Argentina holds first para-modern pentathlon exhibition

Five athletes take part in event during the Modern Pentathlon Youth A World Championships. 26 Sep 2015
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Juan Manuel Geny

Juan Manuel Geny of Argentina

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By Argentine Paralympic Committee

"We want to develop para-modern pentathlon throughout the whole world.”

Athletes got to share their input and feedback after partaking in the first world para-modern pentathlon exhibition held in Buenos Aires, Argentina, at the Colegio Militar de la Nacion -Nation Military School on 6 September. The event was organised by the Argentine Paralympic Committee (COPAR), Modern Pentathlon International Union (UIPM) and Modern Pentathlon Argentinian Federation (FAPM).

Argentine fencers Luis Alarcon and Alejandro Palavecino, athletes Liz Scaroni and Enrique Rotondo, and para-triathlete Juan Manuel Geny participated in this inaugural contest. It began with a fencing event, followed by a combined event of cross-country run and laser shooting. After that, the athletes answered a survey in which they described how they felt, for the authorities to know what to improve on.

"Having practised a new sport was an excellent experience for me. It puts your skills to the test," said Geny.

UIPM President Klaus Schormann commented: "We want to develop para-modern pentathlon throughout the whole world.”

The UIPM aims to make modern pentathlon accessible to everyone, regardless of gender, age or skin colour. It was recognised by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) as an International Federation in July 2014.

"UIPM authorities are as excited as we are," NPC Argentina President Jose Maria Valladares said. "As soon as they presented this project to us, we joined them with total commitment. We want the Paralympic athlete to achieve excellence in order to inspire the world.”