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Home , 2002 Winter Paralympics, 2006 Winter Paralympics, David Weir (athlete), Ernst van Dyk, Formula One, IBSA World Games

THE Official Magazine of the International Paralympic Committee PARALYMPIAN

ISSUE 3 2006

Action from the 2006 Visa Paralympic . Photo ©: Sportsbeat RECORDS FALL AT

There were 15 world records broken during seven Tandem Time Trial (B/VI). days of competition at the 2006 Visa Paralympic INSIDE World Cup (PWC) in , Great Britain. The British athletes had great success as event brought together 352 athletes from 40 winner David Weir took three gold medals countries from 1 to 7 May for a celebration of in the 100m, 200m and 1500m. Kenny Paralympic . The team came out on top VISTA 2006 Churchill (GBR) broke record in the men's of the medal tally, winning 22 gold medals. Javelin throw (F37) and Laila El Garra (MAR) Conference Moves achieved a world-record throw of 7.21m in the Forward p.4 In , (RSA) smashed two women's Shot (F40). of South world records as she took gold in both the Africa also took home two gold medals in the men's women's 50m Freestyle and multi-disability 100m 100m and 200m (). IPC and IOC Freestyle. Three other world records fell as Extend Agreement Clodoaldo Silva (BRA) broke the world record in Wheelchair saw some tough challenges to 2016 p.5 the men's 100m Freestyle and Anders Olsson in both the men's and women's competitions. (SWE) lowered the world record time in the eventually won the gold in the men's same event. Kirsten Bruhn (GER) broke the competition beating 65:49 in the final. Warm Welcome for women's world record in the 50m Freestyle. 2005 PWC champions Great Britain took the men's bronze. In the women's competition, the Equestrian Cycling also saw seven world records broken. went to after beating Great Britain 37:22. Handover p.7 Darren Kenny (GBR) was the star in the finished with bronze after they beat Manchester Velodrome as he took three gold newcomers 38:36. medals and set two world records in the men's VISA Continues 1,000m Time Trial (B/VI) and Team (mixed) The Visa PWC is a showpiece for Paralympic sport Paralympic with teammates Mark Bristow and Jody Cundy. and will again be staged in Manchester from 7 to 13 Support p.11 Anthony Kappes (GBR) took home two gold May in 2007. The event is supported by the IPC, medals and a world record in the men's 1,000m Visa, the British Paralympic Association, BBC, UK Time Trial (B/VI). Other world record-breaking Sport, the and the Wins performances included Tang Qi (CHN) in the Northwest Regional Development Agency. For women's 500m Time Trial (LC3), Angela Flemming more information please visit the official website at Prestigious (AUS) in the women's 500m Time Trial (LC2), Jirong www.visaparalympicworldcup.com. Laureus Title p.12 Wang (CHN) in the women's 3,000m Pursuit (LC2) and Aileen McGlynn (GBR) in the women's 1,000m SPIRIT IN MOTION

Photo ©: Kim Stallknecht, VANOC. Photo ©: Organizing Committee Photo ©: Otto Bock Photo ©: NPC Turkmenistan Paralympic Flag Raised in Welcomed in Otto Bock Hosts IPC Grants Make p.3 Korea p.8 Paralympic Challenge p.7 Worldwide Impact p.10 : TORINO 2006 Resolutions for the Future 1.4 Billion Watched Torino Coverage

For many, the summer A recent study conducted by international million. Biathlon was the next most popular offers a quiet time and an sponsorship and media evaluation company followed by Ice Sledge . opportunity to sit back IFM has released outstanding figures on the and relax. For the broadcast coverage of the Torino 2006 The Torino saw Paralympic Movement it Paralympic Winter Games. tremendous growth compared to the Salt has been packed with Lake . Torino also several and diverse A total of 285:21 hours of broadcasting came close to the cumulated audience of events, from sport time, including 80:32 hours of live coverage, 1.86 billion in a comparable study of the competition to organizing was broadcast to a cumulated audience of 2004 Paralympic Games. committee meetings to a 1.421 billion in the 24 countries and Pan scientific conference. Europe analyzed*. This report found a total Outstanding results were also found for the of 3,404 broadcasts shown on 94 channels IPC's official website www.paralympic.org. The 2006 VISTA with an average market share of 11.2%. Around Games time, in February and March Conference, with the theme 'Classification: 2006, the IPC identified more than 430,000 Solutions for the Future', provided an , and Spain broadcast the most visits per month. The large of visitors important opportunity to gather many of coverage of the Winter Paralympics (49:39, trying to access the site at the same time led the experts in Paralympic sport under one 49:38 and 41:59 hours of broadcast time to some technical problems during the period roof to look in detail at the subject of respectively), however, , and surrounding the Games. This means that the classification, the progress being made and France had the greatest cumulated audience actual number of visitors was much higher, challenges that still lie ahead. I believe that (391.56 million, 286.76 million and 247.58 although not measurable due to the overload. this conference inspired participants to million respectively), followed by China The IPC website has been updated to better focus their knowledge and resources on (208.89 million) and Italy (193.25 million). Of manage the traffic and to provide a stable solutions that will take us forward. the total broadcasting time, 54.4% was service during peak times in the future. generated by specific programmes The organizing committees for the showing highlights of the Games. * Australia, , Canada, Chile, China, Czech upcoming Paralympic Games have been Republic, , France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Mexico, , , , , busy in their preparations. In , the Alpine Skiing proved to be the most popular Slovak Republic, , Spain, , IOC Co-ordination Commission visit, which I sport, receiving 130.29 hours of broadcast , and the USA. was a part of, media operations and time and a cumulated audience of 953.89 Photo ©: Prezioso marketing workshops and major advancements such as the launch of the Paralympic Marketing Programme have PARALYMPIC GAMES: BEIJING 2008 created a lot of excitement and I am confident that 2008 will be an outstanding Busy in Beijing Paralympic Games. The IOC Co-ordination Commission for the BOCOG President Liu Qi and Deng Pufang, In Vancouver, the Paralympic flag is now Beijing 2008 Olympic and Paralympic Games President of the China Disabled Persons' proudly flying next to the Olympic flag - a met from 16 to 18 May for its sixth plenary Federation and BOCOG Executive reminder of the close co-operation between session in Beijing, China. The Commission, President. The IPC was represented by the two movements, which has also allowed including IPC representative Sir Philip Governing Board member Zainal Abu Zarin. us to extend the IOC-IPC Agreement to Craven, participated in meetings and a tour The launch event provided an interactive ensure that the 2014 and 2016 Paralympic of several Olympic and Paralympic venues. forum for BOCOG to outline the benefits of Games continue to be held in the same city Paralympic sponsorship and to explain the as the Olympics. A specific working group dedicated to the opportunities that exist to support the Paralympics met during the visit and a full Paralympic Games. London 2012 is already showing enormous day of Paralympic side meetings were held, in progress, promising inspirational Paralympic which topics such as sports, communication Additionally, from 14 to 16 June a Paralympic Games for athletes, the Paralympic Family and technology were discussed. The priority Media Operations Workshop was held and spectators. We will soon welcome a will now be to move from strategic planning between BOCOG and the IPC as part of the new member to our family with the to develop the detailed plans for client Knowledge Management candidate cities for the 2014 Olympic and services and venues. (OGKM). During this workshop, specific Paralympic Winter Games narrowed down functional areas and topics were covered to three. Said IPC President Sir Philip: "During the last such as media accommodation, couple of days BOCOG has again shown accreditation, transportation, photo services, This edition of 'The Paralympian' highlights great commitment to deliver excellent volunteers and Paralympic news services. some of the major events on the sporting Paralympic Games; this is not only evident in The Main Press Centre will be placed within calendar. The IPC Shooting World the strong collaboration with the IPC, the the Olympic Green, with excellent and rapid Championships, the IPC Powerlifting World National Paralympic Committee of China and access for media to nine of the 20 Championships, the VISA Paralympic World the but also in the Paralympic sports. All sport venues will also Cup and Otto Bock's ParalympicChallenge, accessibility review, which is being conducted have a Venue Media Centre. The sessions were all very successful competitions. for all venues to ensure Paralympic needs were followed by a venue tour of a Media Events such as these are providing athletes are taken into account. The athletes can Village, the Main Press Centre, the with top-level opportunities to compete and certainly expect spectacular venues." International Broadcast Centre and the the Paralympic Movement with the chance Olympic Green. to spread the excitement of Paralympic In June, the Beijing 2008 Paralympic sport throughout the world. Marketing Programme was unveiled to over For more information please visit the official 500 Chinese and international business BOCOG website at www.beijing2008.com. It is also exciting to see the great strides leaders at a special ceremony in Beijing, by being taken in the area of development - through the impact of the IPC Development Grant Programme around the world, as well as the work being done to strengthen the participation of women in the Paralympic Movement. I am confident that by working together we will be able to augment the number of new athletes and female

