Thursday, November 11, 2010
Paratriathlon for Paralympics
Description: A total of seven new sports are currently being considered by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) as additions to the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games sports programme. Paratriathlon is one of the seven being considered and we want a show of support from people worldwide backing this bid. Tell us what it would mean to you for Paratriathlon to be included in Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.
Join/friend the page here.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
ARTICLE - "Bronze for CF athlete at world paratriathlon"
“You can do anything you want if you put you mind into it.”
Captain Kimberly Fawcett, a triathlete champion with a disability, speaks these words and puts them into action in both her personal and professional lives.
Capt Fawcett, an officer with Canadian Material Support Group HQ, placed third at the world’s largest paratriathlon held September 11 in Budapest. Her time was 2:11:9. Battling pounding rain and frigid, murky waters while exercising meticulously rehearsed discipline techniques, Capt Fawcett completed a 750-m swim in open water, a 20-km bike ride and a 5-km run to earn bronze.
The International Triathlon Union (ITU) Triathlon World Championship incorporates six categories in which physically challenged athletes compete at championships each year. Capt Fawcett competed against eight others in her category; 85 paratriathletes from 15 countries competed in total.
The paratriathlon win is the latest accomplishment for the Canadian Operational Support Command’s CMSG formation logistics officer. She completed her first triathlon one year after she lost her leg in an accident.
“I want to change the world, one race at the time,” she says. Resourceful and driven, she strives to better herself, pushing her limits on any given occasion; she was the first Canadian military amputee to return to a war zone since the KoreaWar.
In addition to her work and training, Capt Fawcett has devoted her time helping other personnel who have been physically impaired. She created a network for injured soldiers where they can meet and share experiences and useful information.There, she is a mentor and motivator; building up confidence in others and bringing hope to their lives.
In the future, Capt Fawcett wants to work more with female amputees.Acting as a positive role model, she hopes to encourage them to accomplish whatever they set their minds to, to provide practical help wherever feasible by referring them to specialists, and to help them walk a marathon or participate in a competitive event.
Radiating hope and determination, Capt Fawcett is an athlete to watch in upcoming triathlon competitions. She has many projects on the table right now; one is for her to participate with the Canadian track and field team heading to the world Para Pan Am games in September 2011 in Mexico.Whatever she chooses to do, she will undoubtedly succeed, with grace.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
FROM THE WEB: Hell of a Race - Paratriathlete Bill Chaffey
Monday, January 11, 2010
FROM BRITISH TRIATHLON - Paratriathlon – Rio 2016 is our dream
From the British Triathlon Federation website (original here):
04th December 2009
Following confirmation received from the International Triathlon Union (ITU), British Triathlon is delighted to report that paratriathlon will formally be considered for inclusion in the Rio 2016 Games Sports Programme by the International Paralympic Committee.
Mark Barfield, Director of Development at British Triathlon and member of the ITU Paratriathlon Committee said: "Although there is still work to be done to secure full status, this is great progress. Through working with the ITU Paratriathlon Committee, the development of the paratriathlon over recent years has been exceptional, this is a fantastic step forward for the sport".
ITU Vice President and Board Liaison to the Paratriathlon Committee, Sarah Springman was also delighted to congratulate Sir Philip Craven MBE on being re-elected unopposed to preside over the International Paratriathlon Committee for the next quadrennial. "It is a great tribute to Sir Phil that he has been elected for a third term and will lead paralympic sport through the London 2012 Paralympic Games. He has contributed hugely to the leadership and governance of world sport in his many and various roles. We look forward to benefitting from this great experience as we seek to join the Paralympic family as a programme sport".
New Year's Message from the President of the International Triathlon Union
Farewell to 2009 and a wish for even more success for everyone in 2010
A year ago, we were all filled with expectations about the year ahead and the new things to come: a new management team; a new World Series; a post-Olympic year, elections in National Federations and Continental Confederations - big challenges, great expectations.The year has unfolded at a good pace. Everyone has been open to change and has thoroughly enjoyed it. Some of us may have wanted to make changes with more haste, but as the African proverb says, "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together."
I have resolved to go farther and will therefore work together with the National Federations, the Continental Confederations, the ITU Committees and the ITU Commissions.
I have greatly enjoyed sharing the Dextro-Energy Triathlon – ITU Triathlon World Championship Series with our elite athletes, who once again deserve our congratulations for their outstanding performances to make the series a success. To all of you, without exception, from the first one to the last one, it is your performance in and out of the competition that is the greater strength of our sport. It is on your account that I feel exceptionally honoured to represent Triathlon in the various international forums.
We could never, not even in our wildest dreams, have taken the leap into the world series without the endorsement of our sponsors: Lagadere, Upsolut, and Sportfive. Without the shadow of a doubt, and I do not refer here exclusively to their financial contribution, but specifically to the extraordinary working team who have known how to fit in with the ITU's efficient and professional team. Together they have raised the technical profile of our foremost competitions.
I am also grateful to the local organising committees who hosted the events for the first time in 2009: Without them, and without the support of the cities and towns where the competitions took place, our sport would not to have been able to develop the way it did.
What can we say about our professional ITU team "commanded" by Loreen Barnett?. I cannot thank them enough for their capacity to adapt to the new direction, for the kind support they gave to me and for their unfailing commitment.
Peter Holmes, your youth, your skills and desire to learn, your smile, your team spirit – it will always be present with us!
The International Olympic Committee has welcomed me with open arms, and has given to Triathlon one of the most momentous Christmas gifts of which an Olympic International Federation can dream - the nomination of the IF President to become a member of the International Olympic Committee. My warmest thanks to Dr. Jacques Rogge, IOC President for the confidence that he has placed in us.
In 2010 the spirit of Emilio will help me to maintain the course: zeal, commitment, loyalty, friendship, competence, co-operation, high-spirits, the desire to do good, a critical mind, respect for cultural differences, a passion for Triathlon… no one can possibly replace him but his spirit will always be with me; with all of us.
With a new season and a new decade come new challenges:
- I will work for our athletes to ensure they are rewarded and recognized as they deserve;
- For triathlon to reach levels and arrives at places that we cannot imagine at this time;
- For this great ITU family to remain united and strengthen by our link with everyone that in one way or another practices Triathlon, Duathlon, Aquathlon; on road or off, in pools or in oceans. Everyone involved; young and old; elite, age group or para; individual and team; long distance to super-sprint - THAT IS ITU!
Marisol Casado, President
International Triathlon Union