new level. A lot of my improvements are related to her as I had something to aim for. It keeps Vanessa is a very determined athlete How would you me motivated and makes me work harder on and a nice person. describe your rival? myself during training. I really wish that the quality of our class keeps improving and pushes her to be a better athlete as well. Winning the European title last year and break- ing the world record at the IPC Athletics Grand As an experience, London 2012 was the greatest. What are your greatest Prix fi nal were big achievements for me. In the But the greatest run was this summer in my home 215.057 116.208 119.980 past I had issues to execute when it counted, so 179.500 city where I ran 15.05 seconds for the 100m. achievements to date? fi nally winning a major title was very important for my head. 65.519 Building the IPC Athletics Grand Prix series was They are really important for promoting the an important step. In the past athletes disap- para-athletics movement; at the stadiums I met How has the Grand Prix peared after the Games and the next time you people who saw para-athletics for the fi rst time. series helped develop saw them was a year before the next Games.

#AskAnAthlete They told me about how athletes are a great The Grand Prix events fi nally off er more occa- inspiration and role models for everyone. para-athletics? sions for para-athletes to compete on a big stage against other athletes in their class.

I do not have a special ritual but I am very strict about what I eat the days before and on I just keep calm and try not to What’s your competition. I try to focus on the positive and forget the stretching movements get myself in a good mood. When I get to the whilst music pulses in my ears. pre-race ritual? track I love to listen to a special playlist with all

the songs I have positive memories with. 24.900 20.800 17.019 15.600 13.871 13.474 13.179 2015 IPC Athletics 13.167 World Championships 10.775 6.697 5.967

Dates: 21-31 October 3.438 3.258 2.921 2.970 2.271 1.908 1,393 882 782 Location: Doha, Qatar 779 www.doha2015.org IPC IPC ITF ITTF ITU IWAS IWBF IWRF UCI World World World World Shooting Swimming Wheelchair Table Triathlon* Wheelchair Wheelchair Wheelchair Cycling Archery* Curling Rowing Para Tennis Tennis* Fencing Basketball Rugby *,** Federation* *,** Volley

*Accounts for both able-bodied and para-sports. **IF has separate Facebook/Twitter accounts for para-sport. 12 THE PARALYMPIAN 02|2015 RIO 2016 ONE YEAR TO GO RIO 2016 ONE YEAR TO GO THE PARALYMPIAN 02|2015 13 RIO 1 YEAR TO GO Reaching a ‘new frontier’

ever before has hosted a Para- “In terms of preparations, I think we are pretty much on lympic Games. schedule and on track with constructions of the Olympic N Park and Athletes Village,” Parsons said. “I don’t see That will change one year from now, when the Paralym- any major issues with that. Our focus has been on the pic fl ame will be lit in , Brazil. test events to see if we are missing any part of the whole “We“We want toto be ththee besbestt competition.” As the Games prepare to enter uncharted territory, Chair Paralympic Paralympic GamesGames ever, aandnd of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Integration Committee Andrew Also on the to-do list is promoting the Games and both Parsons envisions the impact the country can play in Brazilian and international athletes. That in turn could hopehope the BrazBrazilianilian populapopulationtit on growing the Paralympic Movement in the Americas region. help with another priority: selling tickets, Parsons said. cancan engageengage in that.”that.” The Rio 2016 Organising Committee hopes to build “I think it’s perfect for the Paralympic Movement,” said off marks set at London 2012, which sold a record Parsons, who is also President of the Brazilian Paralym- 2.7 million tickets. pic Committee. “We are reaching a new frontier. This is not the fi rst Paralympic Games in – this is In addition to ticket sales records, venues in London were the fi rst Paralympic Games in Latin America. So it’s all the packed, and more broadcasters covered the Games than opportunities that come with it in terms of development.” ever before, reaching 3.8 billion people worldwide.

The only time an Olympic or Paralympic Games came “We are very close to sportscasters of the Games,” to Latin America was in the 1968 Olympics, which were Parsons said. “We have had a meeting with all the TV held in Mexico City, Mexico. The Paralympic Games have channels, and they want to take advantage of the fact been held in the Americas fi ve times, but all were in North that they have the rights of the Games.” American host cities. “I think we will provide a fantastic platform for the Para- Rio 2016 will open new doors to para-athletes, and lympic athletes to succeed,” Parsons said. “We want to be Parsons said they can expect a city and country that are the best Paralympic Games ever, and hope the Brazilian “eager to welcoming” them and serving a new “Latin population can engage in that.” fl avour.”

But there is much to be done to ensure a lasting taste. www.rio2016.com 14 THE PARALYMPIAN 02|2015 RIO 2016 ONE YEAR TO GO RIO 2016 ONE YEAR TO GO THE PARALYMPIAN 02|2015 15

Barra 1 Paralympic sites – Pavilion 2: Powerlifting – Pavilion 3: Table tennis Your guide to where all the action will take place a year from now. – Pavilion 6: Sitting 2 – : Wheelchair basketball and wheelchair rugby – : Boccia – : Judo – : Goalball – : Swimming – Olympic Tennis Centre: Wheelchair tennis and football 5-a-side – Rio Olympic Arena: Wheelchair basketball – : Track cycling 3 – Road cycling

Deodoro 4 : Wheelchair fencing 5 : Football 7-a-side 6 Olympic Equestrian Centre: Equestrian 7 Olympic Shooting Centre: Shooting

Maracana 8 Sambodromo: Archery 9 : Athletics

Copacabana 10 – Lagoa stadium: Canoe and rowing 11 – : Triathlon 12 – Marina da Gloria: Sailing

