THE Official Newsletter of the International Paralympic Committee PARALYMPIAN

ISSUE 1 2005

IPC President Phil Craven and Special Adviser to the UN Secretary General on Sport for Development and Peace, Adolf Ogi, signing a Memorandum of Understanding at IPC Headquarters in Bonn. INSIDE IPC WELCOMES 2005: THE INTERNATIONAL YEAR

Almost 2 Billion OF SPORT AND PHYSICAL EDUCATIONMINDS View ATHENS sons with a disability. The agreement will 2004 Paralympics In November 2003, the United Nations also provide the basis for potential future p. 2 (UN) General Assembly proclaimed 2005 as the International Year of Sport and co-operation between the IPC and the UN. Physical Education (IYSPE). At this session the UN adopted a resolution stressing the The I2005 YSPE was officially launched on IPC Extraordinary 5 November 2004 by the UN Secretary General Assembly potential of sport and the need to build global partnerships to use sports as a tool General Kofi Annan. At that event, Mr. p. 4 for development and peace in 2005. Annan stated: "Sport is a universal lan- guage. At its best it can bring people On 11 February 2005, IPC President Phil together, no matter what their origin, back- Draw in Athletes’ Craven and the Special Adviser to the UN ground, religious beliefs or economic status. Council Election Secretary General on Sport for And when young people participate in p. 5 Development and Peace, Adolf Ogi, signed sports or have access to physical educa- a Memorandum of Understanding at the tion, they can experience real exhilaration IPC Headquarters in Bonn, Germany. This even as they learn the ideals of teamwork IPC Launches document provides the basis for mutual co- and tolerance..." New Awards operation between the two organizations in p. 7 2005 and beyond. The IPC has several projects planned throughout 2005 to work with the UN and The agreement aims to use the resources other international organizations. Further What is ADAMS? and experience of both organizations to details of these projects are outlined on p. 13 work together, to promote the value of page 14 of this issue. sport as a means for development for per- SPIRIT IN MOTION Provincia di Torino Provincia di Photo: Bob Martin

Photo: Right to Play Photo:Suzuki Aki Photo: Skiers Test the Slopes in Paralympic Pull-out Poster Wheelchair Dance Sport IPC Development Special Torino p.2 p. 8-9 in Japan p.10 p.14-15 PARALYMPIC GAMES: ATHENS 2004 Strengthening IPC Almost 2 Billion View ATHENS 2004 Paralympics 2004 was certainly a successful year, the pinnacle being the ATHENS 2004 Paralympic Games and the IPC Extraordinary General Assembly (EGA). The EGA rati- fied a number of key motions, including the new Constitution and the Nomination and Election Procedures for the IPC Governing Board. These changes will help the IPC function more effectively as we move into the future. Until elec- tions take place at the IPC General Assembly in Beijing in November 2005, the members of the IPC Executive Committee will act as the Photo: Lieven Coudenys Governing Board (GB). The closing of nominations for persons running for Paralympic athlete Danny Crates giving an interview to members of the interna- the GB is August. tional media following his performance at the ATHENS 2004 Paralympic Games. The year 2005 also promises to be A study of the ATHENS 2004 Despite having smaller cumulative exciting, not only because of the elec- Paralympic Games TV coverage audiences, the market share was high tions but because we have signed a conducted in 17 countries has in New Zealand (26.4%), Switzerland number of Memorandums of revealed that a total cumulated tele- (21.6%) and Austria (21.1%). Of the Understanding or Co-operative vision audience of 1.852 billion 17 countries, Brazil showed the great- Agreements with organizations which viewed the event. The study was est coverage of the Paralympics with we think can strengthen the work of conducted by international sport a total of 168 hours of actual broad- the IPC and help us reach common sponsorship and media evaluation cast time, including 115 hours live, fol- goals. Most of our new partnership company IFM. lowed by Spain (124hrs whereof projects are already underway and 31hrs live) and Greece (82hrs includ- you can read more about these in this The study monitored 17 countries ing 57hrs live). issue of The Paralympian. and Pan Europe (Eurosport and EuroNews) over the course of the In addition, Reuters transmitted daily This is the International Year of Sport Paralympic Games and found that coverage to 446 clients in 200 coun- and Physical Education and we will 577 hours of total broadcasting time tries. These numbers do not include take this opportunity to make sure was screened on 102 channels. affiliates which number in the thou- that Paralympic sport is kept on the Japan had the greatest cumulative sands. agenda. 2005 marks the five-year audience with over 587 million, close- countdown to the Vancouver 2010 ly followed by France (335 million), Statistics for another 12 countries are Paralympic Winter Games, leaves Germany (310 million) and China still pending. A final report will be post- Beijing three years to go to the 2008 (309 million). ed in March on the IPC website: Paralympics and is one year out from www.paralympic.org. the Torino 2006 Paralympic Winter Games. In March, I will therefore visit Torino and Vancouver to take part in PARALYMPIC GAMES: TORINO 2006 events celebrating the coming of the Paralympic Winter Games. On 10 March, IPC HQ in Bonn will send out Skiers Test the Slopes the invitations to the National Around 150 athletes from 19 coun- Paralympic Committees for Torino. I tries competed in Biathlon and 10 March 2005: will also be present at the unveiling of Cross-Country (middle distance and One Year to Torino the Torino 2006 Winter Paralympics relay) at the Nordic Skiing World mascot and the release of the ticket- Cup, in Pragelato, Italy, from 26 to ing information. Make sure that you 28 January 2005. plan to join us for the next thrilling Paralympic Winter Games! The Nordic Skiing World Cup was organized by the Pragelato Val The IPC and the Paralympic Chisone 2005 Organizing Movement have grown rapidly in the Committee, in collaboration with the last five years and we are becoming Torino 2006 Organizing Committee more professional in what we do, (TOROC), the Italian Winter Sports encouraging us to strive for higher Federation (FISI) and the Italian goals. We endeavour to keep our work Disabled Sports Federation (FISD). transparent and always enjoy feed- back from all Paralympic Family mem- The event allowed the participants bers and friends, so please send your and organizers to test the opera- comments to [email protected]. tional and competition elements in Assist us in further strengthening the preparation for the Torino 2006 EDITORIAL IPC and the Paralympic Movement! Paralympic Winter Games.