EDITORIAL athletes participating in Paralympic sport. Let's make this a resolution for the future!

Sir Philip Craven, MBE PAGE IPC President BOCOG President Liu Qi (right) and Deng Pufang, President of the China Disabled Persons' Federation and BOCOG Executive President (left). Photo ©: Getty Images 2 THE PARALYMPIAN ISSUE 3: 2006 PARALYMPIC GAMES: VANCOUVER 2010 Paralympic Flag Flies in Vancouver

In a special event on 7 June, the Paralympic During two days of meetings with VANOC, Whistler from 12 to 21 March 2010 with flag was raised at the Vancouver City Hall on the Commission members, including IPC approximately 650 athletes from more than a purpose built 80-foot flagpole. Until the representative Rita van Driel, participated in 40 countries participating in Alpine Skiing, 2010 Winter Games, the Paralympic flag will extensive discussions on the preparations Biathlon, Cross Country, Ice proudly fly next to the Olympic flag on the underway. During the Paralympic session an and Wheelchair . City Hall grounds. Vancouver is the first Host update was given on the venue locations, City to fly the Paralympic flag side by side including a report on the status of the with the Olympic flag. construction of the Ice Sledge Hockey venue. The IPC updated VANOC and the Vancouver Mayor Sullivan, HRH Prince IPC Governing Board member and five-time Commission on the Paralympic programme Edward and Ljiljana Ljubisic at the flag raising Paralympian Ljiljana Ljubisic, HRH Prince for 2010. Said Ms. van Driel: "The IPC is ceremony. Photo ©: Kim Stallknecht, VANOC Edward, the Earl of Wessex, the Mayor of pleased about the progress being made in Vancouver Sam Sullivan, IPC CEO Xavier general. We look forward to receiving final Gonzalez and VANOC Chairman of the confirmation that all the Paralympic sport Board Jack Poole participated in the events will be hosted in Whistler." ceremony. Discussions were also held on accessible Said Mayor Sullivan: "This flag-raising event accommodation in Whistler and the will help bring greater awareness to the development of the Paralympic Paralympic Movement and to the communication strategy, themes and key achievements of Paralympic athletes, messages, in preparation for the launch of something that is close to my heart." the Paralympic Emblem on 16 September. The Commission also visited Whistler and Commented Mr. Poole: "Together with our received a first-hand impression of the venue partners, VANOC is proud to be here to situation and the progress that has already celebrate this historic occasion, as we been made. elevate the Paralympic Movement to new heights. As the first Host City to fly both On 5 June, side meetings specific to the flags side by side, this milestone is another Paralympic Winter Games were held with IPC incredible step towards achieving our goal to CEO Xavier Gonzalez mainly covering stage extraordinary Games in 2010." technical issues such as the location of the International Broadcast Centre (IBC) and From 6 to 7 June, the International Olympic Main Press Centre (MPC) in Whistler, general Committee (IOC) Co-ordination Commission accessibility plans specifically for for the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and accommodation as well as discussions on Paralympic Games met for the third time in plans for Games legacy. Vancouver, Canada, to review the progress made by the Vancouver 2010 Organizing The Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Committee (VANOC). Games will take place in Vancouver and

PARALYMPIC GAMES: LONDON 2012 London Welcomes First IOC Co-ordination Commission

The first International Olympic Committee ensure a sustainable legacy for London and To promote the Games and encourage people (IOC) Co-ordination Commission meeting for the UK. all over Great Britain to get involved, the the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic London 2012 Roadshow bus visited over 50 Games took place in London, Great Britain, The four commitments are: to stage locations between its launch in London on 7 from 19 to 21 April. The Commission includes inspirational Olympic and Paralympic Games July until its final stop in Liverpool on 27 July, IPC representative Patrick Jarvis, who is also for athletes, the Olympic and Paralympic exactly six years before the Opening an IPC Governing Board member. Family and the spectators; to deliver the Ceremony of the 2012 Games. On its journey, Olympic Park and all venues on time, within the bus paid a visit to the home of the The Commission met with representatives of agreed budget and to specification, Paralympics, Stoke Mandeville Stadium in the London 2012 Organizing Committee of minimizing the call on public funds and , for an competition for the Olympic and Paralympic Games (London providing for a sustainable legacy; to athletes with a disability. 2012) and other local stakeholders, such as maximize the economic, social health and the Department of Culture, Media and Sport, environmental benefits of the Games for the to get an update regarding the preparation of UK, particularly through regeneration and the Games. The meeting also included venue sustainable development in East London; visits of several construction sites within the and to achieve a sustained improvement in city, including the Olympic Park site. UK sport before, during and after the Games, in both elite performance particularly Said Mr. Jarvis: "The IPC would like to in Olympic and Paralympic sports and commend London 2012 for the integrated grassroots participation. approach that they are taking to planning, while at the same time promoting the The Co-ordiation Commission visit was distinctiveness of the two Games. followed up by a visit by IPC Chief Executive Considering the fact that the roots of the Officer Xavier Gonzalez, which included Paralympic Games are here, in Stoke meetings with London 2012 Chief Executive Mandeville, it will be exciting for the Paul Deighton and Olympic Delivery Paralympic Family to return to for Authority Chief Executive David Higgins, as the Games in 2012." well as a series of working meetings with London 2012 staff to discuss key issues During the visit, the Commission was assured including access in venues and facilities, that London 2012 is on target to achieve transport, marketing, sponsorship and the important early milestones in planning for the development of the brand for the Paralympic Olympic and Paralympic Games, including the Games. Mr. Gonzalez praised London's areas of marketing, finance, venues, progress in planning the 2012 Paralympic sponsorship, image and transport. Games, "London is clearly taking the issue of staging a successful Paralympic Games The London 2012 Olympic Board has seriously and we are in a very good position approved four strategic commitments which in terms of strategic thinking and planning," PAGE underline the planning and programmes for he said. unique Olympic and Paralympic Games and Photo ©: John Credland (www.johncredland.co.uk) 3 IPC NEWS VISTA 2006 Conference Debates Solutions for the Future