BRAZIL

Existing / to be renovated N Rio de Janeiro To construct

Temporary 16 THE PARALYMPIAN 02|2015 RIO 2016 ONE YEAR TO GO RIO 2016 ONE YEAR TO GO THE PARALYMPIAN 02|2015 17 Just soaking it in

“I am feeling kind of a good anxiety of being able to swim in Rio and have my country and family watch me.”

hen asked if the Rio 2016 Paralympic The thought of bringing that performance to what makes the native from Sao Paulo so much better we can actually be with more Perhaps, the Games could even encourage He is also enjoying the time with his son, who Games would be his last, Daniel Dias Rio de Janeiro stirred anticipation for Dias. dominant in the international pool. resources.” others to try swimming after seeing another is a little more than a year old. W could only laugh. one of their own in Andre Brasil – a seven- “I am feeling kind of a good anxiety of being Maybe that will change the perception of peo- He said there has already been action, time Paralympic champion – go for gold. With all that, it is diffi cult to look beyond a The 27-year-old Brazilian was a hot com- able to swim in Rio and have my country and ple with impairments, exponentially, in his especially in his hometown, where a sports year but rather soak it all in. modity during July’s IPC Swimming World family watch me,” Dias said. “I had a pre- home country. centre was built for people with impairments. “I am excited that Brazil will host the next Championships, winning an incredible seven experience back in 2007, when the Parapan Paralympic Games,” Dias said. “I want to see “It is a hard time because you are training gold medals. It is hard to imagine that his last Am Games were hosted there. I think it will “I hope we can show our people that people In July, Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff swimming as a sport to do in our country in- so much for big events and leaving your hurrah could be one year from now. be a good opportunity for all my country men with disabilities are not poor people,” Dias signed off on the Inclusion of People with stead of Brazil being soccer oriented.” family,” Dias said. “Sometimes I need some to look at me, and even maybe getting a gold said. “They don’t have to feel sorry about us. Disabilities Act, which eliminates accessi- rest. He carried on at the World Championships, medal with them looking at me it will be nice.” I expect the Games to create more opportuni- bility barriers in transport, housing, services, For Dias, Rio 2016 is his focus, and there are posing for pictures and speaking with media, ties to show our faces and what we can do.” education, sport and the exercise of citizen- the competitions and training in between. “And I still have a baby and I want to take two all while lugging the weight of all that bling It would be Dias’ third Games, one where he ship. He won four gold medals in Beijing 2008 and to three months to enjoy my family after the around his neck – the most of any of the 500- can add to his collection of 10 Paralympic “We as people with disabilities, we want more added six from London 2012. He followed that Paralympic Games.” plus swimmers at the event. Dias’ performance gold medals. opportunities [to do sports], and we hope The new law also states that 2.7 per cent up with six titles at the 2013 World Champi- that week in Glasgow, Great Britain, seemed our government can provide more of these of the gross revenues of the federal lotter- onships. Dias seems to be defying age and Not wishing to be drawn on whether he will like an appetiser for what was to come next It would also be one where Brazilians can opportunities for us. With the Games, we can ies should be invested in sport, up from the getting faster. Maybe Rio 2016 will not be carry on after Rio and after another laugh in September. watch, in person – many for the fi rst time – show them how good we really are and how current level of 2 per cent. his peak. between, he added, “I will think about it.” 18 THE PARALYMPIAN 02|2015 RIO 2016 ONE YEAR TO GO RIO 2016 ONE YEAR TO GO THE PARALYMPIAN 02|2015 19 16 to look out for at Rio 2016 Terezinha Guilhermina Eight Brazilian stars (Athletics) Eight international stars The star of women’s visu- Jan Francisco Brito ally impaired sprinting for da Costa nearlynearly a decade,de (Football 7-a-side) the 34-year-old34-yea Marlou van Rhijn Arguably the world’s best (Athletics) (Wheelchair tennis) Jefi nho hashas won tthreeh player, who at June’s World Since winning a The world No. 1 (Football 5-a-side)side) ParalymParalymp pic and Championships staged his gold and silver last tasted a com- The “Paralympic Pele”Pele” fi rst starred eighteight woworldr own goal of the tourna- medal at London 2012, the petitive loss in January 2014 for Brazil at the 2007007 ParapanParapan titles.titles. ment competition. American Games aandnd was partpart of Dutch blade runner has and few would bet against their gold medal winningwinning sideside gone on to win two world him winning his third succes- in 2008 and 2012.. and two European titles and sive Paralympic singles gold break multiple world records. at Rio 2016.

Fernando Alyda Norbruis Fernandes (Cycling) (Wheelchair rugby) (Canoe) Excelled at the Madell was part Fernandes is not just a 2015 UCI Para- of Canada’s silver multi-world championn Cycling Track World Cham- medal winning side at but a world famous pionships winning three London 2012 and was voted model so is certainlyly world titles and break- the Most Valuable Player at one to watch! ing one of her own world the 2014 IWRF World Cham- records. pionships as Canada again won silver.

Sandra Paovic Zahra Nemati Daniel Dias (Table tennis) (Archery) (S(Swimming)wimming) Having competed Nemati made his- Brazil’sBrazil’s most successful ever Paralympian at the Beijing 2008 tory at London getsgets better wwithith aagege and recentlrecentlyy won seven , Paovic 2012 by becoming the fi rst world titles at GlasGlasgowgow 2015.2015. has battled back from a life Iranian woman to win Olym- threatening car accident to pic or Paralympic gold. In become the world No. 1 in the years since, she has won the women’s class 6. world titles and broken world records.

