OFFICIAL MAGAZINE OF THE PARALYMPIC MOVEMENT

ISSUE # 01 | 2019 THE

EMPOWERED More female Para athletes are rising up to challenges

DIGITAL DYNAMICS CASE STUDY FEATURE Paralympic Movement celebrates Marketing secrets of a successful How one woman’s story won women’s achievements wheelchair Worlds the 2020 Paralympic bid PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

“The IPC has achieved a great deal in a relatively short space of time – probably far more than most could have imagined 30 years ago when the organisation was formed.” 48The USA’s Keith Gabel high fives kids who attended a Para snowboard camp held during the 2019 World Championships

ear readers, membership-focussed and make for a more inclusive world through Para . With so As the IPC prepares to celebrate many opportunities out there, it is important ­ its 30th anniversary this autumn, we maximise our potential, developing the the organisation is changing, gearing up for its Paralympic Movement at all levels in the further evolution. ­coming years.

Since the last edition of The Paralympian, we This edition of The Paralympian underlines why have announced a change of leadership at the I am so excited for the future of the Paralympic ­ head of the IPC management team, confirmed­ Movement. The last six months have been the IPC will move to bigger offices in our home ­jam-packed featuring great Para sport events city of Bonn, Germany, made strong progress­ with taekwondo and ice leading the with the governance review and the IPC way with outstanding World Championships.­ ­Athletes’ Council published its first strategy. This summer promises­ to follow­ suit with no less than 12 World ­Championships ahead of Soon to follow will be the IPC Strategic Plan us. 2019-2022 and the bringing together of the IPC membership at October’s IPC General Add into the mix the 2019 Parapan Assembly and Conference. There will also be American Games, Tokyo 2020 Test Events, several other exciting announcements over the 2026 Paralympic Winter Games host city summer months, so keep an eye out for them! ­announcement, as well as the production of the first-ever Paralympic , and I am October’s meetings in Bonn will be an­ sure you will share my enthusiasm and passion ideal opportunity to celebrate how far the IPC for the future. has come since its creation in 1989. The IPC has achieved a great deal in a relatively short space of time – probably far more than most could have imagined 30 years ago when the organisation was formed. However, in my view, the IPC’s best and most fruitful years lie ahead Andrew Parsons as we aim to become more athlete-centred, IPC President

2 THE PARALYMPIAN 01|2019 THE PARALYMPIAN 01|2019 3 CONTENTS

THE PARALYMPIAN

EXECUTIVE EDITOR 16 Craig Spence LEAD EDITOR Ros Dumlao COPY EDITORS Teddy Katz CONTRIBUTORS Hernan Goldzycher, Beau Greenway, Teddy Katz, Jonas Oliveira DESIGNER Designfee – Bianca Werninghaus ART EDITORS Carolin Baird, Yosof Rohesh, Annika Zeyen PRINTING welzel + hardt GmbH All rights reserved © 2019 International Paralympic Committee ISSN 1609-1329

CONTACT 10 International Paralympic Committee Adenauerallee 212-214 D-53113 Bonn, Germany Tel. +49 228 2097-200 Fax +49 228 2097-209 [email protected] www.paralympic.org

IMAGES © Photo Credits: Florent Perville (p.1); Jani Karppa (p.2/48/49); Getty Images (p.3/4/6/10/11/ 22/26/27/33/36/37/39/54/55/56/57/58/59/60/62/63/67); Delly Carr (p.5/58); JP Games (p.7); 123rf.com (p. 7/10/ 17/21/26/27/30/31); Leszek Sibilski (p.7); Filippo Fortis (p.8); Sven Moritz (p.9); Tokyo 2020 (p.12/33); CPSF (p.13); Asian Paralympic Committee (p.15); NPC (p.14); Ji Jung Hwan (p.14); Matthew Roy (p.15); James Varghese/BWF (p.15); Amos Gumulira (p.16); NPC Kazakhstan (p.17); Kumekawa Makihiko (p.17); OIS (p.18/19); Madrid 2018 LOC (p.19); Lukas Kabon/Ostrava 2019; LOC (p.21/50/51/52); Hiroko Nishioka (p. 21/55); Cherie Harris (p.22); Pedro Pablo de Vinatea (p.28/29); 30 Toyota del (p.28/29); Shugo Takemi (p.30/31); Wagner Araujo (p.32); Hamburg 2018 LOC (p.34/35); Uli Gasper (p.35); Michael Schwartz (p.35); Bob Frid/Canadian Paralympic Committee (p.37/44/45); Luc Percival (p.38/40/41/49); Turkish Taekwondo Federation (p.42); Tom Rowland/WCF (p.43); Richard 06 GENERAL NEWS 16 AGITOS FOUNDATION 24 HOW TO … 34 CASE STUDY 64 THE BIG DEBATE Gray/WCF (p.43); UCI (p.46/47); Alex Whitehead/SWpix. com (p.47); Simon Wilkinson/SWpix.com (p.59); SWpix. com (p.59); Alan Spink/BWF (p.55); Picasa/ECA (p.56); Major changes being made at the IPC, ­ Case study looks at the I’mPOSSIBLE Social media is an important tool for Behind the scenes of a successful marketing Three experts give their thoughts on whether Zsuzsanna Vekassy (p.56); Igor Meijer/FISA (p.56); Lima 2019 LOC (p.57); Petko Beier/Pebe Sport (p.58); including a new leadership and education programme implemented in growing one’s Paralympic brand. It is also fun campaign that had sell-out games at the NPCs should stay independent or join forces Florent Perville (p.60); Cheongju 2018 LOC (p.60); headquarters, plus other news around schools to teach about the Paralympic to use! An NPC and athlete share how. Worlds. with their respective NOCs. Bob Martin (p.60); Jacek Reda (p.61); Sven Bruggeman (p.61); Wikipedia (p. 62/63); the Paralympic Movement. Movement. Jordan Stead/Amazon (p.63); Aleksander Nordahl/ NPC Norway (p.63); Paralympics Australia (p.64); NPC Iran (p.65); USOC (p.65); Ralf Kuckuck (p.66); World Para Volley (p.67)

The views expressed in The Paralympian are not neces- 10 SPORT NEWS 20 DIGITAL DYNAMICS 28 A WEEK IN THE LIFE OF … 38 WORLD SPORT ROUND-UP 68 THE LAST WORD sarily those of the IPC. In case of republication of any part of The Paralympian, please send a copy to the IPC. The publisher reserves the right to edit submitted articles.­ The History will be made in Africa, the The IPC joined in the global campaign to Competing, working and promoting World champions were crowned across all Zimbabwe’s player ­ International Paralympic Committee endeavours to be as current and accurate as possible with this publication, latest Laureus Sport Award winner was celebrate women’s achievements. Para ­badminton in Peru is no simple task winter . Nyasha Mharakurwa talks about the ­ aiming to treat all readers with courtesy and respect. We named and more updates from for Pedro­ Pablo de Vinatea. importance of diversity in a workplace. cannot guarantee however, that the information contained in this publication is complete and accurate in all respects International Federations. and readers are taken to understand and agree to this disclaimer upon reading any part of The Paralympian. No infringements upon any law, including sport regulations, from people within the photographs and/or featured in the magazine’s content were known at the time of publication. Articles, pictures and other written or graphic devices pub- 12 FUTURE GAMES 22 ONES TO WATCH INTERVIEW 30 FEATURE 62 MY GAMES EXPERIENCE lished in The Paralympian may not be reproduced without the prior written permission of the International Paralym- pic Committee. Tokyo 2020 sport pictograms revealed, ­ Japanese world champion Daisuke Ikezaki Mami Tani played an important role in­ Rewind 25 years ago to the Lillehammer 1994 Beijing 2022 medal events announced and is like fine wine. He gets better with age. bringing the 2020 to ­ Winter Paralympics with Norway’s Ragnhild Paris 2024 sports programme decided. her home country. Myklebust.

ID-No. 1980328 4 THE PARALYMPIAN 01|2019 THE PARALYMPIAN 01|2019 5 GENERAL NEWS + + NEWS IN-BRIEF + +

+++ LIMA 2019: Worldwide Paralympic Partner Toyota signed as Gold Sponsor of the 2019 Citi partners First Paralympic video game Pan American and . Additionally, 90,000 people applied to with IPC volunteer at the Games that begin in August. +++ AUSTRIA: “Talent Days 2019” targeting and NPCs 8-18-year-olds is part of NPC Austria’s strategy to uncover the next generation of Para athletes Global bank Citi became the ­IPC’s in the country. third International Partner in Decem- ber ­2018 in an agreement that will +++ WADA: The World Anti-Doping Agency also benefit 18 NPCs. 2019 List of Prohibited Substances and Methods came into force on 1 January 2019. Those NPCs are: Australia, Chinese Taipei, , , Great +++ IPC: Multi-award winning adam&eveDDB Britain, Hong Kong, India, , was appointed as the IPC’s first creative agency. , , , Nigeria, The London-based agency will work pro-bono , Poland, , South to help grow the Paralympic Movement’s Africa, Thailand and the UAE. profile globally.

Citi serves clients through a local +++ VISTA 2019: South African Leslie Swartz, presence in each of these 18 NPC Britain’s Nick Webborn and the Netherlands’ communities and will engage fans Marjan Olfers will be keynote speakers at through integrated marketing September’s VISTA 2019 conference in ­campaigns and promotions to gen- Amsterdam. Andrew Parsons addressing media during a February press conference regarding the RPC’s reinstatement erate excitement and national pride around the extraordinary accomplish- +++ HONOURS: India’s Deepa Malik received ments of the countries’ Para athletes. the IPC’s 2019 International Women’s Day Citi will also work to help support the Recognition for her efforts and achievements in day-to-day needs of ­individual NPCs. inspiring women in the Paralympic Movement. IPC reinstate Former IPC President Sir Philip Craven was also Citi has a long heritage of supporting honoured at the 19th German Paralympic Media the Paralympic Movement dating­ back The IPC has teamed up with one of the biggest Hajime Tabata, JP Games said: “With this Awards for his outstanding achievements. Russian membership to 2012. During this time, it has spon- names in world gaming to produce the first video game, we want to contribute to the sored the US Olympic and Paralym- official Paralympic sport video game for global future growth of the Paralympic Games, not +++ KAZAKHSTAN: IPC President Andrew The Russian Paralympic Committee (RPC) “Consequently, we will continue to super- pic teams, the 2018 IWRF Wheel- launch in 2020. just as a sporting event, but as entertain- Parsons visited the country’s National Paralym- has been conditionally reinstated as an IPC vise the RPC’s actions and activities until 31 chair Rugby World Championship, ment as well, with content that we hope pic Training Centre and met with Prime Minister ­member following a 30 month-long suspension ­December 2022, a period that covers the Tokyo 2018 World Para Swimming Allianz Created by JP Games, a brand-new game will have lasting value in the future.” Bakytzhan Sagintayev during a visit in January. and the publication of high-level requirements­ 2020 and Beijing 2022 Paralympic Games.” European Championships and the developing studio founded by Final Fantasy the organisation must continue to meet until 2018 Para Powerlifting Americas XV director Hajime Tabata, the game aims to +++ AUSTRALIA: The Federal Government 31 December 2022. Chelsey Gotell, Chairperson of the IPC Athletes’ Open Championships in Colombia. engage a younger audience in the announced AUD 12 million of new funding at Council, said: “After thoroughly reviewing the Paralympics. an event to launch the new Paralympics The decision was taken by the IPC Governing post-reinstatement criteria, I am confident that The agreement will run through to Australia brand. Board after the RPC met 69 of the 70 reinstate- the conditions we have put into place will bring 2020. “The Pegasus Dream Tour” is a ment criteria originally outlined by the IPC in re-assurance to the athlete community that ­completely new sports role-playing +++ FUNDRAISING: So inspired were sociology November 2016. we have left no stone unturned to protect the game, where players participate in a students at Montgomery College, Maryland, ­integrity of all Para athletes and the Paralympic virtual Paralympic Games that takes USA, by watching a film about Algerian Tokyo Andrew Parsons, IPC President, said: “Since Movement when it comes to clean sport.” place inside a fantasy metropolis known as 2020 hopeful Kawther Zahia its suspension in August 2016, the RPC has Pegasus City. Si-amar that they raised made significant progress in transforming its In the RPC post-reinstatement criteria, the IPC funds to help ease the governance and how it goes about its anti-­ highlighted that should any of the conditions­ Here, players awaken their special abilities financial burden for doping activities. The RPC met 69 of the 70 not be met, the IPC Governing Board­ can or “Xtra Power” in an alternate­ Paralympics the shot-putter. The reinstatement criteria originally outlined by the ­reconsider the membership status of the world dynamically ­rendered in ways that only class also raised IPC which gives us the confidence that it is now RPC at any time. The IPC may also amend video games can achieve. The makers are funds to buy a new a much-improved organisation from the time the criteria­ should further evidence from any planning for the “Pegasus Dream Tour” to wheelchair for when it was suspended. ­investigations into doping in Russia come ­ be accessible on various platforms, in- Iranian Barcelona to light. cluding smartphones. 1992 Paralympian “As Russia disappointingly did not accept the Sara Azizi. findings of the McLaren Report, we can only lift the suspension under strict conditions. ­

More information at: www.paralympic.org/russian-paralympic-committee-reinstatement

6 THE PARALYMPIAN 01|2019 THE PARALYMPIAN 01|2019 7 GENERAL NEWS New headquarters from 2020 Campaign wins UN award Due to the continued expansion of the IPC, the The new building, located next to the river called Bonn and North Rhine-Westphalia our organisation will move to a new headquarters Rhine and adjacent to Bonn’s World ­ home for the last 20 years and we are absolutely The IPC’s ‘Transforming Lives Makes Sense Awards, which received more than 2,000 have even been able to implement this in Bonn, Germany, in 2020. Bonn has been its Conference Centre, is approximately 500m delighted and hugely excited at the prospect of for Everyone’ campaign, which showcases submissions from 142 countries. campaign. home for the past 20 years. from the IPC’s current base on Adenauer- moving to new headquarters next year. the employment legacy of the London 2012 allee and has capacity for approximately Paralympics, won a prestigious international “It is a wonderful honour for our team, “It is through their dedication, sponsorship The move follows talks with the City of Bonn, the 150 employees.­ “The IPC is hugely grateful to the State ­award in May. whose hard work and commitment made and support of the Paralympic Movement State Government of North Rhine-­Westphalia ­Government­­ of NRW for their commitment and this ­series a reality, and a fantastic rec- that we can do this. (NRW) and Federal Government, to find a new Andrew Parsons, IPC President, said: “The IPC support and are looking forward to our future The digital campaign – produced in ognition ­of how the work of the Paralym- location for the IPC’s growing workforce. and its employees are extremely proud to have co-operation. ­partnership with the United Nations (UN) pic ­Movement helps to advance the UN’s “Finally, we would like to thank the Human Rights Office and funded by BP and ­Sustainable ­Development Goals,” said Chief 4,237 people, the Para athletes, who “Since establishing our foundations in Bonn in Bridgestone – took home a UN Sustainable ­Marketing and Communications Officer competed ­at London 2012 and changed 1999, our team has grown significantly helping Development Goals Action Award at a glit- Craig Spence, who accepted the award on attitudes towards disability. Their to amplify the impact of the work we undertake tering ceremony in Bonn, Germany. behalf of the IPC. amazing ­performances inspired the world, transforming the lives of millions of persons and it is thanks to them that one mil- with disabilities around the world. The IPC picked up the award in the Includ- “We would like to thank BP and Bridgestone, lion more ­persons with disabilities are in er category, one of seven categories at the because without them we would not employment in now.” “By relocating to the former State Represen­ tation, we believe we can continue advancing the Paralympic Movement, create a stronger ­connection between the IPC, the city and the State, and further our work making for a more inclusive socie- ty through Para sport.