Said IPC Nordic Skiing Chairperson Rita van Driel: "The test event gave us a good opportunity to assess the Photo: Archivio Fotografico Provincia di Torino progress being made by TOROC Phil Craven, MBE and has given us a chance to refine Participants in the Nordic Skiing World Cup test PAGE IPC President some areas in time for the Torino event at Pragelato, Torino. Games." 2 THE PARALYMPIAN ISSUE 1: 2005 PARALYMPIC GAMES: BEIJING 2008 Positive Progess for Beijing 2008

The IOC Co-ordination Commission briefing to BOCOG - which for the first successfully concluded its third visit to time included a section about the Beijing. The Co-ordination Commission Paralympics - and BOCOG's very comprises 16 members, including the extensive Observers' Programme con- IPC Representative, Phil Craven. The ducted during the ATHENS 2004 Commission observes and advises on Paralympic Games, we expect an the progress of the Beijing Organizing acceleration of the activities related to Committee for the 2008 Olympic and the preparation of the Paralympic Paralympic Games (BOCOG). Areas Games." discussed during the meetings held from 27 to 29 October 2004,included Since the election of Beijing as host sport, construction, communications city in 2001, the IOC Co-ordination and marketing. Commission has visited annually. From 2005, there will be two visits per year, IPC President and IOC Co-ordination with the next planned for May 2005. Commission Member Phil Craven com- mented: "The IPC is satisfied with the BOCOG also made a progress report status of BOCOG's planning. Following BOCOG Representative Shu’an Yang and IPC to the IPC Sports’ Council in Bonn, President Phil Craven during the IPC Sports’ the ATHENS Organizing Committee's held from 17 to 20 February 2005. Council Meeting in Bonn, Germany.

PARALYMPIC GAMES: VANCOUVER 2010

Bell Canada on Board On 19 January 2005, the Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic and 12 March 2005: Paralympic Winter Games (VANOC) and the Vancouver Five years to Vancouver Agreement (an urban develop- ment initiative of the govern- ments of Canada, British Columbia and Vancouver) Minister of Western Economic announced a new partnership Diversification and Minister of State with Bell Canada that will inject (Sport) stated: "This unique partnership €1.25 million over the next four will inspire more businesses to get years for the economic revitaliza- involved and help make the 2010 tion of the Downtown Eastside. Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games the most inclusive ever held." The investment is part of Bell Canada's Premier National Bell Canada is the first corporate part- Partnership with VANOC, and ner to support the VANOC and supports efforts by VANOC and Vancouver Agreement plans to revitalize Photo: Jeff Vinnick the Vancouver Agreement to the Downtown Eastside's economy. The ensure that Vancouver's inner- investment will help foster economic city communities receive oppor- VANOC and Bell Canada join forces. From left development such as business opportu- tunities to benefit from hosting to right: Stephen Owen, Murray Coell, Anne nities to fill vacant Downtown Eastside the 2010 Olympic and Roberts, Ken Lyotier, Stephen Wetmore, Jack commercial space and jobs for local res- Paralympic Winter Games. Poole. idents. The Honourable Stephen Owen, PARALYMPIC GAMES: 2012

2012 Decision Making Process

How will the decision be made to Paris (FRA). Paris: 9 - 12 March 2005 choose which citiy will host the 2012 Moscow: 14 - 17 March 2005. Olympic and Paralympic Games? The Commission, chaired by Olympic champion Nawal El Moutawakel and The Commission will now submit a The IOC Evaluation Commission has including IPC Representative Patrick report to the IOC members, who will received the Candidature Files from Jarvis, have analysed the files and then elect the host city on 6 July all five Candidate Cities bidding to made site inspections as follows: 2005 during the 117th IOC Session in host the 2012 Olympic and Singapore. Paralympic Games (in alphabetical Madrid: 3 - 6 February 2005 order): London (GBR), Madrid (ESP), London: 16 - 19 February 2005 Moscow (RUS), New York (USA) and New York: 21 - 24 February 2005

PAGE 3 IPC NEWS

Cairo Hosts IPC Extraordinary General Assembly Constitution (87 in favour, 2 against, 2 systems will be developed (e.g. eligibili- abstentions) and Nomination and ty criteria, sport specific criteria and Election Procedures for the Governing protest procedures). Board (89 in favour, 1 against, 2 abstentions). This means that all per- Said IPC President Phil Craven: sons standing for election for the IPC "Despite the fact that INAS-FID has Governing Board in 2005 will start with not met the conditions, the IPC mem- a clean slate and will be eligible for bership has reaffirmed that the interest three terms (of four years). The of the athletes comes in first place. In Governing Board will be elected by the consultation with the IPC sports, ath- IPC membership at the 2005 General letes with an intellectual disability Assembly. should be able to gradually return to IPC sanctioned competitions as a The proposed list of the IPC Standing means of testing the sport specific Committees and the 2005 budget were components of the eligibility and verifi- also adopted by the EGA and six new cation process." Members of the Paralympic Family voting NPCs were approved - Afghanistan, during the IPC Extraordinary General Bangladesh, Iraq, Nepal, Surinam and Assembly, in Cairo, Egypt. Timor-Leste - bringing the total number of NPCs to 161. A total of 78 National Paralympic Committees (NPCs), five International It was agreed by a majority of 74 in Organizations of Sport for the Disabled favour, 18 against and 4 abstentions (IOSDs) and 18 sports attended the that the International Sports Federation IPC Extraordinary General Assembly for Person with an Intellectual Disability (EGA) in Cairo, Egypt, on 25 November (INAS-FID) has not developed a reliable, 2004. During the Assembly, members valid and proven eligibility and verifica- of the Paralympic Family covered and tion system. Despite this fact, the EGA voted on several important issues, agreed not to exclude athletes with an which will strengthen the IPC for the intellectual disability from IPC sanc- future. The following provides a brief tioned competitions. Instead, while summary of the decisions reached dur- recognising that INAS-FID has the pri- ing the EGA. mary responsibility, the IPC will actively IPC President Phil Craven and IPC direct the process by which mutually SecretaryGeneral Miguel Sagarra welcome A clear majority adopted the new acceptable eligibility and verification the six new NPCs. Sports Get Together Over 50 representatives from 24 sports During the meeting, a post-evaluation of and IOSD and Regional Technical the ATHENS 2004 Paralympic Games Representatives from the Africa, Asian was conducted, including working group and Americas regions met in Bonn, sessions about the qualification and Germany, from 17 to 20 February 2005, sport entries procedures and the Games for the IPC Sports’ Council Meeting. officials' services. The meeting also Interim Chairperson Fred Jansen com- included presentations by the Torino mented: “The Council was very co-oper- 2006 and the Beijing 2008 Organizing ative, taking the time for good discus- Committees. The fruitful meeting provid- sions and decisions in the interest of all ed a good foundation to move forward sports and the IPC. The meeting had a over the next four years. pleasant atmosphere - I sensed a lot of passion and drive."

The Sports’ Council in action. New IPC Regional Structure

During its meeting in April 2004, the IPC Executive Committee (now the Governing Board) agreed that the regional structure of the IPC will be changed from six to five regions. Therefore, the IPC Middle East Region will cease to exist and its member countries will be included into the IPC Asian Region.