'Classification - Solutions for the Future' was and will work to develop increased funding classification is constantly growing along with the theme of the fourth VISTA Conference, for research in the area of classification, a the Paralympic Movement. held from 6 to 7 May in Bonn, Germany. The better collaboration between scientists and event provided a unique opportunity to bring classifiers and a greater involvement of Classification is simply a structure for together around 200 participants from over athletes in the classification debate. competition. Not unlike wrestling, boxing and 40 countries. The participants included sport weightlifting, where athletes are categorized scientists, researchers, classifiers, coaches, IPC President Sir Philip Craven said: by weight classes, athletes with a disability sport administrators and athletes who "Classification is the key to safeguarding are categorized in classes defined by the specialize in classification in Paralympic sport equitable competition for all athletes…There degree of function. Athletes belong to six and the Paralympic Movement. is no doubt in my mind that the continued different disability groups in the Paralympic growth in the popularity of Paralympic sport Movement: Cerebral Palsy, Spinal Injuries, The conference, hosted by the IPC, spanned with spectators and the media is tied to clear Amputees, Visually Impaired, Intellectual over two days and included four keynote and transparent classification guidelines. To Disability and "les Autres" (includes all speeches and 36 presentations in parallel achieve these, we must embrace sport athletes with a mobility disability not included sessions. This allowed conference science and pool the expertise of both in the above groups). participants to receive the most up-to-date practitioners and scientists." information and research and an opportunity The systems by which athletes are classified to share their expertise in an open and Supported by the City of Bonn and the continue to evolve. In 2003, the IPC practical setting. German Federal Ministry of the Interior, the developed a Classification Strategy with the conference provided an ideal platform for overall objective to support and co-ordinate As an outcome of the event, the IPC has experts in sport for athletes with a disability. the ongoing development of accurate, made classification its number one priority It clearly showed that the level of interest in reliable, consistent and credible classification systems. A direct result of recommendations made in this Strategy was the development of a Classification Code which establishes a framework for policies and procedures that are common to all sports and includes four International Standards which provide the technical and operational requirements for classification. A final draft of the Code will be distributed for consultation in December 2006.

The first VISTA Conference took place in Jasper, Canada, in 1993. The success of this conference led to two further conferences in Köln, Germany (1999), and Bollnäs, Sweden (2003). An identified need for greater opportunities to discuss and exchange knowledge has seen the VISTA Conference become a biennial event. Organizations interested in hosting the 2009 event should Guest speakers at the Opening Ceremony of VISTA 2006.(from left to right) Sir Philip contact the IPC at [email protected]. Craven, Mayor of Bonn Bärbel Dieckmann, State Secretary of the Federal Ministry of the Interior Dr. Christoph Bergner, Director of the Haus der Geschichte Dr. Dietmar Preißler, and For more information about the VISTA 2006 ICSSPE President Dr. Gudrun Doll-Tepper. Photo ©: Cynthia Rühmekorf conference, please visit www.paralympic.org.

Governing Board Gathers in Olympic Heartland

The IPC Governing Board (GB) held their mid- well as updates on the work of various IPC research on the impact of intellectual year meeting from 23 to 24 June at the home Standing Committees and Councils. The GB disability on sport performance, initiatives to of the IOC Headquarters in , also approved the IPC Membership of the develop sport specific criteria and details on Switzerland. Top of the agenda was the International Equestrian Federation (FEI), a general eligibility system and protest approval of the Paralympic programme for pending ratification by the IPC General procedures. the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Assembly. Games. The GB confirmed that athletes will The GB accepted the finding that no sport compete in five sports, namely Alpine Skiing, A report was presented to the GB on the specific eligibility system has been developed Biathlon, Cross Country, Ice Sledge Hockey progress made with regard to the for athletes with an intellectual disability to and Wheelchair Curling at the next Winter development of mutually acceptable eligibility date and that the general eligibility system, Paralympics. and verification systems for athletes with an developed by the International Sports intellectual disability. The report outlined Federation for Persons with an Intellectual For Alpine Skiing, the GB Disability (INAS-FID), does not accepted the possible addition of achieve the standard expected for medal events in Super Combined IPC competitions and is not - a two part event that includes a sufficiently robust to ensure fair Super-G race and Slalom on one competition for athletes with an day, for which of each intellectual disability. race are compiled to determine a final result ranking - pending a Consequently, the GB decided that comprehensive feasibility athletes with an intellectual analysis. Two more teams were disability cannot take part in IPC added to the Wheelchair Curling sanctioned events, including the competition bringing it to a - Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games. team tournament. The status of the participation of athletes with an intellectual At the meeting, the GB also disability at future IPC competi- approved the final Paralympic tions will be re-evaluated after Brand Report, were informed on 2008. The IPC will continue to Paralympic Games progress, support the international research received a debrief of the Torino group established for this purpose, 2006 Winter Paralympics who are working in collaboration and an update on the with INAS-FID and sport specialists PAGE Budget 2006-2007, as Photo ©: Lieven Coudenys from around the world. 4 THE PARALYMPIAN ISSUE 3: 2006 IPC NEWS Strengthening the IPC-IOC Bond

The Paralympic Games have always been IPC Agreement secures the medium term The extension continues along the same lines held in the same year as the Olympic Games. growth of the Paralympic Games and as the original document and underlines the Since the Summer Games (1988) and Movement and underlines the close co- IOC's continued support for the IPC, to help the Tignes- Winter Games (1992), operation, which the IPC and the IOC have ensure the long-term future of the Paralympic they have also taken place at the same and continue to enjoy with each other. The Games. The main changes see greater venues as the Olympic Games. In 2000, an IPC is pleased that, thanks to this clarification in the roles of the IOC and IPC in agreement was signed between the Agreement, Paralympic athletes can, for the respect to the planning, organization and International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Paralympic Games in 2014 and 2016, now staging of the Paralympic Games; the use of the IPC aiming to secure and protect the look forward to once again competing in the the technical manuals mentioned in the Host organization of the Paralympic Games. In same city and to benefiting from the same City Contract for the Games; and a revision 2001, a second agreement reaffirmed that conditions for official travel and of the scope parameters of the Paralympic the Paralympic Games, from 2008 on, will accommodation as Olympic athletes." Games sports programme and the number of always take place shortly after the accredited individuals. Olympic Games, using the same sports venues and facilities. An IOC President Jacques Rogge amendment was signed to the commented: "The IOC and the 2001 Agreement in 2003, IPC have had a long and fruitful transferring broadcasting and relationship and it is with great marketing responsibilities of the pride that we are able to resign 2008, 2010 and 2012 Paralympic this agreement with the IPC and Games to the respective ensure that the Olympic and Organizing Committees. Paralympic Games continue to be held in the same host cities In June, the IOC and the IPC signed until 2016." He added, "Our a further agreement, combining the continued financial support to previous agreements and the Paralympics shows that the extending and simplifying several Olympic Movement is universal areas. This new agreement extends and also indicates the to cover the Paralympic Games in importance that the Paralympic 2014 and 2016. Games have in promoting sport to the youth of the world - one Said IPC President Sir Philip of the fundamental principles of Craven: "The extension of the IOC- Photo ©: IOC/Hélène Tobler Olympism".

