New Sports for Rio 2016 Paralympics

(ATR) The International Paralympic Committee selects two new sports for the 2016 Paralympics – which may feature two of Rio De Janerio’s iconic venues.

Para-canoe and para-triathlon are the new sports that will be introduced to the Paralympic Games in Rio in 2016, increasing the total number of sports from 20 to 22.

The International Paralympic Committee Governing Board met Saturday in Guangzhou where the decision was made. The meeting came on the eve of the opening ceremony of the Asian Para Games.

An initial vote by the IPC Board confirmed the existing 20 sports for Rio, a unanimous vote.

The board then voted 7-3 in favor of enlarging the competition.

Finally they voted on a recommendation by the IPC Management Team that only para-canoe and para-triathlon should be considered for inclusion, with the result 6-4 in favor.

The five sports which missed out were para-badminton, basketball for athletes with intellectual disability, para-golf, powerchair football and para taekwondo.

"I would like to thank all seven sports for submitting applications to the IPC to be included in the summer sports program," said Philip Craven, IPC President.

"Congratulations must go to para-canoe and para-triathlon who have been admitted to the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games program alongside our 20 existing sports. We look forward to working with them over the coming years to manage their smooth transition into the sports program in time for 2016.

"For those sports that were unsuccessful, we will offer to meet each one individually to offer feedback on why they were not included and what steps they can take to present a stronger case should they decide to apply for inclusion again in future years."

The process to determine the sports program for Rio 2016 started in the second half of 2009 when the IPC approached the international federations governing the 20 existing sports. All submitted letters of intent indicating their interest in positioning their sports in the 2016 program.

At the same time the IPC also gathered letters of intent from international federations which expressed an interest in adding sports.

All sports were then asked to complete a series of questionnaires which included minimum eligibility and competition proposal, as well as provide documentation on subjects including world championships results, rules and regulations and membership directories.

In addition new sports were asked to complete an organizational infrastructure questionnaire and classification code self-audit.

In total, 11 of the 14-member IPC Governing Board attended the meeting, with IPC Chief Executive Officer Xavier Gonzalez ineligible to vote. The board is responsible for the implementation of policies and directions set by the General Assembly, the supreme authority of the IPC.

"ITU is deeply honored to join the Paralympic Family and have our inspirational paratriathletes compete alongside the remarkable Paralympians from around the world," said ITU President Marisol Casado in a statement.

"I am confident Paratriathlon will contribute to the Paralympic Movement and inspire people and youth worldwide. It has been a long road to reach this milestone but we know the real work begins now as we dedicate our efforts to delivering spectacular Paratriathlon competitions in Rio 2016," she said.

"We congratulate the two sports chosen," said Craig Spence, the IPC’s head of communication.

"The decision to hold the triathlon means we may see a start from the world famous Copacabana Beach."

Copacabana will be the site for the triathlon in the Olympics a few weeks before the Paralympics. The canoe venue for the Rio Olympics is set in a stunning lagoon underneath the Christ the Redeemer statue.

The Rio 2016 Paralympic Games will take place from 7-18 September 2016.

Written and reported from Guangzhou by Matt Horn