This decision was taken in mutual agreement with the current Middle East and Asian Regions and took effect on 1 January 2005. Until the General Assembly elections in 2005, both cur- rent Regional Representatives will keep their position on the IPC Governing The five IPC regions. Board. In addition, it was agreed to align the and Uzbekistan (former members of membership of the regional organiza- Europe), have become members of tions to those of the IOC. As a conse- the Asian Region, ‘the Asian PAGE quence, beginning 1 January 2005 the Paralympic Council’. NPCs of Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan 4 THE PARALYMPIAN ISSUE 1: 2005 IPC NEWS Draw in Athletes’ Council Election

From 28 to 29 January 2005, members of the IPC Athletes' Council gathered at the IPC Headquarters in Bonn, Germany, for their first meeting follow- ing the elections held at the ATHENS 2004 Paralympic Games.

During this meeting, Rutger Sturkenboom was elected Vice Chairperson and Carme Garcia Rigau Secretary. The position of Chairperson remains undecided due to a tie between the two candidates, Robert Balk and Ljiljana Ljubisic. Therefore, Vice-Chairperson Rutger Sturkenboom will act as Interim Chairperson until the Athletes' Council meets again in late Photo: Cynthia Rüehmekorf April for new elections. Member of the IPC Athletes’ Council, from left to right, top: Ana Garcia-Arcicollar Vallejo, Other items on the agenda were: the Robert Balk, Ljiljana Ljubisic, Rutger Sturkenboom, Tanja Kari; bottom: IPC President Phil budget for 2005, the approval of the Craven, Carme Garcia Rigau, Rania Elwani, Konstantinos Fykas. renaming of the Athletes' Committee to Hess (France), Tanja Kari (Finland), Athletes' Council, reports from Ljiljana Ljubisic (Canada) and Rutger Paralympic Games (2004-2012) and Sturkenboom (The Netherlands). Rania presentations by the IPC Departments. Elwani (Egypt) is the new IOC Representative to the Athletes' Currently, the Athletes' Council consists Council. Kjartam Haugen has accepted of the following members: Robert Balk the position as Member at Large fol- Appointments (USA), Konstantinos Fykas (Greece), lowing the withdrawl of Michael Milton, Ana Garcia-Arcicollar Vallejo (Spain), until new elections are held at the Carme Garcia Rigau (Spain), Beatrice Torino 2006 Paralympic Winter Games. Dr. York Chow was recently appointed as the Secretary Taking Stock in Torino for Health, Welfare & Food for the Hong Kong govern- ment. Dr. Chow is a current member of the IPC Governing Board as Vice President of Policy, Planning and Development.

On 4 December 2004, Alan Dickson was elected President of the Cerebral Palsy International Sports and Recreation Association (CP- ISRA) at its 23rd General Assembly in Edinburgh, Scotland. Mr. Dickson has been © TOROC involved with CP- Venue plan for the Torino 2006 Paralympic Winter Games. ISRA since 1993. He is a current member of the IPC The IPC Games Liaison Committee and "We have seen progress in many Governing Board as the CP-ISRA the Organizing Committee for the important areas since the last Representative. Torino 2006 Paralympic Winter Games Games Liaison meeting was held. In (TOROC) held its third meeting in the last two days, we have empha- Dr. Björn Hedman Torino, Ital, from 9 to 10 December. sised the need for enhanced com- has been appointed TOROC presented progress reports munication now that the Games are member of the and the next steps to be taken to the just a little over one year away. At World Anti-Doping IPC. this point of time, our main concern Agency (WADA) is the TOROC budget deficit and Health, Medical and Topics covered in the meeting include how it will affect the Paralympic Research accommodation, accreditation, market- Winter Games. We are waiting for the Committee. As a ing and broadcasting, with significant decision, to then be able to get an member of the progress made in the areas of trans- overview of the implications on the Committee, he will portation, medical services and technol- services provided to the Paralym- contribute to rec- ogy. Improvement has also been made pics." ommendations of a scientific nature to with regards to the accommodation for the WADA Executive Committee. Dr. the Paralympic Family. The Torino 2006 Paralympic Winter Hedman is a current member of the Games will take place from 10 to 19 IPC Governing Board as the Medical François Terranova, Chairperson of the March 2006 in Torino, Sestriere, Officer. PAGE IPC Games Liaison Committee, stated: Pragelato and Pinerolo, Italy. 5 WORLD CUP

Paralympic World Cup Ups the Pace

From 12 to 15 May 2005, more already confirmed their partici- than 350 athletes from around pation. 50 countries will compete at the first Paralympic World Cup, The Paralympic World Cup is taking place in Manchester, an IPC sanctioned event, with Great Britain. The Paralympic technical support provided by World Cup is set to be one of the IPC, IPC Athletics, the biggest annual multi-sport Swimming, and Cycling and the events featuring Athletics, International Wheelchair Cycling (track), Swimming and Basketball Federation. The IPC Wheelchair Basketball competi- is pleased to be sanctioning tions. the Paralympic World Cup and has licensed the rights of this The event promises to provide international multi-sport compe- a very high level of competition tition from 2005-2007, to be and excitement as some of the hosted in Manchester, to the world's top teams are already British Paralympic Association lined up to take part. Athletes (BPA). and teams from Australia, Germany, Great Britain, France, For more information about the Japan, the Netherlands, Spain, event and how to purchase Sweden and the USA are com- tickets please visit the official website www.paralympicworld- mitted to participate. Photo:Walsh Darren cup.com. Three of the biggest stars in British Paralympians Tanni Grey-Thompson (Athletics) and Athletics Tanni Grey-Thompson Sinclair Thomas (Wheelchair Basketball) show their support. (GBR), Oscar Pistorius (RSA) and Danny Crates (GBR) have IPC President Phil Craven said: "The IPC is very pleased that Athletics, Cycling, Swimming and Wheelchair "The Paralympic World Cup is the per- Basketball - four Paralympic sports - fect annual event for my sport. It will will be showcased in Manchester in offer top-level competition on a regular 2005. I am sure that the Paralympic basis and will expand awareness of World Cup will be yet another opportu- elite disability sport" stated nity for Paralympians to inspire and Paralympian Tanni Grey-Thompson. excite the world!"

WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS: WHEELCHAIR CURLING Wheelchair Curling Puts It On Ice

From 17 to 22 January 2005, the third Scotland. Organized by the Local a row. The Swiss team won the bronze Wheelchair Curling World Champion- Organising Committee under the aus- medal beating Sweden 10:0. Norway ships took place in Braehead, pices of the World Curling Federation placed fifth, overcoming Canada 11:0. (WCF), the event included 80 athletes from 16 countries. The Championships were the final opportunity to qualify for the Torino 2006 Paralympic Winter Games, where this sport will debut on the Paralympic programme.

The first shot of the event was deliv- ered by the current Olympic Curling Champion Rhona Martin directed by IPC President Phil Craven. On 18 January, HRH Princess Anne also attended the event to meet with ath- letes and volunteers and to watch some of the games.