Petrucio Ferreira (Athletics) Martin Schulz Sherif Othman Romario Diego Marques In his fi rst full year com- (Triathlon) (Powerlifting) (Goalball) peting, the 18-year-old has The PT4 athlete After winning gold Part of the Brazilian team that won silver at smashed the seven-year-old currently tops the at the last two London 2012 and the world title in 2014 200m T46/47 world record. world rankings and in 2014 Paralympic Games, as well with a sensational 9-1 win over Paralympic won his second consecutive as multiple other titles, champions Finland. Dirceu Jose Pinto world crown. He is unbeaten Othman moved up to 59kg (Boccia) since October 2012. class where he is already the Pinto is aiming to win the triple double at Rio world record holder. 2016 having won individual BC4 and pairs BC4 gold at Beijing 2008 and London 2012. 20 IPC STRATEGIC PLAN 2015 TO 2018 IPC STRATEGIC PLAN 2015 TO 2018 21

Planning for CORE GOALS

the future PIRATION AS “We cannot be VVIISIION complacent.” GOALS Strategic goal Strategic goal This was the clear message from IPC President Sir Philip Craven to RIIVERS the Paralympic Movement in June as the IPC launched its Strategic D Consolidate the Paralympic Games as Empower para-athletes and support

Plan 2015-2018. a premier sporting event the development of para-sports

T

.

o

t

r

T

m Developed during 2014 and early 2015, the new Strategic Plan aims .

o o

d

l

a e p to build on the success of the IPC’s last strategic planning cycle, a VALUESVALUES r n s k o

a - e w four year period which delivered many impressive results. b a l e r f e o h a t p r p a e t a r i “Looking back, it’s hard to believe just how much has been delivered a h - c m a x g over the last four years,” Sir Philip said. “Soldout Games with record TV t e o h u l d o r e n r audiences in London and Sochi, the launch of the Agitos Foundation e te a s e h i ir t and the improvement in athletic performances are just a few of the n to p t c a s n highlights since 2011. lu ch in e s iev nd i e s ce a m ve portin ellen ir s g exc pa “Although we should be delighted with what we’ve achieved, I don’t oc im iety an want us to waste time patting ourselves on the back. Instead, we have for people with to continue making progress. The IPC and the Paralympic Movement have never been in a stronger position and it is vital that we continue to stay ahead of the game, taking advantage of the many opportu- “Gathering input at last year’s IPC Membership Gathering was also Strategic goal Strategic driver nities out there.” an essential step; we want this plan to be a source of inspiration for the whole Paralympic Movement and refl ective of what our mem- Improve the recognition and value of Build sustainable funding The new strategic plan focuses on three core goals – consolidating bers want to achieve.” the Paralympic brand the growth of the Paralympic Games, increasing global participation in para-sport and improving the recognition and value of the Paralym- Sir Philip is delighted with the plan and cannot hide his optimism for pic brand. These are supported by three drivers which are essential what he believes can be achieved in the coming years. in everything the IPC does on a daily basis. “I think the fi nal plan is a greateat In developing the plan, the IPC also updated its aspi- document and I am extremelyely ration, vision and values in order to refl ect changes excited about the IPC and thehe to the sporting and social landscape. Along the way, Paralympic Movement’s fu-u- Sir Philip said it was critical that athletes and the IPC ture. membership were consulted. “Sometimes I have to pinchh “We want the athletes of today, to myself at how far the Move-- become the leaders of tomorrow, ment has come in such a so it was important that short space of time, but everything in the plan was the best news is that the looked at from an athlete Paralympic Movement’s Strategic driver Strategic driver viewpoint,” he said. best days still lie ahead.” Shape organisational capability Foster key strategic partnerships

www.paralympic.org/the-ipc 22 THE PARALYMPIAN 02|2015 WORLD SPORT ROUNDUP WORLD SPORT ROUNDUP THE PARALYMPIAN 02|2015 23

Canadian goalkeeper Corbin Watson conceding a goal during the gold medal game against the USA at the France’s , left, and Argentina’s Gustavo Fernandez win the Wimbledon men’s doubles title on 12 July 2015 IPC Ice Sledge Hockey World Championships A-Pool in Buff alo, USA