NPC PROFILE: TANZANIA Providing Opportunities in Tanzania

During a recent visit to IPC Headquarters, and , although it is a At the moment our main challenge is the lack 'The Paralympian' had a few moments with very expensive game. We also have the of sports equipment. After creating the Secretary General of the Tanzanian upcoming sports of and awareness, many people are coming to us, Paralympic Committee, Iddi Kibwana. We Table Tennis. even from remote areas, wanting to play spoke about the challenges that face an sport. So our challenge is to provide what NPC operating in a developing country and TP: What are your main objectives as an they need. some of the programmes in Tanzania that organization? make the NPC so successful. We try to ensure that every person who TP: Is the NPC involved in any educational comes in contact with our organization can programmes? TP: When was the NPC established? be included in sport. Our aim is to make sure Starting in 2006 we have a new project that We started the organization in 1983 and those that are neglected get access to sport we are introducing in schools. In May we revamped it in 2000. We became a member and through sport they get recognized. For completed a training that included teachers of the IPC in 2002, the same year we sent instance, the team we sent to Manchester from different schools for children with a our first team to the [Commonwealth Games] in 2002 included disability. These schools hold a lot of potential in Manchester. We have since sent athletes to many former street beggars. for future athletes. Each of our ten regions is the All in 2003, to the working with around three schools. ATHENS 2004 Paralympic Games and to the TP: What are your expectations for Beijing? in . We want to make sure that we get at least TP: Can you describe some of the The Paralympic Movement is growing very four medals. We also want to increase our programmes that the NPC is currently fast in Tanzania and all of our regions are team from that which we sent to the last implementing in Tanzania? very active. So many people want to take three games, to at least ten athletes. We are a number of projects to part in sport now, so the challenge for us is to increase the awareness of disability sport in accommodate them all. TP: What are the challenges facing your Tanzania. One initiative is supported by UK organization right now? Sport and that will continue for four years. We TP: How is the NPC run? have the education prog- We all work on a volunteer ramme that I mentioned basis. For example, our before which is now President is a lawyer and underway. Then we have other members have their a project with the own business activities. International Tennis Fed- Soon we will have a new eration (ITF) and at the office in the national end of June they will come stadium in Dar Es Saalm, to Tanzania and conduct which will allow us to training in six cities and develop relationships with some regions in the other southern part of the organizations. Currently, country. Finally, we will most athletes who take continue with the next part are in the towns, but stage of the Healthy we are trying to mobilize Paralympians project that more activities in the rural we have been working on areas. together with IPC since 2004. TP: Which Paralympic sports do you have? PAGE Currently our main sports Photo ©: are Athletics, Powerlifting Mark Ziebert 5 ATHLETE PROFILE: JAE-YONG SIM The Mental Edge

Jae-Yong Sim is steadily moving up the IPC TP: When were your first Paralympics? Shooting rankings following his outstanding My first Paralympic Games were in performance at the 2006 IPC Shooting World in 2000. It was such an honour to compete Championships where he won three gold (R3 as a member of the Korean Shooting team. I individual, R3 team, R7 team) and one silver did not win any medals, but then in Athens in medal (R6 individual), in the process 2004, I won a silver medal. contributing to two new team world records (R3 and R7). TP: What are your expectations for the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games? TP: When and how did you come to start I am of course aiming to win gold in Beijing. competing in Shooting? But looking to the future, I would also like to In 1986 I was in a bad car accident and develop myself as a trainer for junior injured my spinal cord. Then a few years later shooters with a disability. I aim aiming to in 1988 I was watching television and I saw become qualified as an international judge in some coverage of the Seoul Paralympic Shooting so that I can help promote the sport Games. It gave me a lot of hope for my new of Shooting worldwide. life after my accident. I tried a few sports and then took up Shooting seriously in 1998. TP: What advice would you give to other people considering taking up Shooting? TP: What kind of training is involved? Shooting as a sport helps a lot to improve Every day, I train for four hours. I spend a lot your mental stability and is a sport in which of time doing weight training in the gym and one must battle against oneself. Self to focus my mental concentration I also do confidence and a desire to always do one's Photo ©: Prezioso some imagery training. best will make you a good shooter.

SPORT PROFILE: WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL Wheelchair Basketball on Look Out for New Talent

With the largest Wheelchair Basketball TP: What equipment is needed? competition outside the Paralympic Games The only special equipment is a sport held in July, 'The Paralympian' spoke to wheelchair. Unfortunately, they are not Maureen Orchard, President of the cheap. A top level Basketball chair can cost International Wheelchair Basketball upwards of €3,000. Still you can get started Federation (IWBF) about the huge progress in a much less expensive chair. Other than being made in the sport and why. that, we use the same basic rules and equipment as running Basketball. TP: What is the history of the sport? Wheelchair Basketball began in the USA TP: Who are the leading countries? about 1946 by servicemen injured in World The top country in the world right now is War Two. About that time people in Stoke Canada. Since 1994 their teams have Mandeville were playing a similar game called finished in the medal round with the women . In 1955 a touring US team brought going undefeated from 1992 in up Wheelchair Basketball to England. The sport until 2004 in Athens where the men won gold. quickly spread to other parts of the world. They are joined at the top by the USA, Great Britain, Australia and Germany. TP: How is the sport governed? IWBF is the world governing body, recognized TP: What developments have been made in by the International Basketball Federation the sport recently? (FIBA) and is a member of IPC. IWBF is Lighter more manoeuvrable chairs have divided into four zones; Americas, Asia allowed players to expand their skills. The Oceania, Africa and Europe. Each zone is introduction of the three-point line some time responsible for development activities in their ago brought a new respect to the outside zone and organizing qualification shooter, and the 24-second clock makes the tournaments for World Championships and game even faster. The introduction of Paralympic Games. IWBF currently has 82 women's leagues in several countries has National Organizations (NOWBs) with several helped expand opportunities for women. more waiting for approval. TP: What about the Beijing 2008 Paralympic TP: What’s the appeal for athletes and Games? spectators? The competition in Beijing will be tough. The Wheelchair Basketball is a fast moving top teams are getting better all the time and exciting sport that very closely resembles they have to because they are being chased Basketball. This makes it popular with the by the rest. It will be the first time we have public and the media because they can easily ten women's teams and this will give more understand it. The athletes like it because it countries a chance to qualify. The Chinese is one of the few team sports for athletes women were at the VISA Paralympic World with a disability that allows them to Cup this year and they will be looking for a demonstrate their strength and agility. medal in 2008.