After beating Denmark 7:5 in a close final, the Scottish National Team of Photo: Hakan Sundstrom Photo: Bob Cowan Frank Duffy, Michael McCreadie, Tom Frank Duffy, of the Scottish Wheelchair Killin, Angie Malone and Ken Dickson HRH Princess Anne visited the 2005 Curling team makes a crucial shot. was named the Wheelchair Curling Wheelchair Curling Champs held in Scotland. World Champion for the second year in

"Wheelchair Curling has seen a remarkable success in a relatively short period of time. We are delighted to be part of the Paralympic Family who have welcomed and supported the introduction of Wheelchair Curling" said Kate PAGE Caithness, World Curling Federation Wheelchair Curling Chairperson. 6 THE PARALYMPIAN ISSUE 1: 2005 IPC SPORTS CALENDAR

2005 IPC Nordic Skiing WC 12 - 20 Mar 2005 Fort Kent, ME, USA 2005 IPC Archery WC 25 Sept - 3 Oct 2005 Massa Carrara, Italy Torino 2006 Paralympic Winter Games 10 - 19 Mar 2006 Torino, Italy 2006 IPC Athletics WC Jul/Aug 2006 Assen, Netherlands 2006 IPC Table Tennis WC 30 Sept - 9 Oct 2006 Montreux, Switzerland 2006 IPC Wheelchair Dance Sport WC 13 - 14 Oct 2006 Arnhem, Netherlands 2006 IPC Swimming WC 27 Nov - 9 Dec 2006 Durban, South Africa

SPORTS NEWS TeamPARADISE Sets Sail

A group of veteran Olympic sailors An elite group of international sailors from around the world have announced will participate in the programme, the establishment of the first ever pro- including the US Sailing Association's gramme to pair Olympic medallists with Rolex Sailor of the Year for 2000 and athletes with a disability, in preparation 2004 Olympic gold medallist Kevin for the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games. Burnham, 2000 Olympic bronze medal- list and top ranked sailor Freddy Loof Magnus Liljedahl (USA), winner of the of Sweden, 2003 Rolex Yachtsman of Star Class Sailing 2000 Olympic Gold the year Augie Diaz, 1992 Olympic sil- Medal, is spearheading the newly ver medallist Morgan Reeser and 1932 named TeamPARADISE in Florida, gold medallist George Crawford. USA, under the auspices of Shake-A- Leg Miami (SALM), one of the world’s As part of its support for the project, largest, fully accessible water sports SALM has agreed to expand its race centres. schedule by adding two major regattas per year to the current Miami Olympic TeamPARADISE participants will spend Class Regatta and the SALM Mid- much of their time sailing and learning Winter Regatta, to include more inter- skills through on-the-water drills, prac- national sailors with a disability and tice starts and short races that pit more boat classes. them against the very best sailors on the globe. The programme aims to pro- vide expert coaching in all areas includ- ing tactics, rules, equipment and fit- British Paralympic team member Hannah ness. Coaches then focus on develop- Stodel tests the tension in the lines of her ing teams, combining the skills of each boat at the start of the 2005 Rolex Miami Olympic Class Regatta. individual into a cohesive unit. Photo: David Adame

MISCELLANEOUS And the Award Goes to... Paralympian Stars in Photo of the Year In 2005, the IPC will be presenting a number of awards to members of the Paralympic Family and others for their A photograph of the Spanish will be presented on 24 April in unique contributions to the Paralympic Paralympic swimmer Xavi Torres, Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The Movement. taken by British photographer Bob photo will tour the world as part of an Martin for Sports Illustrated, has been international exhibition to 85 locations. The Paralympic Sport Awards will be selected by the World Press Photo as presented to a number of athletes in the Best Sports Photo of the Year You can find a special pullout poster of the categories: Best Male Athlete, Best 2004 in the category: Sports Action the photograph on pages 8 to 9 of this Female Athlete, Best Team Single. The photo was taken in 2004 issue of The Paralympian. Performance, Best Paralympic Games during the heats of the men's 200m Debut and Exemplary Paralympic (S5) at the ATHENS 2004 Paralympic Games Official. Games. The Paralympic Media Awards will be The photograph was awarded to members of the interna- chosen out of 69,190 tional media in the following categories: entries contributed by Broadcast, Print, Photo and Radio. 4,266 professional photographers from The Paralympic Scientific Award will 123 countries. recognize one outstanding contributor (academic or scientific) to the field of The World Press Photo sport for persons with a disability. is the most prestigious international annual The nomination procedure for all competition for press Paralympic Awards will open on 1 April photography. Prizes 2005. Please continue to check the are awarded in ten IPC website www.paralympic .org categories to 59 pho- for further details. PAGE tographers. The award Photo: Bob Martin, Sports Illustrated 7 WORLD PR

©Photo: Bob Martin - Sports Illustrated RESS PHOTO CONTEST 2004 - FIRST PRIZE SPORTS ACTION ATHENS 2004 PARALYMPIC GAMES XAVI TORRES (ESP) MEN’S 200m HEAT FREESTYLE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS: WHEELCHAIR DANCE SPORT Wheelchair Dance Sport Takes to the Floor After the finals, Chairperson Grethe Wheelchair Dance Sport Committee Anderson and Vice Chairperson and (IPWDSC). A doping control pro- organiser, Nobuko Yotsumoto, the gramme was implemented during the President of the Japanese NPC and event as part of the IPC’s continuing President of the Japanese Dance efforts against doping in sport. Federation, attended a reception with the Emperor and Empress. Wheelchair Dance Sport is an IPC Championship sport, but is today not The World Championship programme part of the Paralympic programme. It included both Standard dances (waltz, is governed by IPWDSC. It follows the tango, Viennese waltz, slow foxtrot and modified rules of the International quickstep) and Latin American dances Dance Sport Federation (IDSF) and is (samba, cha-cha-cha, rumba, paso practiced by athletes in over 19 coun- doble and jive). Events were held in tries. "combi"-style dancing, with an able-bod- Photo: Aki Suzuki ied (standing) partner.

From 20 to 21 November 2004, around 140 athletes from 15 nations took to Class I (Standard): Illona Slugovina and the floor of the National Olympics Oleksiy Ragulin, Ukraine. Memorial Youth Centre in Tokyo, Japan, Class I (Latin): Alena Serkulskaya and for the IPC Wheelchair Dance Sport Dzmitry Shaplyka, Belarus. World Championships. Class II (Standard): Monica Chojnacka and Lukasz Prochacki, Poland. The venue proved to be perfect for Class II (Latin): Dorota Janowska and the event, with a dance surface of Piotr Iwanicki, Poland. 300m² for the athletes to perform. The event boasted a full audience for all competition days and was honoured by The event was organized by the a visit from the Japanese Emperor and Japanese Wheelchair Dance Sport Empress on the final day of competi- Federation (JWDSF), in co-operation Photo: Aki Suzuki tion. with the International Paralympic

ATHLETE PROFILE “Like a Fish in Water”

The Paralympian recently spoke to Bratislava in November! our choreographed routines. Polish Wheelchair Dancers Dorota Janoswka and Piotr Iwanicki following TP: What kind of training is involved in PI: We practice not only the Standard or the Wheelchair Dance Sport World Wheelchair Dance Sport? Latin American styles but also enjoy Champs held in November 2004 in new and different dance styles like bal- Tokyo, where they won first place in DJ: We have lessons with our coach for let or modern dance. the Class II Latin American the technical skills or we focus only on Competition. They are trained by TP: How do you feel when you take the Wlodzimierz and Iwona Ciok and Maria floor in a competition? Zajdler. PI: I forget about everything when I The Paralympian: How did you start enter the dance floor - I see only my competing in Wheelchair Dance Sport? partner and the audience.