2015 IPC Ice Sledge Hockey World Championships A-Pool Roland Garros Wimbledon 26 April - 3 May 3-5 June 10-12 July The USA shut out archrivals Canada, 3-0, in the gold-medal game, a pass from teammate Thomas Jacobsen. Then in overtime, Vasilii securing their record-tying third world title. Varlakov fed Volkov the puck, and Volkov scored to seal the deal for The ’ Jiske Griffi oen and Japan’s With an exquisite forehand return, Gustavo Russia. Russia’s Dmitry Lisov was bestowed with the Best Forward, Shingo Kunieda each hoisted a pair of titles at Fernandez hit the fi nal point in the Wimbledon The host nation’s teenage duo of Declan Farmer, 17, and Brody Roybal, whilst Canada’s Corbin Watson was named Best Goaltender. Roland Garros. men’s wheelchair doubles championship to land 16, stole the show at the HARBORCENTER in Buff alo, New York, in his fi rst career Grand Slam title. the USA, along with speedster Josh Pauls and goaltender Steve Cash, www.buff alo2015.com Griffi oen won her second consecutive – and who made eight saves that day. second ever – singles Grand Slam title with a The Argentinean, who teamed with France’s 6-0 6-2 win over doubles partner and compa- Nicolas Peifer, upset the second-seed of Despite neither team scoring in the fi rst two periods, triot . France’s Michael Jeremiasz and Great Britain’s both sides had several opportunities, including 7-5 5-7 6-2. They also upset top Canadian defenceman Adam Dixon’s rocket shot that Kunieda has become a regular in the Grand seeds Stephane Houdet of France and Shingo was blocked by Cash. Slam winner’s circle and now holds 38 Kunieda of Japan in the semi-fi nals to reach the Grand Slam titles – 19 singles and 19 fi nal match. But the US off ense eventually came alive when Roybal doubles. The top-seed defended his fed Farmer the puck for a goal. The score was followed Roland Garros singles title, with a 6-1 6-0 In the women’s doubles competition, the top by ones from Dan McCoy and Pauls, who was awarded win over France’s second-seed Stephane seeds and defending champions of Japan’s Best Defenceman. Houdet. and Great Britain’s defeated Dutch second seeds Jiske Griffi oen and Canada struggled to convert any of their eight Griffi oen and Kunieda also saw success in Aniek van Koot, 6-2 5-7 6-3, to capture the title. shots on goal. the doubles. Girffi oen’s double partner Van Koot took Japan’s Yui Kamiji and At the tournament, it was announced that In the bronze-medal match, Ilia Volkov scored Great Britain’s Jordanne Whiley to three Wimbledon from 2016 will also feature singles the game-winning goal in overtime to give sets for the 7-6 (1) 3-6 10-8 victory. events for the fi rst time. Russia the 2-1 victory over for their sec- Kunieda and Great Britain’s Gor- ond straight Worlds bronze. don Reid defeated the duo of Ar- www.wimbledon.com gentina’s Gustavo Fernandez and Sergei Panfi lov scored fi rst to give Russia the France’s Nicolas Peifer 6-1 7-6(1) 1-0 edge late in the fi rst period. But Norway’s for the doubles title. Jan Roger Klakegg tied the game, scoring off www.rolandgarros.com 24 THE PARALYMPIAN 02|2015 WORLD SPORT ROUNDUP WORLD SPORT ROUNDUP THE PARALYMPIAN 02|2015 2525

FINAL RANKINGS 1. Russia

2. Ukraine

3. Brazil

4. The Netherlands

5. England

6. Republic of Ireland Russian forward Dimitrii Pestretsov gets tangled with a Ukrainian player during the 2015 CP Football China’s Xu Qing takes off in the men’s 50m Freestyle at the 2015 IPC Swimming World Championships in Glasgow, Great Britain World Championships on 28 June in Burton upon Trent, Great Britain 7. USA

8. Argentina 2015 CP Football World Championships 9. Scotland 2015 IPC Swimming World Championships 13-28 June 13-19 July 10. Canada Russia secured back-to-back Cerebral Palsy Foot- Despite losing to Ukraine in the semi-fi nals of last Brazil’s Daniel Dias left Glasgow, Great Britain, as the most deco- In total, 38 world records were set in Glasgow 2015. ball world titles with a 1-0 fi nal win over European year’s European Championships, Russia were the 11. Portugal rated swimmer, collecting seven gold medals and looking ripe for champions Ukraine at St. Georges Park in Great better team in the fi nal and scored the winning goal Rio 2016. The multiple world and Paralympic champion captured the About 580 athletes across 70 countries competed, seeking to set 12. Australia Britain. through Alexander Kuligin. 100m and 200m freestyle ; 50m backstroke, butterfl y and free- themselves up for the Paralympic Games. 13. Venezuela style S5; 100m breaststroke SB4; and mixed 4x50m freestyle relay. Going into the fi nal of the 15 team tournament, In fi nishing third, Brazil showed they will be strong www.glasgow2015.com there was not much to choose between the sides. contenders for gold on home turf at Rio 2016. Jan 14. Northern Ireland Belarus’ Ihar Boki was not far from matching Dias’ performance and Between them, the two had scored 50 goals, and Francisco Brito da Costa underlined why many con- also set himself up as one to watch at the Paralympics next year. The conceded just one each on their way to the gold sider him the sport’s best ever player with a num- 15. Japan 21-year-old world and Paralympic champion was one gold medal short, medal game. ber of sensational goals. winning six of his seven events – fi ve were world records. Country Gold Silver Bronze Total * Iran could not participate after www.cp2015.com failing to secure visas into Great Britain. A new rivalry emerged from Glasgow 2015, with Ukraine’s Yelyzaveta Mereshko and Great Britain’s two-time Paralympic champion Ellie Russia 32 19 20 71 Simmonds making waves in the women’s S6 class. Ukraine 21 27 15 63 USA 11 11 8 30 USA’s multi-Paralympic and world champion Jessica Long came Brazil 11 8 4 23 away as the most decorated female swimmer with seven medals (four Great Britain 10 12 10 32 golds), looking in top shape for Rio 2016.

TOP 5 PERFORMERS

FAIR MOST GOLDEN PLAY VALUABLE GLOVE AWARD AWARD PLAYER

Russia Eduard Ramonov Vladislav Raretckii Daniel Dias Ihar Boki Jessica Long Tully Kearney Yelyzaveta Mereshko (Russia) (Russia) (Brazil) (Belarus) (USA) (Great Britain) (Ukraine) 26 THE PARALYMPIAN 02|2015 WORLD SPORT ROUNDUP WORLD SPORT ROUNDUP THE PARALYMPIAN 02|2015 2727

TOP THREE STANDOUTS

+ + NEWS IN-BRIEF + +

GOALBALL: Turkey enjoyed double success at the 2015 IBSA Goalball European Championships A on 12 July in Kaunas, Lithuania. Turkey edged Finland 9-8 in the men’s fi nals; Lithuania won the bronze. The Turkish women downed Russia 5-0 for gold, and Ukraine captured bronze.