TP: Which disability groups can compete? TP: In which areas do you see a need for That is perhaps one of the most unique further development? things about Wheelchair Basketball - if you Like many Paralympic sports, we need to have a lower limb disability that meets the develop our young players and our women's classification criteria then you can play. We game by recruiting new players and coaches. have amputees, paraplegics, cerebral palsy We need to improve our ability to share and Spina Bifida. The point system and the resources with the developing countries and functional classification system allow all we need clinics for referees, classifiers and players who qualify to play regardless of coaches in each of our zones. Finally we their disability. While we have individual need to continue to spread the word to the classes for each level of disability within the players, the public and the media about range of 1.0 - 4.5, all play together on court. Wheelchair Basketball. Come and join us to PAGE A team may not exceed 14 points on the have a great time! Photos ©: Lieven Coudenys court which makes each player valuable. 6 THE PARALYMPIAN ISSUE 3: 2006 SPORT NEWS

Otto Bock Hosts ParalympicChallenge

The long journey for Athletics’ athletes from to excel at the Beijing 2008 Paralympic ATHENS 2004 to the Beijing 2008 Games. Yue Yang (F44, Javelin) said: "The Paralympic Games led through Duderstadt, people here in Duderstadt are unbelievably Germany. IPC Worldwide Partner Otto Bock . I was very happy that we had the HealthCare organized and hosted the first opportunity to get to know the place a little ParalympicChallenge on 20 May. The IPC during the week before the sanctioned Athletics competition involved ParalympicChallenge." around 120 athletes from 32 countries, including a number of Paralympic stars. "We wanted to offer a highlight between the Paralympic Games at which the world's best Around 2,000 spectators braved the athletes could test their skills and inspire and weather to cheer on the athletes and were excite the spectators with great Photo ©: Otto Bock rewarded with five new world records: Vitalis performances. We wanted to give the people Lanshima of Nigeria () ran 100m in 11.17 a feel of the fantastic atmosphere at the seconds; Ming Jie Giao (T44, China) Paralympic Games," said Prof. Hans Georg increased his own javelin world record by Näder, CEO and Chairman of Otto Bock 1.18m with a throw of 56.75m; Bao Zhu HealthCare. Zheng (T42, China) achieved a shot put distance of 9.65m and US sprint star April "It is unbelievable what the athletes can do," Holmes ran a new world record of 1:03.85 said Rosi Mittermaier, former Olympic Alpine minutes in the women's 400m (T44). In the Skiing champion and patron of a charity 100m female T42 event Annette Roozen tournament hosted by Otto Bock on the from the became the first occasion of the ParalympicChallenge, which athlete in her class to break the 17 second raised EURO 13,000 for the German barrier, improving her best mark to 16.90 Paralympic Committee. seconds. "I only believed it when I saw the time on the score board," she said. For more information, please visit the official website of the ParalympicChallenge The team of 18 from China proved once www.paralympic-challenge.com. Photo ©: Otto Bock again, with great performances, its ambitions

Farewell IPC Equestrian, Welcome FEI UCI Welcomes Riders with a Disability

The 2006 IPC Cycling World Championships will take place at the World Cycling Centre (WCC), Headquarters of the International Cycling Union (UCI) in Aigle, Switzerland, from 9 to 18 September 2006.

Road and will be on the event's programme, in which some 300 athletes will be taking part from 40 countries. The Track competitions will be held at the WCC velodrome, whereas the Road events will be raced close to the Centre.

It will be the first time UCI has organized the IPC Cycling World Championships. This Photo ©: Lieven Coudenys event is an important stage in the inclusion of riders with a disability to the disciplines On 2 May, IPC President Sir Philip Craven include Equestrian for athletes with a governed by the UCI and will crown the and the then President of the International disability within the FEI family and to excellent co-operation between the IPC and Equestrian Federation (FEI) HRH The Infanta commence initiatives to transfer governance UCI. Doña Pilar de Borbón signed an agreement from IPC to FEI. An IPC/FEI Working Group for the transfer of governance of Equestrian was established in 2003, to discuss the In 2002, IPC President Sir Philip Craven and for persons with a disability from IPC to FEI. future direction of the relationship and Hein Verbruggen, former UCI President, The transfer ceremony took place at the FEI prepare the transfer of governance. As a signed a co-operation agreement. Since General Assembly in , , result of the discussions and then, UCI has adapted its rules and calendar and came into full effect on 1 July. recommendations from the IPC/FEI Working in accordance with the specific nature of Group, the IPC Governing Board and FEI Cycling for riders with a disability,so that IPC Before this agreement, the IPC was the approved the transfer in 2005. The transfer Cycling is now fully recognized by UCI. International Federation for Equestrian and had the full support of the past President of 12 other sports. Over the past four years, FEI, HRH the Infanta Doña Pilar de Borbón The IPC Cycling World Championships will IPC Equestrian has developed significantly and has been warmly welcomed by her become UCI Cycling World Championships with regards to the number of countries and successor, HRH the Princess Haya Bint Al for riders with a disability from next year, if quality of athletes competing in dressage Hussein. the transfer of governance to UCI is and driving competitions worldwide. approved by the IPC Cycling Sport Forum Furthermore, the evolution of the IPC Said HRH The Infanta Doña Pilar de Borbón: and the IPC Governing Board this year. Equestrian regulations and training methods "The horse has been a long standing partner has laid a strong foundation for the future. of people with a disability helping them to For more information about the event, strengthen their condition and improve their please visit www.2006IPC-cycling.com. "The FEI is the first International Federation lives. The FEI is immensely proud to integrate to embrace a sport of the IPC as a full part Para-Equestrian activities as an official of its organization. The IPC is committed to discipline and welcomes riders with a creating true partnerships in sport and we disability in the FEI family." believe that we have found a true partner in the FEI. We are confident that they will make Jonquil Solt (GBR) was appointed as the riders and drivers with a disability feel at Chairperson of the newly created Para- home in their organization," said Sir Philip. Equestrian Committee. The committee is composed of Hanneke Gerritsen (NED) for a In 2000, FEI and IPC began discussing and two-year term ending in 2008, Hope C. Hand PAGE identifying potential areas for collaboration. (USA) until 2009, Mary L. Longden (AUS) Two years later, FEI expressed its interest to and Ulf Wilken until 2010. 7 Photo ©: Getty Images SPORT NEWS Shooting's Best Take Aim in Sargans

A total of 242 athletes from 44 countries Also present at the Championships were two planning, the future direction of the sport and gathered in Sargans, Switzerland, to representatives of the Organizing Committee the new IPC Sport Technical Committee compete for world honours at the 2006 IPC for the Beijing 2008 Olympic and Paralympic bylaws and structure. There were also Shooting World Championships from 13 to 22 Games (BOCOG) who were observing the updates given on the status of Shooting at July. Championships to assist with preparations several upcoming competitions. for the Beijing 2008 Paralympics. The Championships consisted of 13 Rifle For a complete list of results from the and six Pistol Shooting events in both mixed On 17 July, the IPC Shooting Sport Forum, Championships, please visit the official individual and mixed team competitions. At chaired by Walter Vlaminck, brought several website at www.wch2006.ch. the completion of the Championships, China issues to the table, including strategic came away as leaders on the medal tally with six gold medals, five silver and one bronze. They were closely followed by Russia with six gold, four silver and two bronze medals.

During the competition, six new individual world records were set by Viktoria Wedin (SWE, R4), Jonas Jacobsson (SWE, R7), Kurt Martinschit (AUT, R10) and Stefan Kopcik (SVK, R11). Andrey Lebedinsky (RUS) set new world records in both the P3 and P5 events.

A total of seven new team world records were also set by China (R1), Germany (), Korea (P1, R3 and R7) and Russia (P3 and P5). A number of other individual and team world records were also equalled.

The Championships received positive reports from athletes, staff and IPC representatives, who were particularly impressed by the use of state-of-the-art technology and equipment Photo ©: Prezioso in the competition venues.