Piotr Iwanicki: It was just good luck. I DJ: When I take the floor I feel like a was repairing my wheelchair when a fish in water, I love it! I am always nerv- woman there told me about Wheelchair ous before competition, but when I take Dance Sport. I decided to try and I the floor I forget about everything, think really enjoyed my first practice. only about the music.

Dorota Janowska: I have been dancing TP: What kind of difficulties have you for 12 years now, since I was 8. I was faced in your sport? introduced to Peter at my dance school by Iwona Ciok and we began PI: At first I didn't know how to use my dancing together in 2002. wheelchair and I was pretty shy.

TP: What competitions have you com- DJ: As an able-bodied dancer I was peted in so far? What competitions are scared of the wheelchair at first. But you looking forward to? we have done a lot of training and now I feel 100% sure on the dancefloor. DJ: Over the past three years we have competed all over Europe, in the last TP: What advice would you give to two World Cups (2002 and 2004) and other persons with a disability consider- the World Champs (2002 and 2004). ing taking up Wheelchair Dance Sport?

PI: In 2005, we are looking forward to DJ: Don't be scared of dancing! If you the Boxmeer World Cup in March and want to try dancing, then do it because then Warsaw in April for the Photo: Jaroslaw Michalek everybody can dance! Polish Open Champs and then on PAGE to the European Champs in Piotr Iwanicki and Dorota Janowaska: PI: You just have to take that first step! “like a fish in water”. 10 THE PARALYMPIAN ISSUE 1: 2005 SPORTS PROFILE: GOALBALL

Goalball is one of the unique allow athletes to audibly track Paralympic sports that does not have a the location of the ball. counterpart on the Olympic pro- Therefore spectators in the gramme. The Paralympian spoke to stands must remain silent dur- Goalball Chairperson Jim Leask to find ing a match so that players can out what makes this sport so special. concentrate and react instantly to the sound. The Paralympian: What is the history behind the sport? The game of Goalball is a phys- ical sport and requires addition- Jim Leask: Goalball was introduced in al padding for the safety of the 1946 by Austrian Hanz Lorenzen and players. Elbow, hip and chest German Sepp Reindle, in an effort to protectors are used along with help in the rehabilitation of blinded war hand and leg guards. The veterans. The game was introduced to design of the equipment is the world in 1976 at the Paralympics in unique to the country partici- Toronto, Canada, when people with a pating in the sport of Goalball. Photo: Lieven Coudneys visual impairment were included as a The most important piece of disability group. In addition, every four equipment required in Goalball to tinued growth of the sport. With IPC years a World Championship event has ensure that all players, regardless of and IBSA support, clinics have been been held with the first being in Austria the level of visual impairment are on an recently conducted in Lithuania, in 1978. Since its inception the popular- equal footing, is blackout goggles. Turkey and Brazil. Further clinics are ity of Goalball has increased on a global planned in 2005 for South America, scale. We now have programmes in TP: What type of classification system the Middle East and Asia. A coaching over 85 countries and it is played com- is used for Goalball? development programme will also be petitively in 58 nations in all of the launched in 2005. International Blind Sport Federation JL: Because of the use of blackout (IBSA) regions. goggles the classification system is TP: Can you summarise the success based on the requirement that a player of the Goalball competition at the TP: Which kind of equipment and assis- be blind as defined by the IBSA regula- ATHENS 2004 Paralympic Games? tance are needed by Paralympic ath- tions. letes to participate in Goalball? JL: Any one of the top ten men's TP: Who are the leading nations in the teams could have won a medal and in JL: The main piece of equipment is an sport? the women's competition any of the adapted ball which contains a bell to seven women's teams were medal JL: In the men's divi- worthy. Because of both the quality of sion Denmark, play and the commitment of the Sweden and USA are Games organizers, the ATHENS 2004 the top nations and in Paralympics were an outstanding com- the women's division, petition. Canada, USA and Japan. But the com- TP: In which areas do you see a need petition is fierce. for further development?

TP: What develop- JL: In order to continue the growth of ments have been the sport of Goalball we will expand made in the sport our officials programme and launch our recently? new coaches programme this year. Our overall development strategy is to JL: The expansion of expand the number of women and the IBSA official’s totally blind athletes playing the game programme has been and also to provide coaching and ref- and will continue to eree opportunities in all IBSA regions. Photo: Lieven Coudneys be a key to the con-

REGIONAL NEWS EYES 2004 Comes to an End

On the occasion of the Closing and social capabilities such as team- Ceremony of the European Year of work, solidarity and fair play. Education through Sport 2004 (EYES), held on 2 December 2004, in Papendal, The IPC-EYES partnership was high- the Netherlands, the IPC Treasurer, lighted at a special EYES day during John Teunissen, had the opportunity to the ATHENS 2004 Paralympic Games. present IPC's work in the field of edu- Both parties agreed that combining the cation and development and to talk to communicative powers of the European the European Commissioner, Ján Figel, Commission and the Paralympic about future areas of co-operation Movement could help to boost the pro- between the IPC and the European motion of Paralympic sporting values. Commission. At the Closing Ceremony, Mr. Teunissen Throughout 2004, the IPC and the and Mr. Figel discussed the successful European Commission have worked EYES partnership and explored oppor- closely together on several occasions. tunities for future co-operation. They This partnership enabled the European agreed to meet again to advance dif- Photo: Media Consulta Commission to utilize the social and ferent activities for the development of educational values of Paralympic sport Paralympic sport in- and outside the Dutch Football Player and EYES to meet the objectives of the EYES European Community. spokesperson Clarence Seedorf with PAGE project - to increase knowledge, skills European Commissioner Ján Figel. 11 REGIONAL NEWS

Paralympic School Day Disabled Children's and Youth Sport Federation, Latvia and the Swedish Project Development Centre for Disability Sport, Sweden.