CYCLING: Italy rode away with the most gold medals (nine) at the UCI OMARA DURAND (CUBA) The T12 sprinter was in electric form in Para-Cycling Road World Champion- Toronto, winning all three sprint titles ship, which concluded on 2 August and breaking three world records. In in Nottwil, Switzerland. Italians Alex running 11.65 seconds for the 100m, she became the world’s fastest female Zanardi (), Luca Mazzone () and para-athlete. Francesca Porcellato () each won their class’s road races and time trials, and also teamed up to retain the handcycling relay crown.

TRIATHLON: Athletes tested the course for para-triathlon’s Paralympic debut on 1 August during the test event for Rio 2016. Germany’s Martin Schulz continued his PT4 dominance, winning his race in 59:11. Great Britain’s Lauren Steadman highlighted the women’s side, winning the PT4 class in 1:08:46. Toronto 2015 7-15 August POWERLIFTING: Iran’s Siamand Rahman lifted a world-record 295kg At the Closing Ceremony,eremony, GrammGrammyy award more agileagile byby the day.day. Your future is have seen a growing depth of talent across MEDALS TABLE to take gold in the men’s over 107kg at AURELIE RIVARD (CANADA) winner Wyclef JeanJean broughtbrought the curtain extreme extremelyly brightbright and all roads now lead to all sports and athletes from the (Buenos The 19-year-old won more medals than the 2015 IPC Powerlifting Asian Open down on the Toronto onto 20152015 ParapanParapan Amer-Amer- Rio 20162016 and SouthSouth America’s fi rst ParaPara-- Aires) Youth Games come of age. any other female athlete at the Games, Championships on 30 July in Almaty, taking home six gold medals and one ican Games, an event Americas ParalParalym-ym- llympicympic GGames,”ames,” he said. silver. She also set a sensational world Kazakhstan. pic Committee ((APC)APC) President Jose Luis “I would like to thank all 28 competing record in the women’s 100m freestyle fi nal. Campo describeded as the “best ever.” TheThe GaGamesmes enendedded wiwithth 1188 of thethe 2828 nations, as well as the international SHOOTING: Ukraine’s Andrii participatingparticipating countries winningwinning at federations, for developing these super- Doroshenko won the R6 (mixed 50m The Games featuredatured a record 1,6071,607 leastleast oonene mmedal.edal. BermudaBermuda wonwon theirtheir human athletes. They have inspired and rifl e prone SH1) to wrap up the IPC athletes from 2828 countries, includingincluding fi rst Parapan medal, a goldgold courtesycourtesy of excited us all and I am certain athletes Brazil Gold Silver Bronze Shooting World Cup on 14 July in Osijek, participants fromm Aruba, and St. Vincent wheelchair racer Jessica LewisLewis,, and of the Americas will enjoy more medal Total: 257 109 74 74 Croatia. Iran’s Samira Eram was and the Grenadines,nes, who cocompetedmpeted for the Trinidad and Tobago Tobago won their fi rst Para-Para- success than ever before at Rio 2016.” victorious in an all-Iranian showdown in fi rst time. Duringg eieightght dadaysys of competition panpan titles thanks to F43 thrower Akeem the P2 (women’s10m air pistol SH1). across 15 sports,s, 10 world, 70 Americas Stewart in the discus and jjavelinavelin events. Host nation Canada enjoyed their best ever and 239 Games records were set. CampoCampo NicaraguaNicaragua also medalled for the fi rst Games, winning 168 medals, including : Rwanda was full of praisee for the athletes.athletes. time with athletes from the countrcountryy 50 golds, to fi nish second in the medals defeated Egypt 3-2 for the women’s winningwinning four bronze medalsmedals.. table behind Brazil. ParaVolley Africa Sitting Volleyball “Your record bbreakingreaking performances Championship title on 29 July in Kigali, speak for themselves.mselves. You are ggettingetting CampoCampo said: “Here Canada Gold Silver Bronze Rwanda. This was the fi rst time the faster, strongerer and in Toronto,Toronto, we www.toronto2015.org Total: 168 50 63 55 Championships included a women’s tournament. The Egyptian men beat Rwanda 3-0 for gold. TEAM BRAZIL What more can be said about a team that won 257 medals, including 109 golds, and dominated sports such as athletics, boccia, football 5, football USA Gold Silver Bronze 7, goalball, swimming and table ten- nis? A top fi ve fi nish at Rio 2016 looks Total: 135 40 51 44 very likely. 28 THE PARALYMPIAN 02|2015 FUTURE GAMES FUTURE GAMES THE PARALYMPIAN 02|2015 29

Rio 2016

Rio staged a festival along- side the iconic Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas on 7 September to mark one year to go until the Paralympic Games and offi cially launched ticket sales.

With the launch coinciding with Brazil’s Independence Day, thousands of people attended the fun-packed day- long event, which attracted star para-athletes from around the world.

One of the highlights was a 100m race to decide the world’s fastest male and female para-athletes, with Ireland’s Jason Smyth and Cuba’s Omara Durand earning the crowns, respectively.