IPC SPORT CALENDAR

2006 IPC Athletics World Championships 2 - 10 September 2006 Assen, Netherlands 2006 IPC Cycling World Championships 10 - 18 September 2006 Aigle, Switzerland 2006 IPC Table Tennis World Championships 24 September - 1 October 2006 Montreux, Switzerland 2006 IPC Wheelchair Dance Sport WC 14 - 15 October 2006 Arnhem, Netherlands 2006 IPC Swimming World Championships 1 - 8 December 2006 , South Africa

IPC Powerlifting Welcomed in Korea

The 2006 IPC Powerlifting World Said IPC Powerlifting Chairperson Pol Championships, held in Busan, , Wautermartens: "Our hosts in Busan could from 3 to 11 May, produced some not have been better. We had an excellent outstanding results. From a total of 57 competition, reflected not only in the high participating countries, China topped the number of records that were broken but also medal tally with nine gold medals, closely in the increased number of top-level followed by and Egypt. The athletes competitors. We are very happy with the included 85 women and 187 men, indicating results and I think everyone is looking a small increase from the 2002 IPC forward to a very tough competition in Powerlifting World Championships. Beijing in two years time."

A total of twelve world records were broken A comprehensive anti-doping testing throughout the men's and women's junior programme was carried out at the and senior divisions. In the junior female Championships and all participating National events, Cuijuan Xiao (CHN) set a world Paralympic Committees were asked to record in the 44.00kg category, as did Randa provide evidence of their anti-doping Tag Eldin Mahmoud (EGY) in the 82.50kg. In programmes. The in-competition testing the senior female events, a new world record produced no anti-doping rule violations; this is was set by Fatma Omar Mohmoud (EGY) in an important step forward for the sport of the 56.00kg category, Taoying Fu (CHN) in Powerlifting in the fight against doping. the 67.50kg, Liping Zhang (CHN) in the 75.00kg and Ruifang Li also of China in the In conjunction with the Championships, the +82.50kg category. IPC Powerlifting Sports Assembly was also held to discuss the development of the There were also a number of new records National Classification System, strategic set in the men's competition. In the men's planning and the future direction of the sport junior events, Rafal Roch (POL) set a new as well as discussions about the strategy for record in the 48.00kg, Slawomir Szymanski the development and training of Regional (POL) in the 52.00kg and Glen Puxley (GBR) Technical Delegates. in the +100.00kg. In the men's senior events, Hamzeh Mohammadi (IRN) broke the world For more information, please visit the official record in the 60.00kg category, Metwaly website at www.ipc2006pwc.org. Ibrahim Mathana (EGY) in the 67.50kg and PAGE Kazem Rajabi Golojeh (IRN) in the +100.00kg Photo ©: Organizing Committee category. 8 THE PARALYMPIAN ISSUE 3: 2006 SPORT NEWS Canada Takes Double Gold

Canada won gold in both the men's and The competition involved eight women's and women's competitions at the 2006 12 men's teams from around the world and International Wheelchair Basketball over 40 international officials. Federation (IWBF) Wheelchair Basketball World Championships, held in Amsterdam, the Wheelchair Basketball is one of the most Netherlands, from 3 to 16 July. popular sports on the Paralympic programme. It is designed for athletes who have a The USA also took double silver medals in physical disability that prevents running, the competition after both the men's and jumping and pivoting. It is open to any male or women's teams were defeated by Canada in female athlete with a lower limb disability and the finals. The men's bronze medal went to is played by two teams of five players each. Australia, while Germany took the bronze in The sport was first introduced to the the women's competition. Paralympic programme in in 1960 and is governed by the IWBF. In the men's competition, the top scorer for the Championship was Koen Jansens (NED) For more information, please visit the official and top rebounder, Dotan Meishar (ISR). competition website www.goldcup2006.com. Danielle Peers (CAN) was both the top Photo ©: Frans Nelissen & Ad van Geffen female scorer and rebounder.

Volleyball World Champions Crowned

The 2006 Triple World Championships in in the final. They were followed by Poland Sitting and Standing took place who took the bronze medal. from 17 to 25 June in Roermond, the Netherlands. A total of 25 teams (five standing men, eight sitting women and 12 sitting men) In the women's sitting competition, the participated in the championships, assisted Netherlands took the gold medal after by over 40 international referees and narrowly beating China in the final. officials. claimed the bronze after defeating . In a replay of the final at the ATHENS 2004 Volleyball is governed by the World Paralympic Games, Bosnia-Herzegovina took Organisation Volleyball for Disabled (WOVD). the men's sitting gold medal in a 3:1 defeat of Standing Volleyball was on the Paralympic Iran, while Egypt took the bronze medal by programme from 1976 to 2000 and the defeating Germany 2:3. sitting discipline was introduced at the Arnhem 1980 Paralympics. The championships also included a men’s Standing Volleyball competition which was For more information, please visit the WOVD won by Canada, who defeated Germany 3:0 website at www.wovd.info. Photo ©: Prezioso

Lithuania and Canada 2006 World Champions

Spartanburg in South Carolina, USA, was the 2008 Paralympic Games. The remaining proud host of the 2006 International Blind teams will be decided at the Paralympic Sport Federation (IBSA) World Goalball Qualifier, held in conjunction with the 3rd Championships, held from 26 June until 2 July. IBSA , in , from 28 July to The Championships involved 18 men's and 8 August 2007. 13 women's teams. Goalball is exclusively a sport for athletes In the men's final, Lithuania took a first half with a visual impairment and was introduced lead of 3:2 and then exploded with seven for the first time at the Toronto 1976 goals in the second half to defeat Sweden. Paralympic Games. Competitors wear The USA took the bronze medal defeating 'blackout' masks, allowing athletes with Slovenia 7:3. Nancy Morin was the star varying degrees of vision to participate player for Canada as she scored four goals together. Bells inside the ball help players to lead her team to a 5:2 victory in the identify the direction of the ball. Therefore, women's final against China. USA took the while play is in progress, the crowd must be bronze, defeating Denmark 4:2. silent to allow the players to concentrate.

Photo ©: Lee Speer The top six men's and top four women's A full list of results can be found at teams have now qualified for the Beijing www.worldgoalball.com.

World’s Judokas Compete in France

The 2006 IBSA Judo World Championships Winners in the women's individual categories were held in Brommat, France, from 29 June were: -48kg Carmen Brussig (GER), -52kg to 3 July. The Championships brought Sandrine Aurieres (FRA), -57kg Ramona together over 200 athletes with a visual Brussig (GER), -63kg Marta Arce (ESP), - impairment, in all weight categories, from 70kg Sandorne Nagy (HUN), -78kg Lanmei more than 40 countries to fight for medals Xue (CHN) and +78kg Yanping Yuan (CHN). and titles and for their first chance to qualify With these results, Germany took the overall for the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games. women's title. Russia edged out the hosts France to take second place. Winners in the men's individual categories were: -60kg Saeed Rahmati (IRI), -66kg An IBSA Judo Assembly was also hosted Victor Sanchez (CUB), -73kg Shakhban during the Championships to discuss several Kurbanov (RUS), -81kg Cyril Jonard (FRA), - issues. At the meeting, Christina Skandaki 90 kg Tofig Mammadov (AZE), -100kg (GRE) and Ian Rose (GBR) were selected as Antonio Silva (BRA) and +100kg Yangaliny the two athletes' representatives for Judo. Gimenez (CUB). The men's overall title was This was followed by a one-week training won by followed by France and course for athletes, referees and coaches. PAGE . Photo ©: Benoît Hétet, F.F.Handisport 9 DEVELOPMENT NEWS Development Grants Make Impact Around the World

Each year the IPC contributes thousands of Euros in funding to development projects run by IPC members, throughout the world. In this issue of The Paralympian, we highlight four such projects that have been made possible thanks to the support of an IPC Development Grant.