“We have ambitious plans for our new headquarters which will benefit schools, the local community and the whole Paralympic Movement. We are eagerly looking forward to the move.” Andrew Parsons, IPC President, tours the organisation’s new office building in Bonn, Germany

IPC begins search for new CEO

As part of the next stage in its business evo- who deliver mind-blowing performances few lution, the IPC announced the departure­ of its thought possible years ago. The level of me- Chief Executive Officer (CEO)Xavier ­ Gonzalez dia and broadcast coverage they now secure, in March. as well as the commercial support within the Movement, really is a far cry from what it The 59-year-old Catalan joined the IPC as used to be. It’s also amazing to see the size Paralympic Games Liaison Director in 2002 and global reach of the IPC and Paralympic and soon after became the Interim Chief Games now compared to when I joined when Operating Officer. In 2004, he was appoint- we had no money and employed just a hand- ed CEO and during his tenure managed the for the last 17 years. This role has not just been ful of people.” IPC’s evolution into one of the most respected a job, but my passion and my life providing governing bodies in world sport. many memorable and thoroughly enjoyable life Andrew Parsons, IPC President, said: changing experiences. “There are few words that can properly do Replacing Gonzalez as Interim CEO will be­ justice to the impact Xavier has had on the Dr. Mike Peters, a two-time Paralympian in “I am extremely proud of what I have helped IPC and the Paralympic Movement. Under his CP , who joined the IPC in 2015 as to deliver with the support of the outstand- leadership, he has done an outstanding job, Chief of Staff before becoming Chief Operating ing team and dedicated network of vol- effectively building the IPC from a start-up to Officer in 2018. unteers since 2002. To see the evolution a globally well-respected sports organisation. of Para sport and the development and Gonzalez said: “It has been an absolute growth in global recognition of Para athletes “The IPC Governing Board will ­­always be privilege and honour to have served the IPC, around the world has been amazing; Para grateful for his contribution in progressing­ the Paralympic Movement and Para athletes athletes really are now seen as sport stars the Paralympic Movement.”

8 THE PARALYMPIAN 01|2019 THE PARALYMPIAN 01|2019 9 SPORT NEWS + + NEWS IN-BRIEF + + +++ ANTI-DOPING: Powerlifters Vikramsingh Adhikari of India and First African Para Games Laureus Award for Farkasova Farzin Noori of Iran have both been suspended for four years for committing “A dream becomes a reality,” is how Running alongside the Games Almost 12 months on from winning ly humbled and privileged to be standing anti-doping violations. Para African Paralympic Committee will be athlete classification eval- four ­gold medals at the PyeongChang here on this podium. It means a lot to us.” players Tyler Carron of the USA and President Leonel da Rocha Pinto uation, anti-doping educational 2018 Paralympic Winter Games, Italy’s Gianluigi Rossi were suspended described news that Rabat, courses and a Proud Paralympian Slovakia’s Henrieta Farkasova was Dutch wheelchair tennis player Diede for 18 months and two years respec- ­Morocco, will make history in workshop. recognised at the 2019 Laureus Sport de Groot, Canadian cross-country skier tively for violations at the PyeongChang January 2020 when it stages the Awards. Brian McKeever, US cross-country skier ­ 2018 Paralympic Winter Games. inaugural African Para Games. Pinto added: “It is another impor- Oksana Masters, Greek player Costa Rican wheelchair racer tant step for the recognition of At a glittering ceremony in Monte Greg Polychronidis and German long Lauens Molina Sibaja also received Around 1,200 athletes are expect- sports for people with ­disabilities Carlo, Monaco,­ the Slovakian vision jumper Markus Rehm were also up for a four-year suspension for failing ed to attend the event which will in the African continent. impaired alpine­ skier was named the award. an out-of-competition test. feature seven sports: athletics,­ the Sportsperson of the Year with a blind football, , powerlift- “In October last year during a Disability. At PyeongChang 2018, Farkasova won +++ ATHLETICS: Japan will stage ing, sitting , taekwondo meeting of African Ministers of gold in the downhill, giant slalom, super its first World Para Athletics and wheelchair basketball. Most Sports, Education and Youth “We were certainly not expecting it, ­combined and super-G. She also won Championships when the competition of the sports will act as ­qualifiers­ organised by the African Union especially coming from a country ­ silver in slalom. comes to Kobe in 2021. It will be the Leonel da Rocha Pinto, third from right, at the signing protocol agreement for the 10th edition of the Worlds, with for Tokyo 2020. in Algiers, the African Paralympic first African Para Games where sports aren’t really profes- sional,” said Farkasova who collected­ Other winners at the Laureus Awards around 1,300 athletes from 100 Committee was recognised as Hamid Al Aouni, President of the award together with guide ­included Serbian tennis player Novak countries set to compete at the Rabat the legitimate umbrella body for NPC Morocco, said: “We do have Natalia Subrtova. “It’s more of a hobby ­Djokovic, US gymnast Simone Biles Memorial Stadium. all matters related to Sports for fantastic sports facilities here in and we really need to go to our jobs and and the French FIFA World Cup winning Persons with a Disability. Rabat; well-prepared and expe- then do this in our free time so we’re tru- men’s football­ team. +++ INAS: Table tennis events at the rienced experts that will organ- October’s INAS Global Games in “I am very grateful that the Royal ise the Games; the government Brisbane, Australia, will be recognised Kingdom of Morocco and the and partners who will support; by the ITTF for the first time. Moroccan Sports Minister will give and society that love all type of our African athletes the platform sports.” +++ POWERLIFTING: The 2019 to showcase their excellence.” World Para Powerlifting World Championships have been rebranded following the renaming of the Kazakh capital city of Astana to Nur-Sultan after the country’s first President. Eleiko has also extended its partnership with World Roland Garros welcomes quad events Para Powerlifting for a further five years.

History was made at Roland Garros this year, +++ SHOOTING: The vision impaired after the French Tennis Federation confirmed class was added to the sport following that quad singles and doubles wheelchair a transfer of governance from IBSA to tennis events will be included in the June 2019 World Shooting Para Sport. competition schedule. +++ : The announcement means that quad singles The International Volleyball Federation and doubles events will now join men’s and and World ParaVolley teamed up for women’s singles and doubles events on the the first time to explore co-operative schedule at all four Grand Slam tournaments. opportunities in the following disciplines: indoor volleyball, beach This follows the announcement made by the volleyball, snow volleyball, sitting volley- All England Club in November that quad events ball and beach ParaVolley. will be held at Wimbledon from 2019 onwards. During last year’s Wimbledon competition, a +++ SNOW SPORTS: Are and quad doubles exhibition match was held. Ostersund, Sweden, will jointly host the 2023 World Para Snow Sports The new events will also form part of the Championships in January. Alpine Wheelchair Tennis Tour and will offer ranking skiing and snowboard Worlds will take points to participants. place in Are, while Ostersund will be Henrieta home to the Nordic skiing Worlds – Wheelchair tennis has been played at all four Farkasova, featuring biathlon and cross-country left, with her Grand Slams since 2007. guide Natalia events. A total of 750 participants are Subtrova at expected to take part in the Worlds. the awards Previously, only women’s and men’s singles and doubles events were contested on the clay courts in Paris ceremony in Monaco 10 THE PARALYMPIAN 01|2019 FUTURE GAMES NEWS

Japanese Para athletes showcased their sports to kids during 500-days-to-go celebrations Pictograms and torch unveiled Medal events announced Sports programme announced

The official Paralympic sport significantly in recent years with Beijing 2022 will feature a maximum of 748 Para The Paris 2024 Paralympic Games the countdown to the 2024 Games pictograms include 23 designs, the Games acting as the catalyst. athletes and up to 82 medal events – two more than sports programme will remain the continued. The third edition was with each of the 22 sports repre- PyeongChang 2018. same as the Tokyo 2020 Paralym- launched at a secondary school in sented by one pictogram, and one Para sport is also benefitting from pics with 22 sports included. northern Paris on 5 February. used for each of the two cycling more commercial support than In addition to having 39 medal events for men, up to disciplines. ever before in Japan. Tokyo 2020 39 events for women (pending a decision on the snow- The IPC Governing Board’s decision Supported by the French Ministry boast 70 Paralympic partners so board programme) and four mixed events, there will be a was taken at a meeting in January. of Education and the sports Move- The pictograms were created far while the number of compa- maximum of 234 slots available for women. If all slots are ment, the celebration is a key event with the aim of helping people nies supporting the Japanese Para taken, it will represent a 76 per cent growth on the 133 The 22 sports that will be included in Paris 2024’s educational pro- overcome language barriers Sport Association has increased women who competed in PyeongChang. are: athletics, archery, badmin- gramme, which seeks to promote through the use of internationally by 52 per cent since 2015. ton, blind football, boccia, canoe, education through sport and put recognisable images to depict cycling, equestrian, goalball, judo, civic and sporting values at the individual sports. IPC President Andrew Parsons is powerlifting, rowing, shooting, heart of learning. convinced Tokyo 2020 will also sitting volleyball, swimming, ta- This is the first time that badmin- lead to greater employment op- ble tennis, taekwondo, triathlon, Dora Maar Secondary School was ton and taekwondo pictograms portunities for persons with a dis- 30 wheelchair basketball, wheelchair chosen for the launch because of MEDAL EVENTS are being used, as these two shape of a flame. The five ahead of the Games with ability. fencing, and its close proximity to the future 7.7% increase sports were newly added to the flames generated from the the city’s Haneda Airport for men’s slots wheelchair tennis. Paris 2024 Athletes’ Village, and Paralympic programme. petal unite at the centre of recently named the world’s “Historically, persons with disa- 33.3% increase Biathlon and was attended by notable names the torch, generating even best airport for persons bilities have been on the edges for women’s slots Cross-country skiing CP football, which made the final including Paris 2024 President The Paralympic torch was also greater brilliance. with reduced mobility and of Japanese society, however the 38 stage for consideration, was not in- Tony Estanguet and Sophie Cluzel, revealed. accessible facilities. 2020 Games are changing this,” MEDAL EVENTS cluded in the Paris 2024 Paralympic French State Secretary in charge of Change already Parsons said. “Most employers 17% increase for men’s slots sport programme. Persons with Disabilities. Uniting tradition and modern happening Almost 90 per cent of still fall short of the two per cent 33.3% increase for women’s slots technology, the shape of the torch train stations and airport government target for employing Arnaud Assoumani (athletics) and Ice hockey Celebration with resembles that of a Japanese­ There are signs that with terminals benefit frompersons with disabilities, but I ful- education Charles Rozoy (swimming) were traditional “Sakuramon” cherry under 500 days to go, the flat floors, while for bus ly expect this figure to grow, espe- 1 among the athletes who took part blossom emblem. Aluminium con- Tokyo 2020 Paralympic terminals this figure is nearly cially next year when the Games MEDAL EVENT Paralympic and Olympic Week re- in French, History, Geography and struction waste from temporary Games are already having a 94 per cent. By the time take place. During the Tokyo 2020 Slots for 136 men turned for the third time at schools English lessons in which sport was Teams have an option housing built in the aftermath of transformational impact on of the Games, the aim is Paralympics, millions of Japanese to include Snowboard and universities across France, as used as an educational tool. the Great East Japan Earthquake Japanese society. for all transport hubs to be people will witness the outstand- an additional Up to female player 12 was used to create it, transform- 100 per cent accessible. In ing abilities of Para athletes first- MEDAL EVENTS ing materials that witnessed­ the In terms of transport infra- addition to infrastructure hand and I am certain that this Pending four snowboard events rebuilding of shattered lives into structure, Tokyo has made improvements, the number will transform attitudes towards meeting Paralympic a symbol of peace. The torch great improvements to of accessible trains and low- disability and make Japan a more viability standards at is also designed to depict the barrier-­free transportation floor buses has increased inclusive country for all.” 2019 World Championships

Wheelchair 1 MEDAL EVENT 12-mixed gender teams

Sitting volleyball on display to raise awareness of Paris 2024

12 THE PARALYMPIAN 01|2019 THE PARALYMPIAN 01|2019 13 AGITOS FOUNDATION NEWS

Historic training camp staged in Asia athletics and swimming at the ethics and fair play, athlete health Athletes reach state-of-the-art facilities of the and well-being; and how to work Korean Paralympic Committee’s with media. (KPC) Icheon Training Centre, which has more than 18 Para Sessions were led by Proud podium sport specific venues. Paralympian leaders Gyu Dae Kim, a track and field athlete from During the sessions, athletes and ; and Hong Kong coaches improved and exchanged wheelchair fencing Paralympic their knowledge guided by Para champion Yu Chui Yee. athletics educators Richard Rob- + + NEWS IN-BRIEF + + ert and Lawrence Judge (USA); The camp was held in partner­ and Para swimming educators ship with the Korea Inter­ +++ BADMINTON: Ahead of the IWAS Para swimming educators were onsite to share their knowledge with camp Gary Francis (New Zealand) and national Co-­operation Agency in Sharjah, UAE, participants Martin Salmingkeit (Switzerland). (KOICA) and the KPC. It was the Badminton World Feder- The impact of the PyeongChang The camp, held 28 November – the first event following the ation held a sport technical 2018 Paralympic Winter Games is 1 December 2018, welcomed­ Alongside the event, the Agitos agreement among the three or- course for athletes and being felt in the host nation, with 65 athletes and 28 coaches Foundation organised morning ganisations signed during the coaches from West Asia. the Agitos Foundation holding from Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, sessions of Proud Paralympi- PyeongChang 2018 Paralym- The activity had 40 par- their largest training camp that ­Nepal, Pakistan, Philippines, Viet- an workshops for the training pic Winter Games to support ticipants from eight coun- saw participants from eight Asian nam and hosts South Korea. The ­athletes, in which they could learn ­developing countries in the Asian tries and was supported by nations in Icheon, South Korea. participants­ learned more about ­ about the Paralympic Movement, region. the Agitos Foundation NPC Development Programme.