The race brought together the fastest sprinters PyeongChang 2018 Tokyo 2020 from various classes – including Australia’s Evan O’Hanlon and the USA’s Richard Browne – for the The PyeongChang 2018 Paralympic Winter Games will feature more Athletes and citizens of Tokyo joined together in a mass demonstra- fi rst time to race against each other. athletes and more medal events than ever before after the athlete tion event on 25 August to celebrate the fi ve-year countdown until and medal event quotas for the Games were approved in June. the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. Away from the running track, Brazil’s 5-a-side football team, gold medallists at the last three A maximum of 670 athletes will compete in the Games, contest- A temporary basketball court was installed on Odaiba, an island in Paralympic Games, faced off against arch-rivals ing 80 medal events. There is also expected to be a 44 per cent the Tokyo Bay where the competitions will be hosted. Thousands Argentina. Brazil were unable to repeat their 2-1 increase in the number of female athletes competing in the Games of fans came to watch the wheelchair basketball experience at an Parapan American Games victory in August, as the compared to Sochi 2014. event, which was jointly organised by Tokyo 2020 and the Tokyo match came to a 0-0 draw. Metropolitan Government. One-hundred spectators were selected Snowboard, which made its Paralympic debut in 2014, is the big- to try the sport themselves with experienced wheelchair basket- There were also demonstrations in wheelchair gest benefi ciary of this latest announcement. In 2018 it will feature ball athletes. tennis, wheelchair basketball, sitting volleyball and 10 medal events, eight more than in Sochi, and will involve a max- other activities. imum of 106 athletes. “It was great fun trying out the wheelchair basketball experience with everyone,” said Japanese wheelchair basketball player Kiyoshi Rio 2016 aim to sell 3.3 million tickets for next year’s The medals programme for alpine skiing, biathlon, cross-country Fujisawa, who was joined by teammates Hiroaki Kozai, Shinji Negi, Paralympics, a fi gure that would surpass the record skiing and ice sledge hockey will remain unchanged, whilst in wheel- Hiroyuki Nagata and Shohei Harada at the event. “I really hope 2.7 million tickets that were sold for London 2012. chair curling the size of the competition will be increased from 10 that everyone who came will become more interested in wheel- to 12 mixed-sex teams. chair basketball and help the sport to get an even larger fan base.” With around 300 sessions, ticket costs range between BRL 10 and BRL 130. Prices for the In June, the Organising Committee also announced that the slogan The celebration was a glimpse of how the Tokyo 2020 Paralym- Opening and Closing Ceremonies vary from for the Games will be “Passion. Connected.” pic Games will be fi ve years from now, as it fostered a welcoming BRL 100 to BRL 1,200. environment and strengthened the “Unity in Diversity” concept www.pyeongchang2018.comwww.pyeongchang2018.com among citizens. Ticket requests for Brazilians began on 7 Septem- ber, with the launch of the draws in October and “I hope that the 2020 Paralympics will change general perceptions of online sales in December. Tickets will be delivered sports for persons with impairment and that the sports will continue in May 2016, and ticket offi ce sales will begin the to develop way beyond the 2020 Games,” Kozai said. following month. In June, Tokyo 2020 announced that it will be the fourth Organising The sales to fans from abroad will go through Committee to benefi t from the IPC Academy Excellence Programme. the official National Paralympic Committees and Authorised Ticket Resellers. Each ATR can The IPC Academy will deliver a range of knowledge workshops choose the date to begin sales as long as it is after over the next fi ve years geared toward enhancing the planning and 7 September. delivery of the 2020 Paralympic Games.

www.rio2016.com www.tokyo2020.com

Alongside his teammate, Andre Brasil, right, won three gold medals at the 2015 World Championships held 13-19 July in Great Britain 30 THE PARALYMPIAN 02|2015 UPCOMING EVENTS UPCOMING EVENTS THE PARALYMPIAN 02|2015 31

21-31 October Brazilians have dominated the T11 class for the last decade partly due to Prado winning all three sprints golds IPC Athletics World Championships at the Beijing 2008 Paralympics and 100m and 200m gold at the 2011 and 2013 World Championships. But Following the conclusion of this year’s hugely fi erce with athletes not just competing for Many world records have fallen already this Brown, who is coached by Brazilian successful Grand Prix series, around 1,300 medals but also qualifi cation slots for next year, and with Italy’s Martina Caironi and Olympic champion Joaquim Cruz, is athletes from 100 countries will head to Doha, year’s Paralympic Games. Cuba’s Omara Durand both in action, the the form athlete having set Qatar, to battle it out for 214 world titles. history books are likely to be rewritten. new 100m and 200m Two years ago in Lyon, France, Russia world records Taking place less than 12 months before topped the medals table. With the likes of Each day, live coverage of both sessions, in 2014. Rio 2016, competition in Doha is likely to be Margarita Goncharova, Evgenii Shvetcov and together with live results, will be available at Vladimir Sviridov all in superb form already the event website. this year, they will be strong contenders to repeat the feat this October. www.doha2015.org

FIVE DAVID BROWN (USA) VS LUCAS PRADO (BRA) DOHA RIVALRIES In Weir’s absence, Hug won fi ve world and The T38 rivalry be- four European titles in 2013 and 2014. tween these two could Hug has never beaten Weir, who won be spectacular. Hahn four golds at London 2012, won the 100m world title in a major event. in 2013, but Goncharova got the better of her at the 2014 Europeans.

MARCEL HUG (SUI) VS (GBR) SOPHIE HAHN (GBR) VS MARGARITA GONCHAROVA (RUS)

Peacock is the defending 100m Paralympic and world champion who has never lost to Browne in a major event. Browne however has been in sensational form for the last two years. He has not lost a race since Since winning the discus F44 Lyon 2013. world title in 2011, Greaves played second fi ddle to Campbell as his American rival won gold at London 2012 and Lyon 2013, and took the world record. But in 2014 Greaves hit back, topping the world rankings and picking up European and Commonwealth crowns.