From 3 to 4 December 2004 the IPC These partners are co-operating on a hosted the first conference within the national level with an elementary school, framework of the Paralympic School an institute of higher physical education Day Project (PSD) at its Headquarters and a sport federation for persons with in Bonn, Germany. a disability to implement the Paralympic School Day in their respective nations. In 2004, the European Paralympic Committee (EPC) initiated this two- A final script including all educational year project as co-ordinating organiza- material used and a vocational training tion. The PSD aims to raise awareness Photo: Lieven Coudneys manual will enable participating and understanding in elementary European countries to implement the School children at the Sydney 2000 schools about sport for persons with a programme in their schools in the Paralympic Games. disability. The project was made possi- future. ble by a grant from the European Union (EU). University of Leuven, Belgium, the This multicultural project aims to University of Olomouc, Czech change the attitudes of youth towards The partner organizations involved in Republic, the University of Koblenz, persons with a disability and provide an the PSD Project are the European Germany, the Aristotle University of advocacy tool for elementary school Paralympic Committee, the Catholic Thessaloniki, Greece, the Latvian teachers to use.

NPC PROFILE: TIMOR LESTE Timor Leste Joins Paralympic Family

At the IPC TP: What are your main objectives as make much impact. Another problem Extraordinary an organization? we face is that there are no accessi- General Assembly ble training facilities or venues in our held in Cairo, JSL: We have tried to establish the country, which makes it difficult when Egypt, in Paralympic Committee as an umbrella organizing competitions. November last organization to protect and improve year, six new the status and ensure the equal rights TP: As a newly formed NPC, what NPCs joined the of people with a disability in all sports advice would you give to other coun- Paralympic activities. tries interested in developing Movement. The Paralympic sport? Paralympian had TP: Who are your main target groups an opportunity to and how do you reach them? JSL: Our country is still rebuilding fol- speak to Julio lowing the conflict we endured up to Sarmento Lopes, Secretary General of JSL: We target all of the five 2002, however, this is one way in the Timor Leste Paralympic Committee Paralympic disability groups - spinal which we can help those people with (TLPC), to find out what is in store for injury, visual impairment, cerebral palsy, a disability in our country to rebuild one of the newest NPCs. amputee and les Autres. We have their lives and to fully participate in found that by targeting urban areas, sporting activities. Paralympic sport The Paralympian: When and how was particularly the capital city of Dili, we offers hope and opportunity to the the NPC in Timor Leste established? have good access to a large number people of Timor Leste and I would like of people with a disability. to encourage any other country con- Julio Sarmento Lopes: The NPC of sidering joining the Paralympic Timor Leste was established on 28 TP: What major goals do you have for Movement. February 2004 following discussions the next 5 years? between representatives from the 13 regions in Timor Leste, local NGOs and JSL: In the short-term we are prepar- the national Athletics, Powerlifting and ing for the upcoming regional, national Table Tennis federations. and international competitions sanc- tioned by the IPC. One of the next TP: How many people work at your events we are looking towards is the NPC? Asian Para Games in Manila, Philippines, in December 2005. JSL: At the moment we have a staff of18 volunteers who run the adminis- We also have plans to hold a series of tration and sport activities. We do not competitions to identify new talent have a permanent headquarters so we that we can help develop for future are using the residence of the Presi- competitions. dent of our Committee to run our activities. TP: What are the challenges facing your organization right now? TP: How many members (athletes) do you have in your NPC? JSL: We face many significant chal- lenges in Timor Leste, firstly the lack JSL: We currently have 30 athletes of funding which we need to help sup- who participate at an international port our athletes and to implement a level, however one of our main objec- national development programme. We tives is to develop an athlete identifica- do have some support from our gov- tion programme over the next few ernment and from corporate contribu- PAGE years to increase that number. tions, however as we are still such a young organization we have yet to 12 THE PARALYMPIAN ISSUE 1: 2005 MEDICAL AND SCIENTIFIC What is ADAMS?

IPC, UN and ICSSPE Join Forces to The IPC is currently involved as part of the Anti-Doping Administrative Commemorate the International Year of Sport and Management System (ADAMS) Physical Education (IYSPE) 2005 Implementation Group to assist the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in the first stage in implementation of a Mr. Ogi, ICSSPE President Prof. Dr. central database. ADAMS will be man- Gudrun Doll-Tepper and an introduction aged by WADA to assist with world- by IPC President Phil Craven. wide testing co-ordination including: Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUE), This initiative aims to include work cov- athlete whereabouts information, ering all areas of the social and med- results and laboratory reporting. ical sciences and to provide a global overview of the issues facing different During this first phase, the IPC has In celebration of the 2005 IYSPE the disability groups, levels (from participa- been providing feedback on the IPC, in association with the Internatio- tion to elite competition), issues of stig- ADAMS technical specifications. nal Council of Sports Science and ma and discrimination (gender, race, Training is expected to be carried out Physical Education (ICSSPE) and the etc) and Paralympic sports in all in April 2005 with full implementation Special Adviser to the UN Secretary regions of the world. to start in phases from mid-2005. General on Sport for Development and Peace, is encouraging and promoting Articles submitted for consideration ADAMS offers a secure, centralized, research on a number of topics con- should be in the following format: online service assisting WADA and its cerned with sport for persons with a abstract, introduction, methodology, stakeholders in their day-to-day opera- disability and the Paralympic results, discussion and an additional tions in order to fulfil their obligations Movement. chapter entitled 'practical implications'. under the World Anti-Doping Code. The total length of the article should There will be three general compo- As such, the IPC is calling for article be no longer than 6,000 words. The nents to the system: submissions from academic and scien- due date for submission of articles is tific institutions that conduct research 15 April 2005. Whereabouts System on these topics. All work submitted will ADAMS will facilitate the collection of be reviewed, with several articles Articles should be sent to: athlete whereabouts information by selected for publication in a special International Paralympic Committee receiving updated information on ath- edition of the ICSSPE 'Perspectives' Attn. Mr. Andy Parkinson letes in national and/or international series - The Multidisciplinary Series of Medical & Scientific Director testing pools. The system will monitor Physical Education and Sport Science Adenauerallee 212-214 the failure of athletes to provide com- (for more information about Perspec- 53113 Bonn, Germany. plete whereabouts information. tives, please visit www.icsspe.org). This edition will be focused on the contribu- Clearinghouse tion of sport for persons with a disabili- ADAMS will receive Doping Control ty to highlight the work done in this data on in-competition and out-of-com- field. petition tests, laboratory results and information on adverse analytical find- This project is fully endorsed by the ings and anti-doping rule violations. Special Adviser to the UN Secretary This information will be made available General on Sport for Development and to relevant athletes and/or stakehold- Peace, Adolf Ogi. To highlight the col- ers and statistical information will be laborative work done in this field, the disclosed publicly. publication will include a foreword by Doping Control System New IPC Classification Code ADAMS will manage a doping control programme including the planning of Before and Anne Hart, Chairperson (IPC test distribution, athlete selection, data following the Classification Committee Member & entry and results management. ATHENS IWRF Chief Classifier), Trish Jensen 2004 (IPC Classification Committee Paralympic Chairperson), Don Perriman (IWBF Games, the Chief Classifier), Jane Buckley (IPC Chief Swimming Classifier) and Terrie Moore Classifiers (CP-ISRA Sports Technical Committee highlighted a Chairperson). need to devel- op standard The first draft of the Code is sched- protocols and uled to be completed by April 2005 principles for and distributed for feedback before classification the final version is completed by the ensuring the Torino 2006 Paralympic Winter Games. consistent The final version will be presented to Anne Hart application of the IPC Governing Board and the IPC classification systems in all sports and General Assembly. at all levels. The development of the Code will take In order to progress the development some time and effort to complete and of the IPC Classification Code, the IPC the IPC hopes that all Chief Classifiers, has invited a number of experts in clas- NPCs, athletes, coaches and the sification to be a part of the Working Paralympic Family will contribute to the Group. The following have accepted process, through constructive feed- the IPC's invitation and will assist in the back on the draft versions, ensuring development and content of the Code: that the final product reflects the best practices within sport. A Paralympic skiier adds his support dur- PAGE ing the WADA Athlete Outreach Programme held in Austria in 2004. 13 DEVELOPMENT SPECIAL