+++ SWEDEN: From 16-19 January and 3-6 April, the Swedish Paralym- Developing Americas female leaders pic Committee hosted two Winter Development Camps. Twenty athletes The first Agitos Women in Sport The project was born out of a It was decided to focus first on ing a project in their home country and coaches from Australia, Azerbai- Leadership workshop took place survey conducted in partnership leadership in administration roles. related to supporting women in jan, , France, Greece, Hungary, in February in Ottawa, Canada, between NPC Canada and the The Ottawa workshop was the sport, receive advice from a men- Poland, Romania and USA took part. It with 30 participants from 12 Americas Paralympic Commit- kick-off for the Agitos Women in tor, work on their own leadership was one of 29 projects funded by the nations taking part. tee. The findings showed that the Sport Leadership project, which learning path, and participate in a 2018 Grant Support Programme. representation of women in senior will ultimately last eight months, number of webinars on key topics. The three-day workshop included leadership roles in the Americas concluding with another work- +++ POWERLIFTING: Ahead of the discussions about leadership, net- region was at about 36 to 38 per shop in Lima following the 2019 The activity, led by NPCs of Lagos 2019 International Para Power- working, mentorship, and finding cent, while technical roles such as Parapan Am Games. Canada and Peru, was one of the lifting Competition, the Agitos Founda- a way forward for women in sport. coaching was even lower at about 29 projects funded by the Agi- tion invited 30 athletes and 11 coaches 17 per cent. In between this period, the part­ tos Foundation Grant Support from six African nations to take part in icipants have worked on develop- Programme in 2018. a sport technical course. During the training camp, athletes attended Proud Paralympian sessions.

+++ OCP: From 13-16 March, nine Car- Taonere Banda (MAW) and Monica Munga (ZAM), silver and gold at the ibbean countries became the first Dubai Grand Prix to attend the Organisational Ca- pacity Programme (OCP) Level Athlete support from the Agitos Foun- Lesotho’s Lekoetje Bolae also joined 1 under a new format, with dation paid dividends at February’s them on the podium by claiming ­ content being delivered with World Para Athletics Grand Prix in silver in the men’s 400 m T13. a more in-depth approach Dubai, UAE. over four days of workshops. In total, the Agitos Foundation They will work during the Taonere Banda (Malawi) and Monica­ supported 14 athletes and seven next two years with mentors Munga (Zambia) came away coaches from seven countries on action plans to improve with medal success at the 2019 through its NPC Development their governance and planning, ­season-opening event. Munga cap- Programme. marketing and communications tured gold in the women’s 400m and athlete development. T12/13 and silver in the 200m T11/12/13. Banda took home silver in the women’s 400m T12/13. Women from 12 countries in the Americas attended the first leadership workshop in Canada 14 THE PARALYMPIAN 01|2019 THE PARALYMPIAN 01|2019 15 AGITOS FOUNDATION CASE STUDY

DRAWINGS FROM SCHOOLCHILDREN AGED 6-9 CASE STUDY ABOUT THE PARALYMPIC VALUES: I’mPOSSIBLE: Educating the next generation of Paralympic fans Kazakhstan

Thousands of kilometres separate the three elementary schools. But the children in Tokyo, Nur-Sultan and Blantyre were buzzing with the same excitement last December.

They all had the same task: to translate into drawings and writing the Paralympic values, as part of national contests to celebrate the first Japan anniversary of the I’mPOSSIBLE education programme. A total of 1,755 schoolchildren in Japan, Kazakhstan and Malawi engaged in the activity.

As part of the United Nations International Day of Persons with Disabilities (3 December), each NPC hosted a celebration to award the contest winners with I’mPOSSIBLE gold, silver and bronze medals.

I’mPOSSIBLE was launched in December 2017 for learners aged 6-12 that provided them with a primary toolkit. The following year, it was ex- panded to secondary learners aged 13-18. Countries that signed I’mPOSSIBLE Terms of Use Malawi The programme is designed for teachers to use Agreement* a range of easy-to-use lesson ideas introducing NPCS pupils to inclusion through the Paralympic val- elementary schools in the country have used opment arm the Agitos Foundation to ensure In June 2019, with the support of the World with seven instructors who teach students­ ues, Para sports and the inspirational achieve- the programme. consistent delivery of the programme. Academy of Sports, the Agitos Foundation, aged 6-12. Aruba Japan ments of Para athletes from around the world. trained five I’mPOSSIBLE Global Instruc- Armenia Kazakhstan This year, children from Japan, Kazakhstan Global instructors tors from Asia, Africa, Americas, Europe and “Inclusion is something we have to deal with “People tend to see what is impossible, what is and Malawi will have something in common ­Oceania. The instructors helped guarantee ­ on an everyday basis, whether it’s differ- Austria Lithuania incapable of when they see a person with a dis- with many others around the globe. As of May In March and April 2019, the Agitos Founda- scale and consistency in the delivery of ent skill abilities or just different personal ability. However, the I’mPOSSIBLE programme 2019, 25 NPCs have signed the I’mPOSSIBLE tion hosted a teacher training in Luxembourg, teacher­ trainings around the globe. experiences,” said Daniela Klinge, Subject­ Brazil Luxembourg is teaching children to see the possibilities and Terms of Use Agreement, meaning they are where the programme will start being imple- Leader for Physical and Health Education at Bhutan Malawi the potential of athletes with an impairment. ready to implement or are already implement- mented this year, and Singapore – the second Reaching home of Paralympic the Bonn International School. Cameroon Mexico That is a really huge perception change,” said ing the programme. in the country, after a first one in November Movement Miki Matheson, three-time Paralympic gold 2018. “I thought the training was fun, engaging Cape Verde Peru medallist and Programme Manager at the “In 2018, the programme reached more than As part of the celebrations to mark the IPC’s and informative and it really provided us ­Nippon Foundation Paralympic Support Centre. 138,000 students around the globe and we Following the training in the Asian country, 30th anniversary, children in Bonn, Germany,­ with tools, tangible things that we can actu- Colombia Portugal are thrilled to see this number growing as we the Agitos Foundation visited schools that will also be inspired by the Paralympic ally apply within Bonn International School.” Costa Rica Sierra Leone Pilot programme in Japan expand the programme to new countries,” said are already implementing the education­ ­values and the achievements of Paralympic Kaitlyn Mudge, Agitos Foundation Programme programme to monitor and evaluate their athletes. In June, further teacher training took place. Georgia Singapore Matheson’s commitment has been fundamen- Manager. ­progress. Other countries will be visited in Grenada Uganda tal to the implementation of I’mPOSSIBLE in 2019 to collect learnings and evidence of the Three schools in Bonn, where the IPC is Japan, the first country to pilot the programme All NPCs are welcome to utilise the programme impact of I’mPOSSIBLE in order to review based, have implemented the programme Hong Kong Zambia early in 2017 in the build up to the Tokyo 2020 toolkit free of charge, provided that the Terms strategy and support other countries in their this year. In February, a teacher training Iran Paralympic Games. So far about 15 per cent of of Use are signed with the IPC and its devel- implementation. took place at the Bonn International School, *as of May 2019

16 THE PARALYMPIAN 01|2019 THE PARALYMPIAN 01|2019 17 TOKYO TALENTS

“I believe it will be difficult for Morocco to qualify for Tokyo 2020, given the development of the African economy and the technical level of our competitors. We will have to work hard to win the continental title in 2019!”

“The material things do not make us feel more motivated; blind football is a matter of love.”

“Competing at a Paralympic Games was a dream come true. Playing the opening game against Brazil and even scoring the first goal was an unforgettable memory for me.”

“To grow as a disabled person in Morocco is not easy because there are many obstacles. But sports help overcome those challenges.”

ONE TO WATCH FOR TOKYO 2020 Abderrazak Hattab “Bourzouk,” as he is nicknamed, captained Morocco in their second World Championships at Madrid 2018 and reached the quarter finals. He is expected to lead­ a fast-improving squad to another Paralympic performance.

18 THE PARALYMPIAN 01|2019 THE PARALYMPIAN 01|2019 19 DIGITAL DYNAMICS

Female Para athletes took over the IPC, World Para Sports, DIGITALDIGITALDIGITAL DYNAMICSDYNAMICSDYNAMICS Agitos Foundation and Americas Paralympic Committee #BalanceForBetter Instagram accounts: International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. The 2019 campaign theme of #BalanceForBetter was a call-to-action for driving gender balance across the world. On 8 March, Para athletes and IPC staff got involved digitally.

A GIF and photo mosaic of IPC staff members were created to support the cause, and shared on social media:

Norway’s Lena Schroeder on @paraicehockey’s account

www.instagram.com/stories/ highlights/17977732237228673/

Venezuela’s Oriana Teran on @parapowerlifting’s account

www.instagram.com/stories/ highlights/18009684280165661/

Women at the IPC were also greeted with a note of encouragement.

20 THE PARALYMPIAN 01|2019 THE PARALYMPIAN 01|2019 21 ONES TO WATCH: ATHLETE INTERVIEW 2012 AGING WELL

2015

Daisuke Ikezaki is helping Japan make history in wheelchair rugby

Such is Ikezaki’s determination and desire to “I want to play to convey the greatness of the DAISUKE IKEZAKI continually improve that he resumed training competition. 2018 World Championships within a week after the 2018 Worlds. G “I think a lot of coverage in the media and Named tournament’s He admitted there was no particular change in awareness has increased, but we have to keep Most Valuable Player his life after the biggest win of Japan’s history working to make it permanent.” in the sport. Rio 2016 Paralympics Japan’s coach Kevin Orr believes Ikezaki’s 2016 But that might change if Japan secures their fierce competitiveness, will to win and ability to B first Paralympic gold in 2020. make his teammates believe they can win are Nation’s first Paralympic medal what make him an outstanding player. in the sport “Individually, I want to work harder than ever before for Tokyo 2020, gain experience abroad “He is very tactically knowledgeable and and build up more strength,” Ikezaki said. serves as a coaching extension on and off the Daisuke Ikezaki is like a fine wine; he court,” Orr said. gets better and better with age. “The team will work on individual skills, mental growth and aim to win at the World Wheelchair “He wants all players to understand all situa- Having celebrated his 41st birthday in January, Rugby Challenge 2019.” tions and is not satisfied with mediocre perfor- the 3.0 classified wheelchair rugby veteran is mance. in as good a form as he has ever been. And, The World Wheelchair Rugby Challenge takes with a home Paralympics on the horizon, the place 16-20 October and acts as the sport’s “Age is not a limiting factor if we can use the veteran and the team appear to be peaking at Paralympic test event, an opportunity for­ depth of our team. the right time. Japan to give their home fans a taste of the thrilling action to come. “Daisuke has a great work ethic and his train- His motto is “Practice, practice, practice,” and ing allows him to compete with the other great it served him well in 2018 as he guided Japan players in the world.” to their first world title in Sydney, Australia. “He wants all players to understand all But like every high performance Para athlete, “I was happy to be world champions for the there is always room to grow. first time, but I think it’s a passing point for the situations and is not Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games,” said Ikezaki satisfied with mediocre “Daisuke needs to continue to improve his fun- who switched to wheelchair rugby from wheel- damental skills. His biggest focus is to improve chair basketball a decade ago. performance.” his situational awareness – his complete un- derstanding of when and where to take risks,” “I think the result (winning in Sydney) was a Japan’s breakthrough bronze medal at Rio Orr added. combination of the individual strength we’ve 2016 was the first step towards their success accumulated so far.” in Sydney. When quizzed on whether Tokyo 2020 would be his last international competition, Ikezaki “I think it’s proof that if you have the confi- “We are not only aiming at a gold medal (at only said he wants to continue in the sport for dence in your competitive ability, you will al- Tokyo 2020), but also for many people to know as long as possible. ways win.” the attraction of Para sport and wheelchair rugby.

22 THE PARALYMPIAN 01|2019 THE PARALYMPIAN 01|2019 23 HOW TO …

HOW TO … A tool to bring fans behind the scenes MAXIMISE SOCIAL MEDIA – BRAZILIAN PARALYMPIC THE PARALYMPIC WAY COMMITTEE They use the Instagram stories tool to offer­ on TV, an NPC can show more competi- behind-the-scenes video footage and ­tions on social media because they have images showcasing a day in the life of the the space. Try to make more live videos and Ahead of the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games, a leading NPC and athletes, whether in training or competition. show more competitions.” athlete share their top tips. “People get curious when we’re talking about Interact with users @Ocpboficial Paralympic sport when they see something more attractive – beautiful photos, athletes For those with limited budget or expertise, 61,800 followers in action, and high performance,” explained Sena admits it does not take a lot. “You can on Instagram CPB social media supervisor Rafael Sena. go with a mobile phone and microphone. You need to show something to prove it Utilising the best content works. That’s how we started here.”

