PARALYMPIC AND PARA SPORTS NEWS

Disability Sport Research MoU Signed in Singapore
On 10 November, the Nanyang Technological University (NTU) and Disability Classification and Research Centre (DCRC) in Singapore signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalize and spearhead joint research and development in disability sports technology and to grow the pool of sports engineering researchers in Singapore and the Asian region.

IPC and CGF Sign Co-operative Agreement
Bonn, Germany - Last week, during the General Assembly of the Commonwealth Games Federation (CGF), the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and CGF signed a co-operative agreement in Colombo, Sri Lanka, to ensure a formal institutional relationship between the two bodies and secure the future participation of elite athletes with a disability (EAD) in future Commonwealth Games.

300 Days to Beijing 2008 Paralympics
Last weekend, the Beijing 2008 Organizing Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (BOOCG) celebrated the 300-day-countdown to the Paralympics next year, which will officially open on 6 September 2008.

Tribute to the Late Joan Scruton
The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) would like to offer its condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Joan Scruton who passed away on 1 November 2007.

Italian Coaches Learn About Sport for Persons With a Disability
On 10 November, Scuola dello Sport, together with the Italian Paralympic Committee (CIP), will organize a one-day seminar for top coaches and trainers dedicated to sport activities for athletes with a disability. For the first time in Italy, sport for persons with a disability is integrated in a top level programme for coaches, becoming part of the Scuola dello Sport's education calendar.

IPC Athletics Conducted Sport Business Planning
From 1 to 3 November, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Athletics group met in Bonn, Germany for a Sport Business Planning session and the Sport Technical Committee (STC) Meeting.

Accessibility Discussed at IAKS Congress
Yesterday, the 20th International Association for Sports and Leisure Facilities (IAKS) Congress was officially opened in Cologne, Germany. Amongst congress participants from all over the world, Fritz Schramma, Lord Mayor of Cologne, Sir Philip Craven, President of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and Dr. Stephan Holthoff-Pförtner, President of IAKS attened the Opening.

Fourth National Paralympic Day in Iran
For the fourth time, a National Paralympic Day was held on 25 October in Tehran and 29 provinces of Iran with around 17,000 persons with a disability attending. Sport complexes throughout Iran opened their doors to mostly children with a disability, accompanied by their parents, coaches, volunteers and organizing staff.

Sport Science Discussed in Bonn
Last weekend, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Science Committee held its meeting in Bonn, Germany.

Former IPC President Inductee of Canada's Sports Hall of Fame
On 25 October, more than 750 people attended Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame 52nd Induction Gala at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto, Canada.