RICHARD BROWNE (USA) VS JONNIE PEACOCK (GBR) JEREMY CAMPBELL (USA) VS DAN GREAVES (GBR) 32 THE PARALYMPIAN 02|2015 UPCOMING EVENTS UPCOMING EVENTS THE PARALYMPIAN 02|2015 33

OTHER MAJOR EVENTS OTHER MAJOR EVENTS 13-20 September 15-20 September 17-20 September 7-10 October 7-18 October 17-22 October 3-7 November 6-8 November 14-15 November 24-28 November 25-30 November IWRF European ITU World Triathlon FEI European Para-Dressage VISTA IWBF Asia-Oceania ITTF Asian IPC Shooting IPC Wheelchair Dance Sport IPC General IPC Powerlifting European IBSA Judo Championships Grand Final Championships conference Championships Championships World Cup World Championships Assembly Open Championships European Championships Pajulahti, Finland Chicago, USA Deauville, France Girona, Spain Chiba, Japan Amman, Jordan Fort Benning, USA , Italy Mexico City, Mexico Eger, Hungary Odivelas, Portugal

8-13 September 17-24 September 25-29 November 26 November - 3 December BWF Para-Badminton IWAS Wheelchair Fencing NEC Wheelchair IFDS Combined World Championships World Championships Tennis Masters World Championships

South Africa’s hits a backhand during the 2014 Wheelchair Tennis Masters in London, Great Britain The 2015 wheelchair tennis season will come to a close this No- vember at London’s Queen Elizabeth Park, Great Britain, with Ja- pan’s Shingo Kunieda, the Netherlands’ Aniek van Koot and the Ireland’s Niall McVeigh, left, and Hong Kong’s Wong Chun Yim in action in Hungary’s Richard Osvath, right, faces France’s Damien Tokatlian during the USA’s David Wagner all looking to retain the titles they won at last SS 6 men’s doubles at the 2013 BWF Para-Badminton World Championships men’s foil semi-fi nal at the London 2012 Paralympic Games year’s event. in Dortmund, Germany

The fi rst Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Champion- The world’s best wheelchair fencers will gather in Eger, Hungary, Before London however, the world’s best players will convene in ships to be held since the sport was included in the Tokyo 2020 for the World Championships with a number of home favourites September for the US Open in New York. Team Norway’s Aleksander Wang-Hansen, and Paralympic Games will take place at Stadium, looking for titles. are contenders for gold in the at the 2015 World Championships Great Britain. Having won the Australian and singles titles, victory On home territory, the likes of Richard Osvath, Zsuzsanna Krajnyak at Flushing Meadows will result in Kunieda completing his fi fth The Royal Yacht Club of Victoria in , Australia, will stage Around 253 athletes from 42 countries will compete in 21 medal and Eva Hajmasi will be diffi cult to beat. With the Paralympics fast career Grand Slam. the biggest sailing event of 2015. events in the championships at the birthplace of the Paralympic approaching however, Hong Kong’s Yu Chui Yee, Italy’s teenage Movement. Since the sport was included in the Paralympic pro- sensation and France’s Romain Noble will also be Dutch player Jiske Griffi oen could also become the fi rst to complete With world titles up for grabs in the 2.4mR, SKUD18 and Sonar gramme for Tokyo, BWF has reported a signifi cant increase in keen to make their marks. the women’s singles Grand Slam since the retirement of compatriot classes, around 175 athletes are expected to compete. World Cups global participation and many new talents are expected to emerge in 2013. in Miami, USA; Hyeres, France and Weymouth & Portland, Great at this event. The BWF Para-Badminton World Championships have The highest ranked male and female in each individual event will Britain, have already given a glimpse of form this year. However been staged three times previously in Europe – Spain in 2001, qualify directly for the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. In the quads division, Australia’s Dylan Alcott is the player to beat. with Rio 2016 spots up for grabs all that could change. Great Britain in 2003 and Germany in 2013. www.iwasf.com www.itftennis.com/wheelchair www.ifdsworlds2015.com www.bwfbadminton.org ONES TO WATCH ONES TO WATCH ONES TO WATCH ONES TO WATCH

HELLE SOFIE SAGOY BARTLOMIEJ MROZ JUNG-JUN KIM BEATRICE VIO RICHARD OSVATH YULIYA EFIMOVA DYLAN ALCOTT SHINGO KUNIEDA HELENA LUCAS DAN FITZGIBBON AND LIESL TESCH NORWAY POLAND ITALY HUNGARY RUSSIA AUSTRALIA JAPAN NETHERLANDS GREAT BRITAIN AUSTRALIA 34 THE PARALYMPIAN 02|2015 ISSUE OF THE SEASON ISSUE OF THE SEASONTHE PARALYMPIAN 02|2015 35 ISSUE OF N THE SEASO Chuck Aoki USA wheelchair rugby player How can the Paralympic Movement grow in between the Games?

“So what’s next?”