Recently, the CPB hired a professional There is one other kind of content Sena has @cpboficial ­photographer to take photos of swimmers found works well on Instagram during com- at water level showing unfiltered images petitions. “When we call for the audience to of the athletes as they are with no arms or cheer for Brazilians, they get more engaged 103,000 followers legs. with us,” he said. on Twitter “People loved it,” Sena said. “Some of the The CPB also use polls, answer questions comments were funny to read like, ‘Oh my and interact with followers like they are God, he is so hot’. Another girl said ‘Now I’m best friends having a conversation. interested in Paralympic sports.’” @ComiteParalimpico Athletes as ambassadors Earlier this year, Sena worked with a uni- 576,000 followers versity on digital research to see how peo- Sena believes it is important to produce at on Facebook ple viewed Paralympic sports in Brazil. least one interesting post on social media The ­research showed that “while the Rio daily. The CPB offers social media train- *as of May 2019 Paralympics was a turning point,” there was ing to athletes because they are the best a need for more education. Many people ­­ ambassadors for the Movement. The CPB still don’t see the Paralympics as high-­ teaches athletes about content that works performance sport. well and not well. Sena recommends, for There are many opportunities for National­ instance, that athletes steer clear of com- Paralympic Committees and athletes “After this research we’ve tried to show menting on controversial political issues in to maximise social media and tell the more competitions and how hard our­ Brazil. Paralympic story. athletes work in training,” said Sena. “Athletes forget they are like a brand. The But first you have to get to know your The CPB started to livestream competitions athlete’s name is the most important thing ­audience, think about your goals and the on Facebook, YouTube and their website they have. They need to be careful with the content that works best on each platform. ­because the research showed people were kind of content they are publishing.” not as interested in Paralympic sport be- That is according to the Brazilian Paralympic cause they could not watch it on television. Athletes are taught how to use hashtags the Committee (CPB) who boast an impressive right way and to tag the NPC so they can community of followers on their different­ Sena believes this offers an important les- amplify posts together. platforms. son for NPCs. “The best message (for athletes) is you The CPB showcases what makes the “You are the owner of your content. Don’t can’t just sit and wait for someone to rec- Paralympics unique by finding ways for be a hostage to media channels. If the ognise how awesome you are. But you can ­followers to get close to their athletes. problem is not enough space for Para sport scream that out on social media.”

24 THE PARALYMPIAN 01|2019 THE PARALYMPIAN 01|2019 25 HOW TO …

An athlete’s tips on social media

Athletic profile: Winner of 2019 and 2017 Australian Open, GUSTAVO and

First Latin American to reach world FERNANDEZ No. 1 in wheelchair tennis

am. Not as a business machine and sometimes “I don’t like to get involved in that kind of thing when you get involved with an agency their pri- especially. Sometimes you try to say something ority is on other things. What I would suggest to and the people that read it on the other side of athletes is to keep being yourself. If you want the screen, they sometimes don’t understand to post something, post it. If you don’t want to exactly what you are saying.” @gustifernandez4 post something, don’t do it.” Fernandez has seen the kind of That strategy has worked well for Fernandez. content that works best. 44,400 followers He shows cool photos of his daily life, the train- on Instagram ing for tennis and is not afraid to share a few “People like to know a bit opinions. about my private life but especially about my “What I like about what I do on social media is sport’s life. To share I’m spontaneous. I don’t hide. If I’m happy or results, practice, what @gustifernandez4 maybe a little upset. I am who I am. And I just I do on court, off court. show it on social media.” How I take care of my- 24,400 followers self. What kind of work- out I do mentally and on Twitter physically.”

“I want them Fernandez found an old CD where to see me as I am. as a young boy he is jumping on a tram- poline with his able-bodied friends. He posted @gustifernandez4 Not as a business it because his followers love to see “his human 9,211 followers machine and side” and the resiliency of Paralympic athletes. on Facebook sometimes when you “We have a story to tell and some people will be get involved with inspired by it and I think social media helps you *as of May 2019 to connect with that kind of thing.” an agency their priority For athletes who might think they do not have For a guy who does not is on other things.” time for social media, Fernandez thinks they consider himself the best might be missing out on an opportunity that social networker, wheel- could lead to more awareness and even spon- chair tennis star Gusta- sorship. vo Fernandez is pretty good at it. He has 44,400 He also has fun with his followers because it “It’s part of the job. It helps people understand followers on Instagram relieves tension between competition. better what you do and who you are. That’s a alone. good thing because especially with Paralympic “I like to interact with the people – maybe play sport, people usually don’t know what you do. “It’s kind of weird. I think the some jokes sometimes about soccer, some- Social media can break that barrier and show followers came with my sports times about life, maybe a TV show I’m looking that what we do is real sport.” success. I’m not the best at promot- at. Tennis is a very lonely sport sometimes ing myself. Actually, I feel I am pretty lousy once you’re outside and alone and you’ve got doing that,” Fernandez said. the social network to interact with people and it’s cool.” Fernandez runs his own social media accounts and posts when he feels like it. While he likes people to get to know him, he does not share everything and says it is a del- “I like to do it myself because I like to be ­honest icate balancing act on social media when it and pure,” he said. “I want them to see me as I comes to issues like politics.

26 THE PARALYMPIAN 01|2019 THE PARALYMPIAN 01|2019 27 A WEEK IN THE LIFE OF …

A WEEK IN FRI THE LIFE OF … PEDRO

PABLO DE VINATEA WED THU The 31-year-old is the face of Para badminton in Peru. He will play under the spotlight at his home Parapan American Games in August. MON

SAT SUN

TUE

MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY First thing I do is meticulously pre- Tuesdays are very similar to Mon- I do not train in the evening, so I Thursdays are good days because I start the workday early so that I Weekends are the perfect oppor- I love watching Formula 1 or bad- pare my bag for training. I must days. I start early in the morning take this opportunity to do other my girlfriend, who works at the can finish early, usually by 2 pm. tunities to spend time with loved minton competitions. They usually have my contact lenses, prosthe- to train at the VIDENA Sports things such as errands, visit my same bank but at another branch, I can then train earlier and visit ones. Sofia is so important to me; start very early in Peru, but I make sis and a strap to keep it in place Complex, the main venue for Lima girlfriend Sofia or give motivation- comes to the one I am at and we the doctor if I feel pain. I also get we have been together for almost the effort to get up because I am while playing badminton. I also 2019. After the morning session, al speeches. I have to be careful have lunch together. I try to devote to train with able-bodied players, 10 years before I even took up passionate about these events. I need a patch for my finger as I lost I go to work at BCP, the biggest when I do not have training and as much time to her on Thursdays. which is pretty cool. It is quite ex- Para badminton. I was diagnosed also use Sundays to spend time sensitivity after an accident. Of bank in Peru. My title is “Process need to watch my diet. I have a If we do not make special arrange- hausting. But afterward I still try to with cancer at 15 and had my leg with my family. My dad passed course, my sporting gear and rack- Improvement Assistant Manager.” healthy eating plan throughout ments like this, we will not see spend my evenings with Sofia or amputated. I focussed on recover- away a couple of years ago, but ets should also be inside my bag. I My working hours are flexible, as I the week that includes lots of veg- each other often due to our differ- talk to my mom. ing mentally and physically, and I meet my mom, my siblings or must be very disciplined! have to combine it with my train- etables and fruits; and I eat many ent responsibilities. also on my studies. And she has my girlfriend’s family. I do not go ing. After work, I head back to VI- times per day. I also need to keep been fundamental in the process. out at night very often because it DENA for my evening training. It a good sleeping regime and try to breaks my routine, unless there is was this Tuesday in April when I go to bed early; but I never man- a special occasion with friends of learned I would be on the national age to do so before midnight. mine. team at Lima 2019!

28 THE PARALYMPIAN 01|2019 THE PARALYMPIAN 01|2019 29 FEATURE: TOKYO 2020 WINNING As three-time Paralympian Mami Tani continues her attempts to qualify for Tokyo MORE THAN 2020, she explains her vital role in bringing the Paralympic Games to her home country.

30 THE PARALYMPIAN 01|2019 THE PARALYMPIAN 01|2019 31 FEATURE: TOKYO 2020

Japan’s Mami Tani is more nervous than she has been her whole life. She feels the weight of her country on her shoulders. She has spent a decade on the world stage competing “We saw the faces at front of thousands in the long jump at the of the children Paralympics at Athens 2004, Beijing 2008 and London 2012. were changing. Only then did I see But this is different. the true power It is September 2013 in , ­. Tani, formerly Sato, knows she has of sport.” one chance to get this right. She has been trembling in rehearsals. She has never done a public speech before in English and yet she is kicking off the presentation for Tokyo 2020, hoping the members of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) will vote for Tokyo over Madrid, Spain; and Istanbul, Turkey.

Tani starts by telling the story of how she be- came a Paralympian. At 19, she was active in many sports while in university. She was a runner, swimmer and cheerleader. When Tani started to have pain in her right ankle, she went to see a doctor. It was bone cancer. Within a few weeks, her life was turned upside down. She had to have her leg amputated.

While it was a devastating turn of events, she says, “Sport saved her during a dark period in her life” and gave her new confidence. She tells the IOC members, “Most of all, I learned that what was important was what I had, not what I lost.” Mami Tani, a 2017 world champion, is aiming to qualify for triathlon at her home Paralympic Games in Tokyo

While Tani hooked the IOC voters with that beginning, they had no idea what was coming “It was so tough for the children there. They “You may not be writing this article about Gallo says the newspaper headlines took no- next. were not crying. But their faces were so sad,” Tokyo 2020 if it hadn’t been for storytelling, tice of the previously little known long jumper. says Tani. and Mami was the one who kicked it off,” says The Japan Times headline read, “Sato Shines When it hits home Gallo. He says Tani’s story has all the classi- as Role Model”. The Guardian noted, “Jap- She knew the power sport could have, so she cal elements of heroic epic stories that have anese bid’s passion earns Tokyo the 2020 The year before Tani’s third Paralympics, on started organising games and getting the chil- captivated people for years. She talked about ” and they gave special men- 11 March 2011, a devastating earthquake dren there to play sports and have moments her rise and fall, overcoming seemingly insur- tion to Tani. and tsunami hit Japan, killing 15,000 people. of fun to briefly put some of their worries mountable obstacles, her rebirth and trans- Within minutes, Tani’s hometown, Kesennu- aside. formation. Tani is now married with a four-year-old son. ma, was under water. She is juggling life as a mom, wife, her work “We saw the faces of the children were Athlete stories are golden and her life as an athlete. “I was living in Tokyo and I was watching what changing,” she explains. “Only then did I see was going on there on the TV news,” she re- the true power of sport,” she related to the While Tani’s was just the first of a series of calls. “It was horrendous watching the tsuna- IOC members in Argentina. It helped “to cre- emotional stories Tokyo shared in its pres- mi and a big fire spread in my hometown.” ate new dreams and smiles. To give hope.” entation, Gallo notes she set the perfect tone. And he says Tani offers a great lesson for the Six agonising days passed before Tani finally “We have to continue this Movement until Paralympics in a broader sense. made contact with her family and heard their 2020 and beyond,” she continues. voices again. “When I got a phone call from “The Paralympics are sitting on a treas- Tokyo 2020 would be special for Tani with family support my mom after six days, I cried.” Tani’s emotional story and how compelling it ure trove of stories,” Gallo says. “So many was for the IOC was highlighted by best-sell- Paralympic athletes have the same kind of She is training hard once again attempting “It would be the most memorable time of my Tani joined a group of athletes who brought ing author Carmine Gallo in his book The Sto- hero’s journey (like Tani’s), and that’s gold.” to qualify to compete in a new event, triath- life if I could compete in a home Games,” she supplies and messages of support from other ryteller’s Secret. Gallo pointed out that in the lon in the PTS4 category, at Tokyo 2020. The says. Japanese school children to Kesennuma. past Japan would typically start an Olympic When the Japanese celebrated after Tokyo course for triathlon runs through the area bid presentation with a senior leader such as was selected, Tani became more of a house- where she works and where her son goes to And to know she played a big part in making the prime minister. hold name there. nursery. it happen. Tani has worked to raise awareness of the Paralympics on home soil 32 THE PARALYMPIAN 01|2019 THE PARALYMPIAN 01|2019 33 CASE STUDY MARKETING SECRETS OF HAMBURG 2018 Anthony Kahlfeldt reveals how he dressed the German city with the event branding, filled venues and attracted partners for the 2018 Wheelchair Basketball World Championships. The German city was decked out with Hamburg 2018 The 2018 Wheelchair Basketball World Championships was a sell-out event branding The team’s budget included EUR 3 million to people he knew personally. Through perse- STEP 3: Key to success was providing the best spec- “We wanted to connect the city of Hamburg from the city, a result of Hamburg’s bid for verance, he set up meetings to share his vision tator experience, while maintaining low ticket with sport, culture and education,” he said. the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games. for the event. Pack the venues prices. A pass for all matches was EUR 50. “Everyone on the team worked very hard for Although the Games bid fell through, the mon- with fans Tickets for the opening day and finals games this to happen. And we were able to see the re- ey and planning remained. Hamburg mayor Peter The main competition venue at Edel-optics.de were EUR 10. Regular day tickets to the Centre sults over the 11 days of competition. Tschentscher and local Arena had a capacity of 1,573, including 249 Court after 18:00 cost EUR 5. During the day, To deliver the event they wanted, they calcu- entrepreneur Alexander wheelchair spaces. The two other competition entrance to all arenas was free. “It was crazy to see all these schoolchildren in lated a EUR 4.8 million total budget that rose Otto joined Nowitzki as halls held 300 people, 50 for wheelchair users. the park and the sports arena, especially see- to EUR 5.9 million in real costs. With revenues patrons, boosting the During breaks, in the park space around the ing so many people, adults included, try Para also coming from team entry fees, it meant event’s profile. Secur- “We wanted to stage an event where ticket pri­ venue, spectators enjoyed live music, tried sports! the Organising Committee needed to raise­ ing high-end accommo- ces were fair and not too high,” Kahlfeldt said. Para sports, ate from local food vendors and EUR 2.6 million. dation for athletes fur- lounged on outdoor furniture. All services were “We did not expect such interest and participa- ther underlined to partners Overall, 14,762 single tickets and 458 season provided by partners. tion even though we wanted to stage an event Kahlfeldt and his team developed a plan to how serious he was about tickets were sold. Each day, the main venue that appealed to everyone, inspired them and talk to potential partners, engage with the de- organising a world-class event. averaged 1,100 spectators, and 250-300 at “After-work parties” for partners drove attend- captured them emotionally.” cision-makers in companies personally, and the smaller halls. ance in the evenings. During the day, local market an idea that had not existed before. STEP 2: schoolchildren attended matches. Around STEP 4: “We were 80 per cent sold out,” said Kahlfeldt. 5,000 youngsters were expected, but nearly The Organising Committee landed more than Believe in what “We didn’t expect that every game, but it was 12,000 turned up. Teamwork and 50 partners, including the city of Hamburg and you’re selling so amazing.” independence a German NBA legend. Before convincing partners, Kahlfeldt need- Before taking on the task of Hamburg 2018, ed to convince himself. Kahlfeldt had one condition: “I will only do this A large banner was placed along one of Hamburg’s To land the Dallas Mavericks’ Dirk Nowitzki as if I can make my own decisions with my team.” most popular tourist attractions a Hamburg 2018 patron, Kahlfeldt drove to He was not organising the FIFA World Cup, Bamberg, 550 kilometres from Hamburg, to where partners come first to you. But the size He wanted the Organising Committee to act in- Along the wall of Germany’s busiest harbour­ meet Nowitzki’s manager Holger Geschwind- and scale of Hamburg 2018 would be similar: dependently of the existing sports association hung a massive bright blue 170m wide banner. ner, someone he knew personally. 28 teams, 94 games, two world champions. structures. A fresh and innovative Facing directly at Hamburg Hafen, a top tourist He used that as a selling point. approach was required. attraction, it read: “ZA-DONK! ROLLSTUHL-­ “We met for a coffee, discussed the challeng- BASKETBALL-WM 2018 IN HAMBURG”. es of getting wheelchair basketball on TV and “At the beginning during presentations, I “It is very important when Hamburg 2018’s vision to deliver a spectacu- thought ‘This will not work. You will never get you find a line for market- Such a giant advertisement in Germany’s­ lar sport event backed by a strong promotional such an amount of money for organising this ing, you stick to it. Don’t go second largest city was just one of many ex- campaign featuring a schools programme and thing,’” explained Kahlfeldt. “After the tenth left, don’t go right. It doesn’t amples of the ambitious approach to pro­ free ticketing,” Kahlfeldt recalled. presentation I said to my colleagues ‘Now I’m matter what the people say, moting the 2018 Wheelchair Basketball World at the point where I believe myself what I’m you must focus and maintain Championships.­ “I pointed out that we needed Nowitzki’s talking about.’” the direction you want to go. support to attract partners and Geschwind- Adjust little things – but also STEP 1: ner agreed, offering to deliver the event Importantly, he sold the emotions of Para have confidence in what together.” sports. All the teams, athletes and storylines your team says, because Meet them face-to-face heading to Hamburg would produce emo- you are working with the In October 2016, Anthony Kahlfeldt, CEO of As a Hamburg 2018 patron, Nowitzki sent a tions that normally could only be felt during people who believe in the the Organising Committee, met with team video message supporting the event that was the Paralympics and Olympics, two major same goal,” concluded members and set a clear goal: “To make the used in presentations to partners. events Germany had not experienced since Kahlfeldt. best event for the athletes, the best event the 1970s. Such an “emotional” atmosphere for the spectators, and the best event for our­ Just as he did with meeting Geschwindner, however, could only be generated by specta- partners.” Kahlfeldt scoured his contact list, reaching out tors packing the stands.

