IPC Announces VISTA Conference Programme

"Development and classification are important strategic goals for the IPC, which is why we’re focusing on them this year."

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has announced that the programme for the fifth VISTA conference will focus on giving a better understanding of the IPC Classification Code, and will tackle how Paralympic Sport can continue to promote opportunities for sports participation and have a positive impact on athlete’s well-being.

VISTA2011 is a four day long conference that will take place in Bonn, Germany from 31 August to 3 September attracting sport scientists and sport administrators from all over the world.

It aims to bring together the worlds of scientific research and Paralympic sports and, as its name suggests, facilitate a view to the future by providing a platform to exchange research and expertise in Paralympic Sport and the Paralympic Movement.

“Development and classification are important strategic goals for the IPC, which is why we’re focusing on them this year,” said IPC Medical & Scientific Director, Dr. Peter Van de Vliet.

“For any sport scientists interested in Paralympic Sport, this really is the conference to attend as some of the world leaders in their field will be attending and speaking. We are excited with over 85 free communications submitted to complement our core programme of keynote presentations and invited symposia.”

A keynote speech from Liz Nichols, CEO of UK Sport, will concentrate on Organizational Development in Paralympic Sport and

Prof. Mike McNamee from Swansea University will address actual ethical and philosophical considerations of sport participation. Prof Yves Vanlandewijck, Chairperson of IPC Sports Science Committee, will give a keynote presentation on evidence based classification.

“Classification is ever evolving and crucial to the development of the Paralympic Movement. VISTA2011 will build on the success of discussions at the last conference held in 2006 and the first years of Code implementation in Paralympic Sports,” said Van de Vliet.

This year’s conference will also promote interaction between sport scientists, coaches, athletes and sports administrators.

“In addition to a comprehensive four day long programme, delegates will benefit from a number of networking opportunities and leave with a greater knowledge of the Movement,” added Van de Vliet.

Delegates can still register and read the full programme for the conference and banquet at www.paralympic.org/events before 15 July. Registrations before 15 June will get a discounted rate.

The conference will take place at the Gustav Stresemann Institute in Bonn, which is also where the last VISTA conference took place in 2006.