I think pretty much every Paralympian has heard this question immediately following the Games. Developing a committed, large fan base The standard answer has always been, that follows every major event, teams or Ryan Montgomery “Well, the next one is just four years away!” athletes is crucial to becoming globally rec- And this answer satisfi ognised. By partnering with USA Rugby, Head of IPC Athletics we have gained invaluable exposure to the average Paralympic or esOlympic most people. fan is con- Your able-bodied rugby community. Whether it Previously, many of the world’s top ath- tent to tune in every four years, watch the events they know and love, and then tune is attending events that USA Rugby hosts The PParalympic Movement needs letes did not compete against each other out again for four more years. or rebranding our logo to resemble theirs, to dedevelop a 365 days-a-year outside of the Paralympic Games or World we have been committed fully to growing sposporting calendar, whereby a Champion ships. The IPC Athletics Grand There are some advantages to having the wheelchair rugby here in the . goodgoo quality para-sport event Prix series, which we launched in 2013, has Games every four years. It reinforces the takesta place each week that solved this. With the world’s best athletes elite nature of the Games and allows for Globally, the growth of the sport has been spectators,sp the media, broad- regularly competing against each other, there to be build up to each edition, totremendous as well. New nations all across casters,c sponsors and ath- the series has quickly grown into 10 events make them special. The downside how- the world have begun playing our sport, letes can engage in. in fi ve continents. Athletic performance is ever, is that the athletes and sports are from Russia to South Africa and Thailand. improving all the time, and the sport has often then forgotten about during this lay- received more media and broadcast cover- Events such as the World Wheelchair Rugby For IPC Athletics,Athle our priority has been to off . Here at USA Wheelchair Rugby, how- age than ever before outside of the Games, Challenge taking place later this year in develop a ststructured long-term competi- ever, we are working hard to generate more ers greater compe- which has attracted greater interest from London, Great Britain, have already sold tion calendacalendar which off and more interest in our sport every year. sponsors. out many games and look to further expose tition opportopportunities for athletes at all levels, wheelchair rugby by being aired on ITV4 from the gragrassroots to high performance. To that end, we have begun working with Over the last two years, this long-term USA Rugby, our able-bodied counterpart in Britain. Wheelchair rugby has made its approach, focusing on structured compe- Parapan American Games debut at Toronto At the very top level we have the Paralym- cation models and backed here in the USA, to promote our sport. tition and classifi 2015, and tickets to the fi pic Games and the biennial World Champi- I believe strongly believe that in order for by an innovative promotional strategy, has even before those Games began. There is onships and at the grassroots we have IPC cant increase in athlete par- Paralympic sports to enter mainstream so- nals were sold out led to a signifi no doubt that wheelchair rugby will be a approved competitions. ciety, there needs to be a growth of interest ticipation, competition approvals, media outside of just edsthe Paralympicto year. hot ticket once again in Rio 2016. coverage and sponsorship revenues. just the P In between, we are developing regional You might want to start reserving your Championships, either as standalone events I am confi dent that this approach by other tickets now! (like we have in Europe and next year for sports could lead to similar results and help the fi rst time in Asia/Oceania), or which are us achieve a 365-day sporting calendar. integrated into events such as the Parapan American or All-. 36 THE PARALYMPIAN 02|2015 GUEST COLUMN THE PARALYMPIAN 02|2015 37 Bibian Mentel-Spee Country: The Netherlands n 2005, I attended the United States Latest athletic achievements: of America Snowboard and Freeski 2015 world champion in snow- Association (USASA) Nationals which board cross and banked slalom; I Sochi 2014 Paralympic gold featured a special category for “adaptive Medallist in ; snowboarders” for the fi rst time. Salt Lake 2002 Olympic qualifi er

After an amazing week, I had an idea to show the rest of the world that anyone with a physical disability could snowboard, and even better, actually compete. In August 2011, we were informed that Sochi Convinced adaptive must be 2014 had not accepted us for the Games. included on the Paralympic programme, Devastated, we immediately started to focus I started out on an eight-year journey to make on PyeongChang 2018. it a proper sport. Nine months later, with our minds already set We started with nothing: no competitions, no Bibian Mentel-Spee’s view on 2018, we got very exciting news: the IPC rules, no World Championships, just a hand- announced para-snowboarding for athletes ful of competitors. But the sport grew quickly, with lower-limb impairments would be able and before we knew it, we had our fi rst World The evolution to compete at Sochi 2014 after all! Cup series. Each competition, the number of athletes competing grew. of para-snowboard We were ecstatic. I was so happy and proud.

Together with Snowboard Canada’s Danny How the sport made its Since then, the sport has professionalised Buntain and several enthusiastic individ- way into the Paralympic extremely quick. uals, we started a small working group programme that developed the adaptive snowboard Coaches from the Olympic SBX circuit got programme. Although the International Ski involved, riders started using personal Federation (FIS) was not interested in hosting We realised our sport was not ready for this customised boards and wax technicians were our competitions, the World Snowboard big step and that we needed more time to fi ne at the start of our competitions preparing the Federation (WSF) was. We organised the fi rst tune the format and rules. boards, bringing more professionalism and WSF World Championships Adaptive Snow- speed to our descents. boarding in New Zealand in 2009 and had Soon after, our format became clear. We de- aspirations that we could make the Vancou- cided athletes would compete in a Slingshot On 14 March 2014, para-snowboarding was ver 2010 Paralympic Win- Boardercross (SBX) with each rider complet- introduced to the whole world at Sochi 2014. ter Games. ing three runs. The winner would be the rider A year later, upper-limb disabilities have been with the fastest two runs. Diff erent dis abilities added and a new discipline, Banked Slalom, competed against each other based on our was introduced. The fi rst IPC Snowboard WORLDWIDE PARALYMPIC PARTNERS factor system. The format was straight World Championships were held, we have forward, accessible for everyone and formed our own Sports Technical Committee a way for each athlete to compete (STC), and athletes are getting more and more together in the same class. involved in the sport’s growth.

We got in touch with the The IPC has announced 10 medal events IPC, started to put our for PyeongChang 2018, divided between rules and regulations SBX and Banked Slalom. At this point, in place and learned female athletes with an upper-limb disability the criteria we had are still not on the programme, but I am to meet to join convinced that they will be added as soon as the Paralympic they realise that they are more than welcome INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS programme. to join us. 38 THE PARALYMPIAN 02|2015 OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE ISSUE NO. 2 | 2015

IPC Vision: “ To enable para-athletes to achieve sporting excellence and inspire and excite the world.”

RZ_Paralympian_02_2015_title_final.indd 1 24.08.15 01:18