IPC Takes Steps to Ensure Sustainable Development During the Development Conference From 26 to 27 November 2004, the five core areas for development were IPC Development Conference titled agreed: athlete development, leader- 'Ensuring Sustainable Development' ship development, organizational devel- was held, following the IPC opment, knowledge development and Extraordinary General Assembly in global Paralympic development. These Cairo, Egypt. With 150 participants five dimensions represent elements including National Paralympic that can ensure sustainable develop- Committees (NPCs), Sports, Regions, ment of the Movement. International Organizations of Sports for the Disabled (IOSDs), IPC Governing Participants helped to define these Board members and IPC partner organi- core areas, assess the current status zations, there was broad representation and develop practical ideas for future of the Paralympic Movement. projects such as an international awareness campaign, a Leadership Through a series of presentations and Development Project, a Paralympic discussions, the conference aimed to Administration Toolkit and an NPC Paralympian Cheri Blauwet, chaired and bring the Movement together to better Mentoring Programme. These ideas will presented at the 2004 IPC Development understand member needs, increase assist the IPC and its member organi- Conference. communication and create a unified zations to go forward in the area of direction for development. development.

"Thanks to the participants of the IPC Development Conference we now have quality feedback and suggestions on how to contin- ue to move the Paralympic Movement forward and ensure its sustainability" said IPC Secretary General Miguel Sagarra.

IPC Partnerships

The IPC and Right To representatives of their sport and as Play have signed a part- representatives of the Paralympic nership in order to pro- Movement. Among other things, they will mote sport as a means contribute to the Red Ball Report for development, health Newsletter, participate in Right To Play's and peace with particu- internet community and in speaking lar focus on inclusion of engagements and other Right To Play persons with a disability. events, co-promoting the Paralympic Games and Movement. IPC President Phil Craven commented: "The IPC is pleased that Paralympians The IPC and Right To Play will also pilot will be assisting Right To Play in their a new project in 2005 to strengthen future work, where appropriate. We Right To Play's existing curriculum that believe that this will strengthen the focuses on and facilitates the inclusion work of both organizations and lead to of children with a disability into every- new and exciting occasions to promote day sport and play activities and oppor- Photo: Right to Play sport for persons with a disability all tunities. over the world." edge and resources to keep this "Right To Play is excited about the new promise everyday. In addition, by The agreement includes the involve- opportunities that our partnership with demonstrating that anything is possi- ment of Paralympic athletes in Right the IPC will create. Inclusion of all chil- ble, Paralympic athletes are important To Play activities. These athletes will dren in sport and play is one of our guid- role models for the children that we take part in the organization's athlete ing principles. Our new association with reach." said Johann Koss, President programme as individual athletes, as the IPC will help us deepen our knowl- and CEO of Right To Play.

On 30 November 2004, ty, including a minimum hearing loss, IPC President Phil will be able to compete in the Craven and Dr. Donalda Deaflympic Games and the Deaf World Ammons, Interim Championships. This is in line with the President and Secretary IPC vision: enabling athletes to inspire General of the and excite the world," commented Mr. International Committee Craven. of Sports for the Deaf (DEAFLYMPICS), signed Both organizations will henceforth co- a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) operate in informing the relevant in Washington, D.C., USA. sports authorities of the international structures of both organizations and The MoU allows athletes with multi-dis- address the conflicts that may arise at abilities to compete in sanctioned com- a national level between the affiliated petitions, provided they meet the rele- organizations.. vant eligibility criteria and are entered through the respective national member "This agreement illustrates our commit- Photo: DEAFLYMPICS of IPC or DEAFLYMPICS. ment to working together in-sync. It will ensure that these athletes have a Phil Craven and Dr. Ammons.at the signing of "Deaf athletes with an additional disabili- global stage to display their sporting the MoU. ty represented at IPC sanctioned com- spirit and dedication” said Dr. Ammons. petitions, will now be able to participate in various IPC events. Equally, PAGE Paralympic athletes with a multi-disabili- 14 THE PARALYMPIAN ISSUE 1: 2005 DEVELOPMENT SPECIAL Women’s Initiative: Middle East Women Pave the Way

The first IPC Regional Women in liaison to the IPC. Paralympic Sport (WIPS) Summit for the former Middle East (ME) The next ME WIPS Committee meeting Region was organized and hosted is scheduled to be held during the - 4th by the Iranian NPC in Tehran, from Muslim Women's Games in September 1 to 3 December, 2004. The event 2005. Athletics, Swimming and Table was attended by twelve represen- Tennis were identified as targets for tatives from the countries of early development efforts. This pro- Bahrain, Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Qatar gramme will provide training for female and the USA. coaches, officials and classifiers. The Summit's agenda, content and "The first IPC Women in Paralympic speakers provided a stronger Sport Regional Summit was a resound- understanding of the unique chal- ing success. I was inspired and ener- lenges facing girls and women in gized by the commitment of all partici- the Middle East and enabled the pants to carry out specific actions that participants to produce an action will increase opportunities in Paralympic plan for the Region. Photo: Mehdi Zare Ardestani sport for girls and women with disabili- ties in the IPC Middle East Region," An IPC ME Women in Paralympic The participants in the IPC Middle East stated Ann Cody, Chairperson of the Sport Committee was formed and Regional Women in Paralympic Sport IPC Women in Sport Committee. Summit. Sima Limoochi was selected as the

Rehab Project: A Smile Through Sport "Sitting alone in a corner of the room MINSA Rehabilitation Center in "Many who took part in the course were was a young girl with a sad look in her Huambo, Angola. given renewed hope for a better quality eyes. I approached her and she told me of life, as sport could open the door to why she was so sad. She used to like Seven physiotherapists receive spe- other parts of the world," said Jorge playing and laughing until she was ten cialized training during three sessions Vilela de Carvalho. years old, when she lost a leg in a land- held from 1 to 5 November 2004, 24 mine explosion. When I asked her why January to 4 February 2005 and a she didn't join in, she just said "I always third to take place from 1 to 12 stay sitting". First she showed disbelief August 2005. when I played the video images of other children with a disability practising The project focuses on training profes- sport, then she tried for herself, at first sionals (physiotherapists) using sport tentatively, then came the victory, the as a means of rehabilitation, with the prize, the most important reward - her overall aim to improve the opportuni- smile…" ties for Angolans with a disability.