34 THE PARALYMPIAN 01|2019 BEIJING TALENTS

“I have been working a lot on my technique since PyeongChang, especially in the classic. I saw at this season’s Vuokatti World Cup that my middle distance and sprint went well, and that was because of technical training and conditioning, together with the team. I’ve been training a lot with the boys.”

“I think my breakthrough moment was the sprint in the Paralympics, when I got the silver medal. In the qualification, I won by like 12 seconds, and it was then I knew that I was one of the best in the world.”

“I wanted to be like Marit Bjorgen when I was little, before I got the disease in my foot. But then I got “I had a goal to take one medal at the damage in my foot, and so now I want the Paralympics Games. I definitely to be the Marit Bjorgen of Para sports. She was the strongest in the sprint. is my idol.” I hoped for a medal, and silver was very good for me.”

“I will definitely compete in Beijing 2022. It’s my goal. I hope for a gold medal there.”

“Sprint is my favourite Nordic skiing event because you have to be very explosive. You have to use a lot of power in a very short time. I think I’m good at that. Long distance is a little more difficult but I’m still young and I have a lot to learn. So maybe long distance will be one of my favourite distances later.”

ONE TO WATCH FOR BEIJING 2022

Vilde Nilsen “Outside of sports, I do a lot of music. I play the violin and also The 18-year-old surprised many, winning silver in piano.” the women’s sprint standing at PyeongChang 2018. A year later, her talent exploded at the World Championships in Prince George, Canada, with four gold medals.

36 THE PARALYMPIAN 01|2019 37 WORLD SPORT ROUND-UP

21 January – 1 February 23-25 January World Para Alpine Skiing Championships Australian Open

Stefan Olsson made up for his singles loss by winning the doubles with Joachim Gerard. Meanwhile, was outstanding in her singles victory Veteran Marie Bochet was one of two undefeated champions, as young Norwegian talent Jesper Pedersen collected his first Worlds medals (two silvers, two bronze)

France’s Marie Bochet and the Netherlands’ Securing Australian Open singles titles in he celebrated in front of a huge home crowd alongside compatriot , had to MEDALS TABLE Jeroen Kampschreur were both unbeatable January all held different meanings for Dylan on Australia Day. The match was also broad- battle to the end of three sets against fellow at the 2019 Worlds, securing five gold medals France 8 1 1 Alcott, Diede de Groot and Gustavo Fernandez. cast live on Australian TV for the first time. Dutchwoman and Germany’s apiece. Alcott also teamed up with compatriot Heath Sabine Ellerbrock. Netherlands 5 1 0 Although it was his fifth straight quad singles Davidson to defend their doubles title in three For standing skier Bochet, it was the third Italy 4 1 0 crown, Alcott was overcome with emotion as sets over Great Britain’s Andy Lapthorne and Argentina’s Fernandez ended a four-match sweep of her career while it was the first for the USA’s David Wagner. losing streak in Grand Slam finals to claim 19-year-old sit-skier Kampschreur. his third major title. He held off Swedish rival De Groot won her third Grand Slam Stefan Olsson 7-5 6-3 in the men’s singles. Bochet’s compatriot Arthur Bauchet won three tournament in a row, routing Japan’s Olsson did leave with a victory, joining gold medals in the men’s standing technical SPOTLIGHT ON No. 2 seed 6-0 6-2. Belgium’s Joachim Gerard for their first Grand events, emotionally celebrating each time he JEROEN KAMPSCHREUR (NED) Slam title together. crossed the finish line. Known more as a technical racer, But the doubles victory was another the teenager proved uncatchable www.itftennis.com/wheelchair/home.aspx in both speed events to secure a story for the 22-year-old, who Giacomo Bertagnolli and guide Fabrizio Casal first career Grand Slam. won four gold medals in total, three of which (downhill, super combined and super-G) came on home snow in Sella Nevea, Italy.

Three women shared the spoils in women’s sitting. Japan’s Momoka Muraoka (giant SPOTLIGHT ON slalom and super combined) secured two (AUS) golds as did Germany’s Anna Schaffelhuber All cameras and attention were (downhill and super-G). Schaffelhuber’s com- on the home favourite, who beat US rival David Wagner 6-4 7-6(2) patriot Anna-Lena Forster took the slalom title. in a ee-saw final on a national holiday. www.paralympic.org/sella-nevea-kranjska-gora-2019

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“It’s a dream come true. After my win in GS (giant slalom) I thought ‘Yeah, you did it, but now focus on the slalom’. I was focussed on it and I did it again, so I can’t dream of anything better.”

Arthur Bauchet, France, after winning giant slalom and slalom golds

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5-6 February 3-10 March World Para Taekwondo Championships World Championship

World champions in the 12 Paralympic-affiliated divisions came from 10 different countries, Scotland fell short while 22 different nations of their first World won medals Championship title since 2005

Croatian world No. 1 Ivan The bronze medal match saw South Korea MEDALS TABLE MEDALS TABLE Mikulic failed to register a take down Norway, the defending world cham- Russia 4 5 5 point. China pions. Norway took the first end but only by a single point. From then on, it was South Korea’s Turkey 4 2 5 Disqualification for an ille- Scotland game, as they went on to win 10-3. Serbia 2 3 2 gal kick meant Mongolia’s­ Enkhtuya Khurelbaatar Norwegian legend Rune Lorentsen, who retired *Only Kyorugi events South Korea could not defend her from international competition after the event, title in the women’s up was voted the championship’s sportsmanship New stars rose to the podium while many to 49 kg K44. Almost one year after winning their country’s award winner. top-ranked fighters left Antalya, Turkey, first Paralympic winter gold medal, China disappointed. Thailand’s Khwansuda continued to show they are the dominant force www.worldcurling.org/wwhcc2019 Phuangkitcha was awarded in wheelchair curling with a first world title win Iran’s Mahdi Pourrahnama surprisingly failed the win. in Stirling, Great Britain. to win a fifth straight crown, suffering only his second loss in eight years. Instead, Mexico’s Danish dynamo Lisa Gjessing The PyeongChang 2018 champions de- SPOTLIGHT ON world No. 6 Juan Garcia Lopez was victorious withdrew from her semi-final due to feated Scotland in a final that went into the HAITAO WANG (CHN) in the men’s up to 75 kg K44. injury, opening up the competition for eighth end. The hosts needed three points to Held his nerve in the critical moment by taking out the ­China’s Li Yujie to top the ­podium in the keep their hopes alive. With two stones left to Scottish stone lying closest to the Lopez was not the only fighter from the ­women’s up to 58 kg K44. play, Scotland had one in the house and the centre of the house and scored two points in the seventh end to Americas to cause an upset. Brazil’s Debora last-stone advantage. But China skip Haitao secure a first world title. Menezes won the women’s over 58 kg K44 www.worldtaekwondo.org Wang executed a perfect take-out to remove prize; Great Britain’s defending champion the Scottish stone and spoil their golden hopes. Amy Truesdale failed to medal. SPOTLIGHT ON BOLOR-ERDENE GANBAT (MGL) Truesdale’s compatriot Matt Bush secured One of the few top-ranked ath- letes to survive the wild Worlds, gold in the men’s over 75 kg, an event in which winning his fourth straight gold in the men’s up to 61 kg K44. 42 THE PARALYMPIAN 01|2019 THE PARALYMPIAN 01|2019 43 WORLD SPORT ROUND-UP

15-24 February World Para Nordic Skiing Championships

The weather might have dipped as low as minus-25 degrees Celsius, but competition remained hot with a mix of veterans and young- sters lighting up Prince George, Canada.

France’s Benjamin Daviet secured five world titles across cross-country and biathlon events in the men’s standing – a feat he was not expecting especially with rival Mark Arendz having home support.

At her first major international competition after recovering from a shoulder injury, the USA’s Oksana Masters proved she is still the best in the women’s sitting by sweeping all individual cross-country events, to go with two biathlon golds.

Just like the 2017 Worlds, Ukrainian skiers ended top of the medals table with nine golds, 16 silvers and 17 bronze. Liudmyla Liashenko Canada’s first Para Nordic skiing Worlds was filled with thrillers, (women’s standing) was the most decorated as well as legends and break-out athlete with three biathlon golds, one gold in stars making headlines cross-country and another in the relay.

Jet lag was not an issue for Canada’s Brian McKeever who competed just a few days after attending the Laureus Awards ceremo- ny in Monaco. The most decorated cross- country skier in Paralympic history won the men’s cross-country long distance vision impaired race.

www.paralympic.org/prince-george-2019

MEDALS TABLE SPOTLIGHT ON Ukraine 9 16 17 VILDE NILSEN (NOR) Teenage Worlds debutant won USA 6 7 2 three individual world titles and also helped her team take gold in Germany 5 3 7 the open relay.

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14-17 March Cycling Track World Championships

“I’m really happy with the kilo race.

Spain’s Ricardo Ten Argiles It was my personal-best time at sea level, set a world record in the men’s and I was definitely focussed on this event. individual pursuit C1 I really wanted to defend my title in this race, and I’m so glad I was able to do that to make it five in a row for the kilo.”

Joe Berenyi, USA, won his fifth straight time trial crown in the MC3 category.

Another shocker came when Australian mance which included two golds, two silvers MEDALS TABLE Darren Hicks won the men’s individual pursuit and three bronze. Alejandro Perea Arango Great Britain 10 9 1 C2 ahead of Canadian Paralympic champion was the nation’s most decorated cyclist in Tristen Chernove. Apeldoorn with gold in the men’s 1km time trial Australia 9 5 3 C2, plus a silver and bronze. China 7 3 3 But Colombia proved to be a rising powerhouse in the sport following an outstanding perfor- www.uci.org/para-cycling Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands witnessed one of the biggest shockers at the Omnisport Apeldoorn velo- drome, when home favourite Caroline Groot upset Paralympic legend Sarah Storey for gold in the women’s 500m time trial C5.

Great Britain’s most decorated Paralympian still managed to race her way to victories in the SPOTLIGHT ON women’s 3km individual pursuit and scratch PAIGE GRECO (AUS) C5. Compatriot and Rio 2016 champion Broke three world records over two days in the women’s 3km Sophie Thornhill, with pilot Helen Scott, was individual pursuit, 500m time trial the fastest in the women’s 1km time trial and 200m flying sprint C3. and sprint tandem. These were all part of a successful four days of competition for Team GB as they topped the medals table with 10 golds.