FISA: Coaching and Classification Workshop Canada. Overall, participants included 23 trainee technical classifiers and 18 trainee With Rowing now included in the Beijing 2008 medical classifiers from 21 countries. Paralympic Games, interest in adaptive Athletes attended the workshops in order to Rowing is growing rapidly. The International be classified, but were also encouraged to Rowing Federation (FISA) Adaptive Rowing participate in the Poplar Regatta on 14 May. Commission, the British Paralympic Association and the London Regatta Centre The project allowed a number coaches to held a workshop to qualify classifiers for gain their FISA Level 1 - Adaptive Adaptive Rowing, to equip coaches with Certification for Coaching. Topics included necessary classification and coaching equipment, physiology, rowing technique, knowledge in Adaptive Rowing and to training methods and race preparation. This provide teams with all the necessary was also the first step towards creating a information to develop Adaptive Rowing in coaching education programme for their own countries/regions/clubs. Paralympic athletes and coaches as part of the overall FISA Coaching Education The workshop, held in May 2006, was the Programme. second in a series also held in and Photo ©: FISA

NPC Turkmenistan: Education and Training the involvement of new young promising athletes with a disability. From 26 to 29 May 2006 the National Paralympic Committee of Turkmenistan held The educational content of the workshop a seminar for a total of 40 participants, was based on a manual entitled 'Coaching including Paralympic athletes, coaches and Athletes with Disabilities', provided by the specialists working with athletes with a Australian Sports Commission, which was disability. translated from English. The seminar included both theoretical and practical The main goals of the seminar were to sessions such as coaching and training provide education and training, to promote methods, anti-doping and demonstrations in the ideals and knowledge of the Paralympic sports such as Athletics, Goalball, Movement in Turkmenistan, to provide Powerlifting and Table Tennis. The seminar practical assistance to sport centres also received coverage from the local media. (recognized by their respective International Sports Organization for the Disabled, IOSD) working with persons with a disability in the Photo ©: NPC Turkmenistan provinces of Turkmenistan and to encourage

NPC Slovenia: National Paralympic Day champions Mateja Pintar (Table Tennis) and Franc Pinter (Shooting). Organizers estimate For the first time, the National Paralympic that approximately 2,500 people visited the Committee of Slovenia organized their own event throughout the day. National Paralympic Day in the capital city of Ljubljana on 17 June in the carpark of the Some of the activities available included city's largest shopping centre. Athletics, , Goalball, Table Tennis, Swimming, Shooting, Volleyball (Sitting), A number of activities were available to let Wheelchair Basketball and Wheelchair Tennis. members of the public both with and without Giving able-bodied visitors a chance to try a disability have a go at several Paralympic out the sport allows them to develop a sports and to inform the public about the respect for the athletic ability of Paralympic work of the Slovenian Paralympic Committee athletes. For persons with a disability, it may and the athletes who represent Slovenia in spark an interest to take up the sport either the Paralympic Games and other socially or competitively. competitions. The NPC hopes to make the Day a regular Around 100 athletes with a disability took event in Slovenia. For more information, part in the day, including Paralympic please visit www.zsis.si. Photo ©: Ivo Drinovec

IPC Sport Science Committee: Research system. The study also investigated research questions from the Intellectual Under the auspices of the IPC Sport Science Disability Exercise and Active Lifestyle Committee, an international research group Research Group (IDEAL-RG) to examine the was established to conduct a biomechanical eligibility of athletes with an intellectual analysis study during the first World Indoor disability. The venue in Bollnäs was Championships in Bollnäs, transformed into a biomechanical laboratory Sweden, in March 2006. The group included with high cameras, laser cameras and researchers from Australia, , Czech other research instruments. Republic, , Great Britain, South Africa, Sweden and the . At a practical level, the research provided athletes and coaches with immediate The research focused on athlete performance feedback using images from performance, functional potential and two (long jump and high jump) or three (shot technique. The interrelationships between put) cameras to provide a biomechanical these components was studied and will analysis. It is hoped this feedback will initiate contribute to the understanding of track and a better understanding of individual PAGE Photo ©: Yves Vanlandewijck field events and the consequent performance and a more professional development of an appropriate classification attitude towards training. 10 THE PARALYMPIAN ISSUE 3: 2006 MARKETING NEWS Now A Word From Our Sponsor

Visa was proud to be a global sponsor of the watch as Paralympians from five countries of Paralympic sport. Visa has been a Torino 2006 Paralympic Winter Games where spoke about their sport and demonstrated presenting sponsor since 2005 and will it was the official payment service and the their equipment and skills (see photo). Visa continue to be so through 2007. only accepted. Torino was the third also became the presenting sponsor of the Paralympic Games sponsored by Visa first-ever Paralympic Hall of Fame (PHF). At Visa continues to utilize their website following the 2002 and 2004 Paralympics. a special ceremony in Torino, two athletes and www.visaparalympics.com to communicate its one coach were inducted as members of the support for the greater Paralympic Sponsorship of the Paralympic Games allows PHF. Visa's sponsorship of the PHF Movement. The site is fully accessible to Visa to reach out to more than 500 million celebrates the values of sportsmanship, people with vision and hearing impairments. people with a disability worldwide and their excellence and commitment embodied by families with a message of inclusion. By these athletes and coach and recognizes the "As the first global sponsor of the Paralympic engaging in dialogue, raising awareness of great influence they have had on the Games and Worldwide Partner of the IPC, Visa products and services, developing new Paralympics. Visa strongly supports the Paralympic technologies specifically for the needs of the Movement and will continue to help facilitate disabled community, extending issuance, and When the IPC successfully launched progress toward greater worldwide creating an affinity with Visa's 20,000 www.paralympicsport.tv, the first-ever live acceptance of people with disabilities by member banks, Visa provides this global Paralympic Games webcast for the Torino providing products and services that promote community with greater access and choice. 2006 Winter Paralympics, Visa supported the equal access for the disabled community and initiative as a presenting sponsor. This by promoting awareness of athletes with Today, Visa's involvement with the provided an effective vehicle for Visa to disabilities," said Tom Shepard, Executive Paralympics is more extensive than ever. communicate its support of the Paralympic Vice President, Global Marketing Partnerships Below is a snapshot of the initiatives Visa has Games worldwide. and Sponsorship, Visa International. implemented as part of their sponsorship. But Visa's commitment stretches A comprehensive brand campaign was beyond Games-time. Over the developed prior to and during the Torino years, Visa has partnered with 2006 Winter Paralympics. As part of their National Paralympic Committees message of inclusion, Visa was the only in Brazil, Britain, Canada, Mexico sponsor that communicated their Olympic and the US to enrich the and Paralympic sponsorship through the use experience of the Games for both of a three-way (Visa/Olympic/Paralympic) athletes and fans through logo. The campaign was featured at the marketing and fundraising prog- major airports, train stations, mountain rammes. As part of the Team Visa venues and throughout Torino. and Gold Medal Athlete prog- rammes, Visa sponsored 12 The Paralympic Torch Relay provided a great athletes from eight countries to deal of excitement leading up to the Games compete in the Torino 2006 and Visa was proud to be a presenting Winter Paralympics and help sponsor. Visa also hosted its first Winter showcase their achievements Paralympic hospitality programme, which worldwide. provided an excellent opportunity for key stakeholders to experience the excitement of Visa was also a proud sponsor of the Winter Paralympics firsthand. the International Paralympic Days in Torino, Italy, and Bonn, Visa successfully hosted two media events in Germany, in 2005. The Visa Torino. Snow Day was held in for Paralympic World Cup provides young people with and without a disability. Visa with an additional Photo ©: Lieven Coudenys Guests had the opportunity to meet, talk and opportunity to extend its support Photo ©: Visa