The IOC has recently initiated the Angola was chosen as the site for this 'Rehabilitation Through Sports: Pilot project as it is among the top three Project in Angola Assisting Amputees most affected countries for landmines and Other Persons with a Disability'. in the world. From 1975 to 2002 The project is being carried out in col- Angola endured a civil war that caused laboration with the IPC, the Angolan significant numbers of new amputees. NPC, the Angolan government, the Photo: Neves Bendinha National Olympic Committee and the

Conference Participation: World Bank and MINEPS

In celebration of the UN 2004 Stephen B. Corbin, from Special International Day of Disabled Persons Olympics, Dr. Karen DePauw from the on 3 December 2004, the World Bank International Council of Sport Science hosted a Disability and Development Physical Education (ICSSPE) and International Conference from 30 Jennifer Howitt, Paralympian. November to 1 December 2004, aim- ing to further reduce global poverty for The IPC also participated in the fourth persons with a disability. International Conference of Ministers and Senior Officials Responsible for IPC President Phil Craven acted as Physical Education and Sport (MINEPS Co-Chair of a discussion on 'Inclusion IV), which took place in Athens, Greece, through Sports and Physical from 6 to 8 December 2004. Education'. Mr. Craven spoke specifi- cally about his vision for how the IPC One of the main objectives of the can work in partnership to strengthen MINEPS conference was to formulate a sports opportunities for children and Draft International Convention Against Photo: The World Bank adults with a disability in the develop- Doping in Sport.The recommendations ing world. of the conference explicitly recog- Aerial view of the conference Poster Board nized that the IPC has made PAGE Exposition with Phil Craven and Barbara Other panelists included Co-Chair progress in the fight against doping. Trader of UNICEF in the foreground. 15 MISCELLANEOUS

UNESCO Awards German NPC for Distinguished Services to Physical Education and Sport

On 7 December 2004, the German Said Dieter Keuther, Secretary General NPC received the UNESCO Award for of the German NPC “With this award Distinguished Services to Physical the work of the German NPC over the Education and Sport. UNESCO com- last 50 years was honoured. This mended the German NPC for setting award has given us motivation to con- an example both from a social-political tinue and strengthen our work.” and from a sport-political perspective. The German NPC was established in The award was handed out to NPC 1951 in Bonn, Germany. Today it is President Theodor Zühlsdorf at the 4th based in Duisburg. It is currently Conference of Ministers and Senior responsible for over 342,000 individual Officials responsible for Physical members, 17 regional associations and  Getty Images; Photo:Tom Shaw Education and Sport (MINEPS IV) in 3,640 clubs, making it one of the Athens, Greece. largest NPCs in the Paralympic The triumphant finish by German Paralympian Movement. Wojtek Czyz during the ATHENS 2004 Paralympic Games.

Paralympic Founder and ONCE Receive Highest Paralympic Honour

On 18 September Paralympic Movement with the first President, Miguel 2004, Dr. Ludwig Paralympic Games held in Rome in Caraballeda Guttmann, the 1960. Mr. Craven said: "Awarding the Pineiro's continued founder of the Paralympic Order to Sir Ludwig support of sport Paralympic Guttmann was long overdue. The IPC for persons with a Movement was has been waiting for the right moment disability. awarded posthu- and today, here at the Paralympic mously, the Games - the pinnacle of Paralympic Movement's high- sport - we found it. We would not be est honour, the where we are at the moment, if it was Paralympic Order not for Sir Guttmann." for his outstand- ing contribution to On 17 November 2004, the ONCE sport for persons (Organización Nacional de Ciegos with a disability. Españoles) was also awarded the Photo: ONCE Photo: IWAS The award was Paralympic Order in a ceremony in presented by IPC President Phil Madrid, Spain, for their involvement in Craven, in the presence of IOC Presi- the Barcelona 1992 Paralympic Games Imprint dent Jacques Rogge and the Wheelchair and support of the Paralympic and Amputee Sports Association (IWAS) Movement in Spain and internationally, President Paul dePace, to Dr. with their contributions to the Editor: Miriam Wilkens Guttmann's daughter Eva Loeffler, who International Blind Sports Federation accepted it on his behalf. (IBSA). Assistant Editor - Graphic Design: Clare Wolfensohn Dr. Guttmann pioneered sport for per- Mr. Phil Craven stated: "The Barcelona sons with a disability in the 1940's, pro- 1992 Paralympic Games were a turn- Printing: The Happy Printer claiming the benefits of sport for reha- ing point in the Paralympic Games evo- bilitation from his work at the Spinal lution - ONCE's contribution was funda-  All rights reserved. Cord Injuries Centre at the Stoke mental to the success of those International Paralympic Committee, 2005 Mandeville Hospital in Great Britain. Games." During the award ceremony, After initiating the Stoke Mandeville Mr. Craven also praised the passion ISSN 1609-1329 Games in 1948, he initiated the and dedication of ONCE and its For subscriptions please contact: International Paralympic Committee Search for the Most Accessible Facility Adenauerallee 212-214 D-53113 Bonn, Germany In a new and exciting ibility aims to recognize those facilities Phone: +49-228-2097-200 initiative, the IPC is that have excelled in providing access Fax: +49-228-2097-209 working with the to persons with a disability, allowing E-mail: [email protected] International them to practice and view sport freely Web: www.paralympic.org Association for and without barriers. Sports and Leisure The views expressed in the Paralympian are Facilities (IAKS) to All entries for the competition will be honour the most adjudicated by a panel of experts from not necessarily those of the IPC. In case of accessible sporting IAKS, the IOC and the IPC. The award republication of any part of the Paralympian, facility with the IPC will be presented at the official open- please send a copy to the IPC. Distinction for Accessibility. The ing of the 19th IAKS Congress on 26 award is part of the IOC/IAKS October 2005 in Cologne, Germany. The publisher reserves the right to edit Award 2005 for Exemplary submitted articles. Sports and Leisure Facilities, an Submissions are due by 30 April 2005. international architecture compe- For more information about the award Worldwide Partner: tition for sports and leisure facili- requirements and for the official sub- PAGE ties. mission documents, please visit www.iaks.info. 16 The IPC Distinction for Access-