46 THE PARALYMPIAN 01|2019 THE PARALYMPIAN 01|2019 47 WORLD SPORT ROUND-UP

26-31 March World Para Snowboard Championships

Poland’s Monika Kotzian The first four-way border-cross after winning the women’s races were contested at a snowboard-cross SB-UL World Championships gold medal

Pyha, Finland, witnessed the return of a women’s SB-LL2. The 23-year-old became a MEDALS TABLE long-awaited champion, a breakthrough for a double world champion in Pyha, securing her young rider, and history made when four-way first major career gold medals. France 4 0 0 snowboard-cross made its Worlds debut. USA 3 1 2 The USA collected a staggering six medals. Maxime Montaggioni appeared in his biggest Mike Schultz held off his younger compatriot China 2 3 1 competition since the 2017 Worlds, where Noah Elliott for the men’s banked slalom SB- he won banked slalom gold and border-cross LL1 title. But Elliott responded by taking the silver. After injury held him back from his border-cross gold. Keith Gabel took a thriller in Paralympic debut in PyeongChang, the French the men’s SB-LL2 to add to the USA’s medals rider looked stronger by sweeping both men’s tally. SB-UL disciplines. SPOTLIGHT ON Sun Qi gave China plenty to cheer for ahead of Following the retirement of Dutch legend the Beijing 2022 Paralympics by winning the MAXIME MONTAGGIONI (FRA) Came back from heart-breaking ­Bibian Mentel-Spee, one of her proteges Lisa men’s banked slalom SB-LL2. injury prior to PyeongChang Bunschoten succeeded her mentor in the 2018 to become a double world champion. www.paralympic.org/pyha-2019

48 THE PARALYMPIAN 01|2019 THE PARALYMPIAN 01|2019 49 WORLD SPORT ROUND-UP

“There’s been so many people watching here all week in the Czech Republic and I’m glad we got to put on a good product for them. ... Hopefully it inspires one young kid missing a leg or with spina bifida who wants to play Para ice hockey and needs somebody to look up to. As a kid, I had those idols, and that’s what inspired me to become a hockey player.”

Canadian team captain Tyler McGregor

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27 April – 4 May World Para Ice Hockey Championships

After falling short of the podium at PyeongChang 2018, Italy were hoping to play for another major medal in Ostrava. But it was not meant to be

It was a record-tying fourth world title for the MEDALS TABLE US squad and happened a year after they won USA the 2018 Paralympic title.

Canada PyeongChang 2018 bronze medallists South Korea kept the momentum going after host- South Korea ing last year’s Games with a 4-1 win over the Czech Republic. In front of 8,600 spectators who packed into the arena, the home fans saw An electrifying week with sold-out games the Czech team come away with their best ended in dramatic fashion, with a huge result­ in seven years with a fourth place finish. crowd witnessing the USA take an incredible 3-2 overtime win over arch-rivals Canada in www.paralympic.org/ostrava-2019 Ostrava, Czech Republic.

Following a 0-0 first period, Canada’s SPOTLIGHT ON Liam Hickey knocked in a power-play goal. BRODY ROYBAL (USA) The USA responded a few minutes later when Twenty-year-old played the hero when scoring the game-winning Josh Pauls evened the match. Canada appeared goal in an overtime thriller. on their way to repeating their title when their defender Rob Armstrong found the net.

But the USA’s Declan Farmer forced overtime with 3:26 left. He then connected with Brody Roybal for the golden goal in the extra period.

52 THE PARALYMPIAN 01|2019 THE PARALYMPIAN 01|2019 53 UPCOMING EVENTS

3-9 June 6-8 June, 11-14 July, 5-8 September 12-20 July 19-25 August World Archery Para Roland Garros, Wimbledon, World Para Powerlifting Para Badminton Championships US Open Championships World Championships

China’s Wu Chunyan will aim to repeat her success from last October when she The Netherlands’ Diede de Groot is on her way to Grand Slam history At Kitakyushu 2018, 29-year-old Lingling Guo broke her own world record Hong Kong’s Chan Ho Yuen caused the upset of 2018 when he ended Jungjun upset favourite Zahra Nemati Kim’s winning streak at the Australia Para Badminton International The stakes could not be higher in ’s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands, as Dutch world No.1 Diede de Groot could become the first woman World records are expected to fall in Nur-Sultan, Kazakhstan, with Para badminton will make its Paralympic debut at Tokyo 2020 and the world’s best Para archers aim for coveted world titles and the first since her compatriot to hold all Grand Slam singles Lingling Guo one of the strongest contenders to rewrite history books. this event in Basel, Switzerland, will be a good indicator of who will Tokyo 2020 quota places. titles should she win Roland Garros this June. At the 2018 Asia-Oceania Open Championships in Kitakyushu, most likely contest for medals in the Japanese capital next year. Japan, the Chinese athlete broke the women’s up to 45kg world re- After success on home territory in 2017, China are expected to send De Groot, a losing finalist to Japan’s Yui Kamiji on the Paris clay cord three times in 20 minutes, eventually lifting 114kg. Last October’s underlined India’s credentials in a strong team to contest the eight individual medal events. Reigning last year, currently holds the Wimbledon, US and Australian Open the sport. Pramod Bhagat took gold to finish 2018 top of the men’s Paralympic champion Zhou Jiamin and Ai Xinliang will hope to retain crowns. While De Groot dominates women’s wheelchair tennis, com- In the women’s up to 55kg class, Ukraine’s Mariana Shevchuk will SL 3 world rankings while Tarun Tarun also claimed an Asian title to their respective titles in the women’s and men’s compound open. ­ petition in the men’s game is wide open. Shingo Kunieda is likely to start as favourite after raising the world record to 130.5kg earlier this secure his top-five spot in the men’s SL 4 rankings. In 2018, Xinliang added Asian Para Games gold to his first career head into Roland Garros as the world No. 1. But Japan’s defending year. world title. champion will have Argentina’s Australian Open winner Gustavo Fer- While Tarun took Asian gold, his French rival Lucas Mazur captured nandez breathing down his neck. It will be a tough battle between Chinese and Nigerian powerlifters to the SL 4 European crown to go alongside his world title and world The event’s most exciting rivalry could be in the women’s recurve top the medal standings. China led the way at the 2017 World Cham- No. 1 spot. open. Iran’s reigning Paralympic and world champion Zahra Nema- On grass, Sweden’s Stefan Olsson will look to secure his third straight pionships in . But it was Nigeria who dominated at Rio ti was stunned at the 2018 Asian Para Games when she lost out to Wimbledon win. However, home favourite and defending US Open 2016. Competition in the women’s WH 1 class is expected to be tight­ ­China’s 2017 Worlds bronze medallist Wu Chunyan. champion Alfie Hewitt should not be ignored. with Germany’s European champion Valeska Knoblauch likely to This will be the last big event before the world’s best powerlifters­ go head-to-head with Thailand’s Worlds bronze medallist Sujirat After success at the Rio 2016 Paralympics and the 2017 World After sealing his fifth Australian Open title at home in January, Dylan begin their final preparations towards Tokyo 2020. ­Pookkham. Championships, British Para archers will look to continue their­ Alcott will aim to impress as quad singles and doubles events are dominance of the W1 categories. included at Roland Garros and Wimbledon for the first time. www.paralympic.org/nur-sultan-2019 www.basel2019.org

www.archery2019.com www.itftennis.com/wheelchair

ONES TO WATCH ONES TO WATCH ONES TO WATCH ONES TO WATCH

Alberto Simonelli Zahra Nemati Jessica Stretton Shingo Kunieda Giulia Capocci David Wagner Sherif Osman Amalia Perez Siamand Rahman Lucas Mazur Jungjun Kim Leani Ratri Oktila ITA IRI GBR JPN ITA USA EGY MEX IRI FRA KOR INA

Opened the 2019 The two-time Still a teenager, ­ Back at world No.1 Burst onto the inter­ Multiple-Grand Slam Aiming to break the Looking to leave a Has always left the The European and de- Suffered his first defeat Top ranked women’s season in spectacular ­Paralympic champion but already a after an injury plagued national scene in 2018. winner seeking a return world record in the meaningful legacy by world record attempts fending world champion since 2012 last Decem- singles SL 4 player fashion, breaking his­ will look to bounce back ­Paralympic and world 2017 but faces stiff Won two titles to earn to world No.1 after men’s up to 59 kg after claiming her fourth gold until the biggest com- will be tested in one of ber but can prove he coming off a strong own world record in the after a shock loss at champion in the ­ competition. a top 10 world ranking losing his place to rival successfully defending at what could be petitions; Nur-Sultan the most competitive is still the best in the 2018 but needs to men’s compound open. the 2018 Asian Para women’s recurve W1. for the first time in her Alcott. the African title her last World 2019 may very well be categories. men’s singles WH 2. defeat China’s reigning Games. career. in 2018. Championships. that moment he was world champion Cheng waiting for. Hefang.

54 THE PARALYMPIAN 01|2019 THE PARALYMPIAN 01|2019 55 UPCOMING EVENTS

21-24 August 25 August – 1 September 23 August – 1 September Para Canoe World Para Rowing World Lima 2019 Parapan American Games Championships Championships

The women’s KL1 will be a tight race after Great Britain’s Jeanette Chippington This will be the best opportunity for nations to qualify their boats for surrendered her title to Ukraine’s Maryna Mazhula Tokyo 2020 A wave of new talent has emerged in the sport and these Worlds in All eyes in Linz-Ottensheim, Austria, will be on the men’s single sculls Szeged, Hungary, will establish the leading names ahead of Tokyo (PR1 M1x) as the biggest rivalry in Para rowing gears up for another 2020. thrilling chapter.

After tasting success in other Para sports, Great Britain’s Charlotte At last year’s Worlds, Australia’s secured a sixth world title Henshaw and Sweden’s Helene Ripa both claimed world titles in with a stunning overtake of Ukraine’s Paralympic champion Roman 2018. Former swimmer Henshaw took the world title away from com- Polianskyi with 500m to go. The winner this time round will surely patriot Emma Wiggs in KL2, while Ripa – a Sochi 2014 cross-country start Tokyo 2020 as favourite for Paralympic gold. Paralympic champion – defeated Australia’s Rio 2016 silver medal- The top athletes from the Americas region will all be in Lima this summer list Amanda Reynolds in KL3. Great Britain has won every mixed coxed four (PR3 Mix4+) world title since 2010. But last year the USA came within two seconds of ending The biggest Parapan American Mexico are hopeful of landing gold through judo Paralympic gold medal- The rivalry to watch could be in the men’s KL3 between Ukraine’s that dominance and will push even harder this time round. Games to date are coming to Peru lists Lenia Ruvalcaba and Eduardo Avila Sanchez, as well as via power- Serhii Yemelianov and Brazil’s Caio Carvalho, who was 0.73 seconds for the first time, with Lima receiving lifting hero Amalia Perez. shy of gold last year. In the women’s single sculls (PR1 W1x), every boat will be chasing a record 1,850 athletes to compete Norway’s Birgit Skarstein. Israel’s Moran Samuel and USA’s Hallie across 17 sports, two more than To- ’s first wheelchair tennis world No.1 Gustavo In addition to six kayak medal events, three Va’a events were ap- Smith, medallists behind Skarstein last September, are expected to ronto 2015. Fernandez will be another of the big stars set to compete at Lima 2019. proved for the Tokyo 2020 programme. In Szeged, Australia’s Curtis challenge once again. McGrath (men’s VL3); Brazil’s Igor Tofalini (men’s VL2) and Russia’s Hosts Peru are expected to pres- www.lima2019.pe Larisa Volik (women’s VL3) will look to defend their 2018 titles. www.wrch2019.com ent a battle in badminton, which together with shooting and taek- www.canoeicf.com/paracanoe-world-championships/szeged-2019 wondo will feature in the Games for the first time. Triple continental champion Pilar Jauregui will be the ONES TO WATCH ONES TO WATCH ONES TO WATCH top contender for gold in the WH 2 category.

Football 5-a-side is arguably the most widely-anticipated team event on Latin American soil, as Argentina seek revenge against Brazil af- ter losing to their arch rivals in the 2015 and 2018 World Championships final.

In wheelchair rugby, USA are looking to win their first Parapan gold after Serhii Yemelianov Charlotte Henshaw Curtis McGrath Birgit Skarstein Erik Horrie Annika van der Efrain Sotacuro UKR GBR AUS NOR AUS Meer and a thrilling 57-54 defeat against Canada in the final four years ago. BRA CUB PER Corne de Koning Can Brazil’s most World’s fastest female Looking to win the Reigning Paralympic Ended Wiggs’ Reigning world and Going for a third Will have to beat NED Colombian F34 Paralympic champion Mauricio Valencia aims to take and world champion winning streak of five Paralympic champion straight title and may the Paralympic decorated Paralympian Paralympian is ready men’s marathon T46 is the athlete everyone world titles to become has shown his talents break her own world champion if he is to Back-to-back PR2 the javelin and shot-put titles, while Paralympic sprint champion Deja repeat the 11-gold med- to showcase her speed after achieving a in the KL3 class the new face of extend to Va’a as well as best time along secure a seventh mixed double sculls Young will be one of the top names representing the USA. al performance from once more in Peru. much-celebrated fourth is chasing. women’s KL2. kayak events. the way. successive world title. crew went undefeated 2011? place at the Rio 2016 last year. Paralympics.