MEDICAL AND SCIENTIFIC NEWS ATHENS Research - Part III

The IPC and the Organizing Committee for 69 sailors from all of the countries in both Educational seminars and training the ATHENS 2004 Paralympic Games boat classes. A separate 'Coaches/Officials programmes are the foundation on which granted SailSportMed (Joanne 'Anne' B. Allen Survey' in Greek was given to all of the safety within sport can be built. Developing M.D. of the IFDS Medical Committee, USDST coaches, race officials, medical and rescue such educational models is the next step in and Betsy Alison, US Sailing Head Coach) staff and selected volunteers. Data was improving the knowledge and understanding the opportunity to study safety at the Sailing collected prior to and during the Competition. of those involved in sport for persons with a venue during the ATHENS 2004 In addition, venue observations were disability. Such seminars should be taught to Paralympics. This study was recognized as recorded by the research team; both on-land regatta organizers, volunteers, officials, an opportunity to make a significant impact and on-the-water, in order to further coaches and athletes, prior to competition. on the quality of future regattas worldwide. document the venue accessibility and safety. By surveying the regatta participants, Sailing is an empowering sport for persons officials and support staff about their The results of the IPC Safety in Sailing with a disability. With minor adaptations, procedures, training, and knowledge base Project performed at the ATHENS 2004 individuals with most physical disabilities can about safety in Sailing, potential educational Paralympic Games yielded numerous actively participate with a great degree of needs could be identified. In addition, through suggestions and recommendations to success and satisfaction. As more athletes venue observations during the Paralympic enhance the safety and success of future with a severe disability are gradually Games regatta, areas of concern at a Sailing Sailing regattas for persons with a disability, welcomed into the Paralympic family, it will be event for persons with a disability, such as including those at future Paralympic Games. critical that coaches, classifiers, event accessibility and volunteer procedures, could organizers and administrators are made be assessed. From the survey results, it was found that aware of these specific needs. By increasing there is a significant lack of understanding awareness regarding athletes with a disability, The study evaluated the knowledge base of and knowledge about working with sailors a better understanding of their needs and the athletes, coaches, officials, and volunteer with a disability. Specific and unique examples expectations can be developed in terms of staff through a series of surveys and include a lack of practicing safety drills and a training and competition prior to the Beijing assessed the venue itself and observed the lack of understanding of disability types and 2008 Paralympic Games. management of any safety issues during the their functional limitations. The need for more competition. education regarding venue accessibility, medical and safety issues and psychosocial A 'Sailors Survey' addressing safety in awareness is evident. PAGE Sailing issues was distributed to each of the

Photo ©: Lieven Coudenys 11 MISCELLANEOUS

2014 Candidate Cities Down to Three

The cities of (Russia), sustainability and legacy of the overall and March of 2007 to get a better (Austria) and PyeongChang (Republic of project. The IPC provided the IOC with impression and analyze the Candidature Files Korea)* have been approved by the comments on the Paralympic Games specific in detail. Their report will be made public in International Olympic Committee (IOC) information submitted by the Cities. June 2007 before the final decision is made Executive Board as Candidate Cities to host by the full IOC membership during the 119th the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in The three Candidate Cities now have time IOC Session in Guatemala City, Guatemala, 2014. until 10 January 2007 to submit their next July. Candidature File. An IOC Evaluation The cities were selected from a total of Commission, including one representative * listed in the order of drawing of lots. seven Applicant Cities, which also included from the IPC, will visit the cities in February Jaca (Spain), Almaty (), Sofia () and Borjomi ().

The selection was based on a study of the applications submitted by each Applicant City submitted earlier this year. This study was made by a working group of experts who revised each Applicant City's potential to host successful Winter Games in 2014.

Criteria for selection included factors such as government support and public opinion, general infrastructure, sports venues, Olympic Village, environmental conditions and impact, accommodation, transport, security, experience from past sports events and the Images ©: IOC

Watch Paralympic Sport live on the Internet at: www.paralympicsport.tv

Imprint Van Dyk Wins 2006 Laureus Award

On 22 May, the world of sport gathered for a including members of the Laureus World Editor: Miriam Wilkens star-studded evening to recognize the best Sports Academy. athletes in the world at the seventh annual Assistant Editor - Graphic Design: Laureus World Sports Awards. The The Awards Ceremony was broadcast to Clare Wolfensohn glamorous event was held at the Parc del around 190 countries and featured many Forum in Barcelona, Spain, and hosted by well-known personalities including King Juan Printing: welzel+hardt GmbH actors Teri Hatcher and Cuba Gooding Jr. Carlos of Spain, actor Morgan Freeman, FIFA President Sepp Blatter, Formula One All rights reserved The Laureus World Sportsperson of the Year Chief , Mercedes-McLaren International Paralympic Committee, 2006 with a Disability Award was presented to Driver and the band ISSN 1609-1329 Ernst van Dyk of South Africa. After winning Jamiroquai. the award, van Dyk stated: "I don't think it For subscriptions please visit can get any better than this. To the kids in www.paralympic.org South Africa: you live in a beautiful country with so much potential. Don't sit around and International Paralympic Committee wait for it to happen, go out and make it Adenauerallee 212-214 happen." D-53113 Bonn, Germany Phone: +49-228-2097-200 For Ernst van Dyk, 2005 represented the Fax: +49-228-2097-209 culmination of a brilliant 13-year sporting E-mail: [email protected] career. In addition to winning his fifth straight Boston Marathon in the wheelchair category, Web: www.paralympic.org van Dyk won four other prestigious international , including New York The views expressed in The Paralympian and Paris. He took home two gold medals are not necessarily those of the IPC. In from the Paralympic World Cup in case of republication of any part of The Manchester, and won numerous other Paralympian, please send a copy to the events, including the North American 10k IPC. Championships in New York, USA, and the Rolling Rampage 10k event in Toronto, Canada. The publisher reserves the right to edit submitted articles. The other nominees in the category for Laureus Sportsperson of the Year with a Disability were Kirsten Bruhn (Swimming, Worldwide Partners: GER), Zsuzsanna Krajnyak (, HUN), Leo-Pekka Tahti (Athletics, FIN), (Wheelchair Tennis, NED) and Henry Wanyoike (Athletics, KEN).

The prestigious Laureus World Sports Awards honour the world's best sportsmen and women and celebrate PAGE sporting excellence across all Ernst Van Dyk (RSA) Winner of the Laureus disciplines and continents each year. World Sportsperson of the Year with a 12 The winners are selected by a jury, Disability Award. Photo ©: Getty Images