Paralympics Update-Intellectually Disabled Return, Craven Re-Elected

Intellectually Disabled Return to Paralympics

Athletes with an intellectually disability have a path to compete in the London 2012 Paralympics for the first time since the 2000 Games.

The International Paralympic Committee decided to admit athletes with an intellectual disability (ID Athletes) to the Paralympic Games. The decision came at the IPC general assembly in Kuala Lumpur over the weekend. The inclusion of ID athletes will not reduce the athletes from other classifications at London 2012.

“Today’s achievement is the outcome of a unique and excellent co-operation between sports governance and the scientific community," said IPC President Philip Craven after the vote.

"I want to thank all parties involved, especially the scientists, for their contribution and commitment over the last two years

“I wish all ID athletes the best of success in their attempt to set world class performances at future competitions.”

David Morris of the LOCOG Diversity and Inclusion team said "we all should be excited about welcoming athletes with learning difficulties back into the Paralympic Games. Another reason why London 2012 will be everybody's Games."

The IPC banned ID athletes after the 2000 Sydney Paralympics when it was revealed that members of the Spanish Paralympic basketball team did not have a physical or intellectual handicap.

There is two-step process for athletes to compete under the classification of intellectually disabled. Athletes will first submit medical files to the International Federation for Sport for Athletes with an Intellectual Disability (INAS-FID) for review.

Then the athlete will undergo on-site testing by the sports federation. The sports federation will compare test results with the minimal standards for the sport. The INAS-FID will announce minimal standards next year after it reviews data from 2009.

"Naturally, I am delighted with the outcome of the vote," President of INAS-FID Bob Price said. "Even though they themselves did nothing wrong, for nine years since Sydney 2000, ID athletes have been excluded from the Paralympic Games and other IPC sanctioned competitions.”

Craven Re-Elected

PC President Philip Craven of Great Britain won reelection after receiving 118 of 130 votes at the IPC Congress.

Craven will serve a final term that includes the London 2012 Paralympics. Craven has served as president since 2001 and has been an IOC member since 2003.

Australian Greg Hartung won the vice-president election after receiving 66 votes.

Craven and Hartung will lead a governing board comprised of 15 members. For a complete list of IPC board members, click here.

New Members

IPC added nine national Paralympic committees and the International Archery Federation as members. Brunei Darussalam, Montenegro, Mozambique, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Somalia, South Africa and Trinidad & Tobago became official members of the IPC on Sunday.

Written by Sam Steinberg.