56 THE PARALYMPIAN 01|2019 THE PARALYMPIAN 01|2019 57 UPCOMING EVENTS

1 September 9-15 September 12-15 September 17-23 September Para Triathlon World World Para Swimming Para Cycling Road Wheelchair Fencing Championships Championships World Championships World Championships

The men’s PTS5 category will be one of the most competitive races in Lausanne The last World Championships were held in 2017 in Mexico City Cyclists will aim to improve their performances from the 2018 Worlds A thrilling battle saw Dimitri Coutya beat Alessio Sarri 15-14 for the men’s epee category B title two years ago. Their rivalry is expected to renew Extra pressure will be in the air in Lausanne, Switzerland, as both The London Aquatics Centre played host to swimming events at the The biggest road cycling stars will be in Emmen, Netherlands, Regional Championships in 2018 laid down the markers for world world titles and Tokyo 2020 qualification slots will be up for grabs. London 2012 Paralympic Games and will once again welcome the peddling for coveted titles. title contenders in Cheongju, South Korea. world’s best later this year. In the men’s PTWC, Jetze Plat could draw closer to matching the re- Great Britain’s most successful female Paralympian Sarah Storey From the Americas, Brazil’s Jovane Guissone took double gold in the cord of Australia’s Bill Chaffey, who won five world titles. The Dutch- The rearranged World Championships will head to the British capital made a memorable golden return at last year’s Worlds after giving men’s foil and epee category B events, showing similar form that led man currently holds three world titles. The USA’s Allysa Seely will after the IPC decided earlier this year to strip Malaysia of the right to birth to her son Charlie. With a full season of training and racing under to his London 2012 Paralympic gold. also start as favourite for gold following a near-flawless 2018 season host the event. The Malaysian government failed to provide the IPC her belt, she will be even harder to beat this time round. in the women’s PTS2. with the necessary guarantees that Israeli Para swimmers could par- The Asian Championships saw one of the sport’s legends return to ticipate, free from discrimination, and safely in the Championships. Winter and summer Paralympic champion Andrea Eskau will be an- the top when Hong Kong’s multi-Paralympic champion Yu Chui Yee Once ruled by Australia’s Katie Kelly, the women’s PTVI appears to other to follow. The German will try to outdo her performance from won the women’s foil category A. Chinese teenager Haiyan Gu, who have a new face in Spain’s 2018 champion Susana Rodriguez. The London 2019, a key qualifier for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, Maniago 2018, where she took one gold and one silver. caused a major upset at November’s World Cup when she beat Hun- men’s equivalent could be a thriller between Great Britain’s world will be the ninth edition of the Championships and marks the second gary’s world champion Zsuzsanna Krajnyak, could also challenge. champion Dave Ellis and the USA’s Aaron Scheidies, who missed last time the event has been staged in Great Britain following the 2015 China’s track cycling sensation Li Zhangyu also looks to add gold to his year’s title by 20 seconds. edition in . resume on the road. He captured double bronze at the 2018 Worlds in Fellow Hungarian Richard Osvath remains world No. 1 in the men’s the men’s C1 events. His compatriot Wei Guoping could find success foil A despite a semi-final exit at the Europeans, which was won by Canada’s Stefan Daniel and Great Britain’s Lauren Steadman re- Around 600 swimmers from 60 nations are set to compete in the in C4 after a pair of golds from October’s Asian Para Games. Russian Roman Fedyaev. In the B category equivalent, Italy’s Marco newed their affection for the sport after winning their respective Championships which is a qualifier to the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. Cima was the surprise victor after a one-point win over top-ranked Dim- PTS5 events in 2018. However, their rivals in Germany’s Martin Italian cyclists will hope to repeat their success from last year’s Cham- itri Coutya. But the Brit found solace in the epee, and Poland’s Adrian Schulz and the USA’s Grace Norman will be hungry for redemption. www.worldparaswimming.com pionships, when they topped the medals table with 17. Castro’s European title made him the man to beat in the sabre B.

www.triathlon.org/paratriathlon www.uci.org/para-cycling www.iwasf.com

ONES TO WATCH ONES TO WATCH ONES TO WATCH ONES TO WATCH

Stefan Daniel Lauren Steadman Wakako Tsuchida Bethany Firth Ihra Boki Yip Pin Xiu Alex Zanardi Shawn Morelli Tristen Chernove Beatrice Vio Dimitri Coutya Yu Chui Yee CAN GBR JPN GBR BLR SGN ITA USA CAN ITA GBR HKG

Rio 2016 runner-up Appears to be Silver medallist Returns to the stage The S13 swimmer The three-time Looking to return to Topped the podium Rio 2016 champion Reigning Paralympic, The epee specialist Former Paralympic can show he is back on track after from last year knows that jump-started her was the most successful Paralympic gold form after only leaving twice in the women’s comes off a strong 2018 world and European added the 2018 champion can gold-medal material for capping a brilliant 2018 what she must do to win career; athlete at last year’s medallist is the last year’s World C4 at last year’s on the road as he took champion in women’s European title to his prove her comeback Tokyo 2020 in one season with the the women’s PTWC, multi-Paralympic and Europeans, winning one to chase in the Championships with Road World one gold and one foil B is one of the most World Championship is real in Cheongju. of the most women’s PTS5 gold. especially ahead of her world champion coming seven golds from S2 category. one bronze medal. Championships. silver in Maniago. popular names in gold, and the highly-contested home Paralympics. off two 2018 European seven events. Para sports. youngster will only categories. titles in the S14 class. get better.

58 THE PARALYMPIAN 01|2019 THE PARALYMPIAN 01|2019 59 UPCOMING EVENTS OTHER MAJOR EVENTS 9-19 October 7-15 November 29 November – 1 December 18 July Asian Para Taekwondo Open Championships World Shooting Para Sport World Para Athletics World Para Dance Sport Amman, Jordan

Championships Championships Championships 27-28 July Judo European Championships Genova, Italy

19-25 August European Para Dressage Championships Rotterdam, Netherlands

4-5 September Judo Asia and Oceania Championships Atyrau, Kazakhstan

14 September Triathlon European Championships Valencia, Spain World champions from 2018 will be back for more in Sydney The last World Championships in London saw outstanding performances Bonn, home of the IPC headquarters, will host its first Para sport Worlds 15-24 September The sport has switched its Worlds to odd years and last year’s The ninth edition of the World Para Athletics World Championships As part of the IPC’s celebrations to mark 20 years in Bonn, Germany, Blind Football European champions are expected to show up again in Sydney, Australia. take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates in November, with more the city will host the world’s best Para dancers. Championships than 170 gold medals up for grabs. The event also provides one of the Rome, Italy China and Slovakia proved to have the most accurate athletes last major opportunities for Para athletes to achieve the vital qualifi- More than 210 athletes from 20 countries will light up the dance floor at the 2018 edition in Cheongju, South Korea. Slovaks Radoslav cation standards for the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics. in the former German capital. It will be the city’s first major Para sport 16-21 September Malenosky, Veronika Vadovicova and teenage newcomer Kristina event. Table Tennis European Championships Funkova together collected four of the nine individual gold medals on At London 2017, a rapturous crowd were entertained by multiple Helsingborg, Sweden offer in rifle events. China was dominant in the pistol discipline with medal performances by stars including the USA’s Tatyana McFadden,­ The World Championships will be organised by World Para Dance Yang Chao and Huang Xing capturing two of the five individual titles. Great Britain’s Hannah Cockroft and Germany’s Johannes Floors. Sport, the sport’s international federation, with the support of the 5-14 October Meanwhile, home favourite Jonnie Peacock successfully defended City of Bonn. Goalball European Championships In addition to Funkova, Ukraine’s Iryna Shchetnik was the other new his gold in the blue riband men’s 100m T44; after a year out from the Rostock, Germany exciting talent to emerge from 2018. The prodigy set a world record sport, the Briton is back. On the field, Latvia’s Diana Dadzite clinched The fifth edition of the Worlds took place in 2017 in Malle, Belgium, in the R2 (women’s air rifle standing SH1), stunning Paralympic a phenomenal three gold medals; ’s Akeem and made history as the biggest competition yet. Around 170 ath- 9-20 October champion Vadovicova at the 2018 European Championships. Stewart notched up two world records and Algeria’s stars continued letes from 22 countries competed for medals in 18 events, with INAS Global Games to show incredible strength and technique, winning seven of their Ukrainian dancers topping the podium nine times. The 2015 Worlds Brisbane, Australia The Europeans also saw local favourite Dragan Ristic collect gold in nine gold medals in throwing events. in Rome, Italy, attracted 150 dancers from 25 countries. the R5 (mixed 10m air rifle prone SH2), an event the Serbian also 2-10 November www.worldparadancesport.com won in Cheongju. Dubai 2019 is set to be just as enthralling. Blind Football Central American Champs www.worldshootingparasport.com www.paralympic.org/dubai-2019 Ciudad de , Guatemala

15-26 November ONES TO WATCH ONES TO WATCH ONES TO WATCH Blind Football African Championships Abidjan, Ivory Coast

2-11 December Goalball Asian/Pacific Championships Chiba, Japan

Sareh Veronika Abdulla Sultan Petrucio Ferreira Daniel Romanchuk Vanessa Low Olena Chynka Hanna Harchakova Rhea Marquez and Javanmardi Vadovicova Alaryani BRA USA AUS UKR and Roman Usmanov Jun Julius Obero IRI SVK UAE BLR PHI The quest to become the The young wheelchair Having missed Danced to five Europe- Pistol queen won Arguably one of Had the best result fastest Paralympian of all racer could claim his London 2017 due to injury, an titles last year and Dominant partnership The reigning both P2 and P4 world the sport’s greatest will of his career at time continues for Ferreira first global titles on the the 2015 world long jump is expected to capture in the standard discipline, combi Latin and titles last year in be the R2 and Cheongju 2018, winning who clocked 10.50 track after making a champion is back the judges’ top marks coming off a 2018 freestyle class 2 world comeback fashion. R8 favourite. R6 and R7, the latter in 2018 – just 0.04 shy of name for himself win- with world records in Bonn. European combi 2 title. champions always put

vision impaired Irishman ning major marathons. in sight. with flu-like symptoms. on a show. Jason Smyth.

60 THE PARALYMPIAN 01|2019 THE PARALYMPIAN 01|2019 61 MY GAMES EXPERIENCE

Ragnhild Myklebust

■■ Most decorated athlete at Lillehammer 1994 with nine medals Lillehammer ■■ Five-time Paralympian, 22-time gold medallist Most decorated Winter Innsbruck 1988 Albertville 1992 Lillehammer 1994 1998 Paralympian recalls 2002 1994 home Games ome of the most defining moments “I remember how cold it was, but it was really She added the Games were “good for Para Myklebust, who retired after the Salt Lake LOOKING INTO THE FUTURE in history happened 25 years ago. nice and all competitions were great,” she said. athletes as they had the chance to compete City 2002 Paralympic Winter Games, even In 2021, Lillehammer will again be in the spot- In 1994, Nelson Mandela became internationally” and highlighted how much boasts 14 gold medals more than her com- light as it stages the first joint World Para Snow South Africa’s first black President; EXHAUSTING SCHEDULE more coverage the Paralympics are getting patriot Marit Bjorgen, the most decorated Sports Championships in alpine skiing, Nordic legendary movies Pulp Fiction, For- Lillehammer was elected host city in 1988 now, “especially on the Internet.” winter Olympian. skiing and snowboard. Srest Gump and The Lion King hit the cinemas; after beating Ostersund, Sweden, in the and Internet giants Amazon and Yahoo! were final round of voting at the 94th International MOST DECORATED WINTER PARALYMPIAN “I actually never think about being the most “Hopefully it will be important for Para athletes founded. Olympic Committee Session. “I was following No other Para athlete has won more Paralym- decorated winter Paralympian,” Mykle- to develop themselves and for people with disa- on TV and when they announced the winner I pic Winter titles than the Norwegian, who bust said. “It is only when they mention the bilities in general who may feel inspired by what It was also a memorable year in sports with screamed ‘YES!’” made her Games debut in 1988 in Innsbruck, ­athletes who have won more medals, and they see,” said Myklebust.

Norway staging the Paralympic Winter Games. Ragnhild Austria. they talk about able-bodied­ athletes while A total of 471 athletes from 31 countries From all the events she took part in, Myklebust saying nothing about us that I think about it.” “It is not just about competition but about a travelled to Lillehammer and competed across feels the women’s 3x2.5 km cross-country Myklebust During a glittering career spanning five way of living. There need to be changes in soci- five sports: alpine skiing, biathlon, cross-country relay open was special. “I skied really fast. Just Paralympic Winter Games, Myklebust It may take many years, if it ever happens, t­o ety. Sometimes people smile at you to be nice, skiing, ice hockey and ice sledge racing. after starting, I was astonished to see that all claimed a staggering 27 medals, including 22 see another athlete winning so many ­titles at but there are no actual changes. You must fight my competitors were far behind. We won and I Myklebust was fully focussed on performing golds, three silvers and two bronze. a Paralympic Winter Games. as a person with a disability to gain your place Nordic sit-skier and ice speed skater Ragnhild was faster even than the standing skiers! well and had little time for spare-activities. “It as an active citizen. Myklebust was the standout athlete at the was nice having home support from Only the USA’s six-time Paralympian Trischa “I am not sure if my record will ever be bro- Games, taking five golds, two silvers and two “There was no time to celebrate, your family, but I was busy with Zorn – a winner of a staggering 41 Para ken,” said Myklebust. “I think competition “Through sports you can show what you can do bronze medals to help the host country finish though, because I had to my races and did not want to swimming titles – has won more Paralympic nowadays has gotten harder than when I and that you can be part of society just like any atop of the medals table. compete every day. I went get distracted by anything golds. used to compete.” other.” to bed early.” else.”

WHAT HAPPENED IN 1994?

