APC Welcomes Decision of Re-inclusion

The Australian Paralympic Committee is celebrating after the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) voted for the re-inclusion of athletes with an intellectual disability into the Paralympic Games. At the IPC General Assembly in Kuala Lumpur, the IPC membership yesterday decided in favour of re-inclusion, opening the door for athletes with an intellectual disability (ID) to compete in future IPC sanctioned competition – most notably the Paralympic Games beginning with London in 2012. Australian Paralympic Committee (APC) President Greg Hartung, who formed part of the APC delegation which voted in favour of re-inclusion, said it was a momentous day for the Paralympic Movement. The decision ends a nine-year hiatus for athletes with an intellectual disability from Paralympic competition, who were excluded following the Sydney Paralympic Games in 2000. “The APC has always steadfastly supported the re-inclusion of athletes with an intellectual disability, so we are obviously thrilled with the outcome of this vote,” Mr Hartung said. “It is a fantastic result for Paralympic sport, and will help create immense benefit and greater opportunities for elite and emerging athletes with an intellectual disability both in Australia, and around the world. “The APC is will now work hard to deliver elite and emerging athletes with an intellectual disability into its Paralympic development pathways currently in place. These APC pathways have proven highly successful in building Paralympic success. “Australia has a proud record at the Paralympic Games and we are delighted that Australia’s athletes with an intellectual disability now have another chance to help build on that record.” “The APC is very exciting by the prospect of seeing Australian athletes with an intellectual disability competing at the Paralympic Games in London in 2012.” A limited of events in Swimming, Athletics, Rowing and Table Tennis are proposed for athletes with an intellectual disability to be included in the London Paralympic Games. A decision will be made in 2010.