February 10-19 March 10 May 21 May 15 June 23 June 5 July Yahoo! Lillehammer Paralympic Nelson Mandela becomes Pulp Fiction The Lion King Forrest Gump Amazon was born Winter Games South Africa’s first released released released was born democratically­ elected President

62 THE PARALYMPIAN 01|2019 THE PARALYMPIAN 01|2019 63 THE BIG DEBATE

MASOUD ASHRAFI THE BIG DEBATE Secretary General of NPC Iran ur NPC was estab- government, Parliament, lished in 2001 and Ministry of Sport and Youth financially support- and NOC from NPC and the ed by our NOC, even Para athletes supervised by Should NPCs be independent governing bodies or integrate though we imple- the NPC JULIE DUSSLIERE Omented our own planning and ■■ Expression of interest from the Chief of Paralympic sport at activities independently. targeted population’s families Olympic Committee (USOC) with their respective National Olympic Committees (NOC)? to encourage and back their The success of Iranian Paralym- children with impairment to be S Paralympics is resources, communications and pians at London 2012 played a engaged in Para sports a division of the others. he Oceania region is to help and was appointed NPC huge role in requesting financial ■■ Hiring skilled and motivated USOC, and it is a made up of nine NPCs. President. Her focus was on independence from the NOC, human resources committed huge advantage for Those same efficiencies are a With the exceptions governance first, then sponsor- onto the Ministry of Sport and to the Paralympic Movement the USOC to serve benefit to our athletes during of Australia and New ship. We supported her with a Youth and Parliament of Islamic ■■ Able-bodied National Feder- Uas both the NPC and NOC in our Games-time, as we are able to Zealand, the majority range of talent identification and Republic of Iran. ations’ support of Paralympic country. Unlike most countries, share resources and knowledge Tof our NPCs have had in the past coach workshops. In one year, sports in Iran. Olympic and Paralympic sport from our Olympic staff to our limited governance structures, Frianna Kwevira won a bronze We requested this because of receive no federal government Paralympic Games staff. This ineffective leadership or Boards medal at the 2018 Common- the successful performance de- Since our independence, we have funding in the US. Our support affords our athletes, coach- who were not connected to local wealth Games, the first significant livered by our NPC from 2001 achieved a lot. At the Indonesia comes from sponsors and do- es and staff a more seamless­ government or corporate leaders, PAUL BIRD international medal for Vanuatu. to 2012. We also had a vision 2018 , our team nors who provide the resources experience with everything from or their respective - The NPC is now regarded as the towards a more comprehensive won an unprecedented 51 gold, that athletes need. how transportation works to President of Oceania Paralympic Committee ing Organisations (NSO). They leading sporting organisation development for the Paralympic 42 silver, and 43 bronze medals; co-ordinating on supplies that were formed with good intentions from a governance point of view in Movement. ranking third among all nations. Because we are combined, we can be shipped over once and but lacked the connections, drive In both cases for the NPCs of Fiji I encouraged her to connect with Vanuatu and is closely connected are much more efficient in us- used for both Games. and credibility to really sell the and Vanuatu, we targeted key Asco Motors (Toyota); as a result, to the NOC, NSOs and govern- After four years of attempts, fi- The NOC still plays a crucial role ing those resources to support Para sport brand in their commu- people who had the skillset to be their marketing manager joined ment. nancial independence was ap- in the early steps of establishing athletes. Our Paralympic and Our Paralympians also benefit nities. leaders and who could develop the Board. She then created a proved by Parliament in August an NPC in a country, in terms Olympic athletes also have more from joint promotional efforts the governance structures. While governance restructure includ- NPCs Fiji and Vanuatu are the 2016 on the same day the Iranian of supporting, organising and opportunities to train togeth- from our sponsors and broad- The Oceania Paralympic Commit- Fiji and Vanuatu have good con- ing a new constitution, and NSOs ideal cases where an independent delegation was leaving for the Rio structuring the NPC, along with er and participate in combined cast partner. In recent years, tee have been working to create a nections with their NOC they are were invited to become members. model works exceptionally well. 2016 Paralympic Games. providing financial and expert events. At the Olympic Train- we have seen achievements in bottom-up approach. We started happy to remain independent. All of a sudden, structures were in But one model does not fit all. In resources to the committee. ing Centre in Colorado Springs, inclusion and equality. This in- by identifying potential athletes place, sponsors were attracted other cases, we are actively pur- A crucial reason for Parliament’s This supportive role can be con- there are Olympic and Paralym- cludes increasing the investment and engaging them in sport. We On a visit to Fiji in 2017, I read and effective programmes were suing a few of our current mem- approval was the performance of sidered as an 8-16 year plan. pic athletes living and training in Paralympic athletes last year then targeted mainstream coach- an article in the inflight magazine formed. bers as well some new potential Paralympic sports since 1979. However, in the next stages, it is side-by-side as they pursue through bringing full parity to the es because we knew we had the from the General Manager of Fiji members to look at developing a Highlights include: mandatory for an NPC to become their own journeys to the Games. Operation Gold Award payments athletes. But if the coaches were Link airlines Shaenaz Voss, whose Fiji is a great example of an joint NPC/NOC partnership, be- ■■ Engaging 20,000 active male independent in terms of financial That camaraderie­ and solidarity that the USOC disburses to all not available, accessible or com- daughter was part of the Canadi- independent structure develop- cause they are too small to get and female Para athletes in and planning issues. among the athletes help make medallists from the Olympic and mitted to inclusion, the athletes an sitting volleyball team at the ing within two years but pred- started on their own, or have the 20 summer sports and three Team USA stronger. Paralympic Games and World would walk away. Rio 2016 Paralympics. I subse- icated on effective leadership, capacity to effectively duplicate in Iran Compared to the Olympics, it Championships. quently contacted Mrs. Voss, and governance structures, sponsor a governance structure within a ■■ Training about 60,000 male is not feasible for NPCs to find We have integrated sport sci- The next step has been a focus after several discussions, she support and strong connections small Island State similar to an and female students, teachers financial sources through spon- ence, sports medicine and ath- Being part of the same organisa- on governance, and to make any agreed to become involved with to mainstream sport, allowing NOC. and managers of special sors. So, expanding the support lete service divisions that are tion ensures that the Paralympic gains, change had to occur at the NPC and was then elected targeted athletes to join main- schools and people with im- of NOCs and their sponsors from focused on empowering our Games and the Olympic Games the Board level first. This meant their President. stream programmes. This is an ongoing governance pairment in 31 provinces NPCs following the IOC’s sup- athletes to succeed at the high- are viewed as true equals in the a change to Constitutions to project for Oceania and one I ■■ Extensive support and the ­ port of IPC is a reality that comes est levels. We also save due to US. Through our structure as an include the National Sporting Her corporate background For Vanuatu, we targeted an ex- think will eventually support both ongoing media coverage of true only if deeply-rooted beliefs efficiencies with our combined integrated NPC and NOC, we Organisations/Federations as brought knowledge and key part- pat Australian living in Vanuatu –­ independent and joint govern- the activities are formed in understanding the administrative teams: informa- demonstrate the true parallel members. nership ­connections to the Board. Margaret Macfarlane. She agreed ance structures. ■■ Extensive support of the ­ Paralympic Movement. tion technology, finance, human ­nature of the two Movements.

64 THE PARALYMPIAN 01|2019 THE PARALYMPIAN 01|2019 65 ATHLETES‘ COUNCIL NEWS, APPOINTMENTS AND OBITUARIES

Snowboard Paralympic champion named Paralympic Order and swimming NPC France President legends retire Three-time athletics Paralym- Last August, the 30-year- recipient remembered pic champion Marie-Amelie Le old became the first wom- Jean Stone MBE, a long-time Paralympic champions Bibian Mentel- Fur was elected President of the an to long jump over six member of the Paralympic Family, Spee and Benoit Huot called an end French Paralympic and Sports metres at the Berlin 2018 passed away. Stone attended the to their glittering careers. Committee (FPSC). European Championships. first Paralympic Games in 1960 in Rome, Italy, as a staff member Having won three Paralym- She succeeded Emmanuelle As- Together with her job as on the British team and had since pic gold medals and sev- smann who had been President FPSC President, Le been committed and passionate en world titles (four in since 2013. Fur will continue about creating opportunities Para snowboard), plus training as an for persons with a disability. In helping get the sport Le Fur took gold in the women’s athlete as she particular, Stone was among the into the Paralympic 100m T44 at London 2012 and plans to com- The first Athletes’ Forum was held in Duisburg, Germany masterminds in developing the Winter Games pro- went on to claim a further two in pete at Tokyo sports’ technical structures. gramme for Sochi the 400m and long jump T44 at 2020. 2014, Mentel-Spee Rio 2016. Athletes’ Forum set for Colorado Springs wants to transfer her Finland mourns energy toward giving Around 100 Para athletes are expected to The three-day event will give athletes from back to the sport at the attend the second edition of the 2019 IPC around the world the chance to have an open death of Paralympic grassroots level. Athletes’ Forum at the United States Olympic discussion about their strategy’s “At the heart” champion Committee Training Centre in Colorado Springs implementation; and share information and The Dutch woman or- from 22 – 24 November. best practices of athlete representation with Two-time Paralympic champion ganised a sports festival Nicole Nieves (16) one another. Matti Launonen passed away. The in April in Switzerland is among the athletes The participants will be drawn from the IPC Finn’s career in athletics, swim- called the “Mentelity serving on the commission Athletes’ Council, International Olympic Com- The first Athletes’ Forum was held in Duisburg, ming and table tennis spanned Games,” which invit- mittee Athletes’ Commission, Regional Organ- Germany, in 2017. More than 80 athletes from three decades. He claimed 13 ed everyone with a isations, National Paralympic Committees, around 22 IFs, 35 NPCs as well as representa- Paralympic medals in total, physical impairment Organising Committees, World Anti-Doping tion from the WADA Athlete Commission and including two golds, seven silvers to try Para snow Agency and IPC Standing Committees. the IOC Athlete Commission, had an opportunity and four bronze. sports. to discuss and problem-solve various topics relating to the Paralympic Movement. Canadian nine-time Paralympic champion Huot hung up his goggles after more than two decades of Para swimming. He is one of the most decorated Paralympic athletes with “At the heart” strategy published 20 medals won at five Paralympic Games. The IPC Athletes’ Council published its first ■■ Supporting athletes’ careers: Equip Para ath- strategy which aims to place athletes firmly at letes with the tools and resources required to Working as a swimming commenta- International the heart of the Paralympic Movement. inform and educate them and provide them tor for ICI Radio-Canada Tele and as Paralympic Committee with opportunities that will help expand their Athletes’ Council Strategy a contributor to Les Eclaireurs on ICI Released after two years of consultation knowledge beyond the field of play. Premiere, Huot now intends to con- At the heart with athlete representatives and stakehold- tinue his mission with youth with dis- ers across the Paralympic Movement, “At the ■■ Guiding the progression of the Paralympic abilities through various initiatives heart” aims to act as a guide to both athletes Movement: Develop resources that support including the Can­ and the IPC membership as to how the IPC the IPC membership in creating governance adian Tire Jumpstart Athlete voices for sitting volleyball Athletes’ Council can build athlete leaders structures that include athlete representa- Foundation and the and ensure the Paralympic Movement is ath- tives and promote the benefits of having ath- Canadian Paralympic World ParaVolley is entering a new ELECTED MEMBERS OF THE ATHLETES’ lete-centred. lete representation formally included in the Committee. era of athlete engagement after COMMISSION ARE: Membership Constitutions. holding worldwide elections to ■■ Jose Rebelo (CAN) Chair and representing STRATEGIC PRIORITIES: choose the members of its Ath- ParaVolley Pan America ■■ Building athlete leaders: Develop mecha- ■■ Enhancing the unique sporting environment letes’ Commission in early 2019. ■■ Masoumeh Barouti (IRI) representing nisms to build athlete leaders, effective ath- of Paralympic athletes: Recognise diverse ParaVolley Asia/Oceania lete representation models and improved athlete impairments, advocating for their World-wide electronic elections ■■ Emile Vunigab (RWA) representing ParaVolley Africa athlete networks. unique needs that enable them to perform were held, and the final seven ■■ Ivan Cosic (CRO) representing ParaVolley Europe at their best. representatives were chosen from ■■ Tatiana Ivanova (RUS) sitting volleyball representative 25 nominated candidates from all ■■ Nicole Nieves (USA) general member The IPC Athletes’ Council Strategy is available in English, French and Spanish online. www.paralympic.org/the-ipc/publications four zones of World ParaVolley. ■■ Dave Newkirk (USA) beach ParaVolley representative

66 THE PARALYMPIAN 01|2019 THE LAST WORD

­ THE LAST WORD It’s not about the cards WHY DIVERSITY MATTERS you’re dealt, it’s how IN WORKPLACES you play them. BP is proud to help advance the oving from Zimbabwe to also see ourselves grow as people outside South Africa opened my of work. Paralympic Movement for over 10 years. eyes to diversity. I went to the University of Johannes­ We’re beginning to see the success and burg to study and play power of diversity especially through so- Mwheelchair tennis, and while there, I also cial media; and when we experience the had the chance to work with the univer- benefits ourselves, we know it is a good sity administration. I was surrounded by thing. different ­African races, languages and cultures. But organisations struggle to achieve diversity because of the fear of the un- My definition of diversity was further up- known, which is human. graded when I moved to Germany for work at the IPC last September. The majority of NYASHA MHARAKURWA Some might be afraid to try a new people I’ve met are not black. They come approach to a campaign; hire someone from different parts of Asia, America and (ZIM) with an impairment or from a different Europe. Just look around the office. It is­ London 2012 Paralympian in wheelchair tennis country or university. diversity. Currently competition co-ordinator Within the organisation, employees might for World Para Swimming Or so many would think. be afraid to ask questions or to ask for opin- ions from someone they do not normally I believe diversity in a workplace is de- work with; or have lunch with someone new fined at the core of its employees. But the same way with my impairment. If because it is outside their comfort zone. an employer wants the best out of me, they A diverse organisation is more than having would also adapt to my needs of an acces- I think this can be tackled in two ways. people from different countries, cultures sible working space. This would lead to mo- and abilities; and having the numbers to tivation, efficient productivity, and better First, the organisation can provide crea- support its claim. problem solving. Through true diversity, we tive programmes, events and activities not related to work to let employees Rather, diversity is shown in the experience the diversity among employees’ backgrounds, experi- them. My university held an inter- ences, work ethics and perspec- national day where international tives. But the definition does not students came together to taste stop here. different foods and cultural activ- Tatyana McFadden ities. Wheelchair racer For a workplace to be diverse, United States of America there must be this open-minded Second, on a personal level, we environment where employees should take responsibility to learn encourage one another rather about people we do not know so than discourage; where people well. Go beyond small talk and get accept and understand – or work to know them personally. Be inter- to understand – each other. ested. Listen with an open mind. And respect the differences. I cannot say to my colleagues I will work the Zimbabwe way if it Once you do, you realise it is not keep advancing delays a project. I need to adapt. Mharakurwa with colleagues and friends at an adaptive CrossFit session that difficult.

68 THE PARALYMPIAN 01|2019 THE PARALYMPIAN 01|2019 69 Courage · Determination · Inspiration · Equality

Thank you to our Paralympic Partners

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