ITU bids for Paratriathlon in Rio 2016
One-month to go before the International Paralympic Committee will make its final decision on which sports, if any, are to be added to the 2016 programme
The International Triathlon Union (ITU), is calling attention to its bid to be accepted by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) as an addition to the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games sports programme.
This week marks the one-month mark from when the IPC Governing Board will make its final decision on which sports, if any, are to be added to the programme.
If chosen as one of the sports, Paratriathlon will realise a dream that has long been held by those close to the sport, and become a catalyst in promoting the abilities of disabled athletes worldwide.
British Triathlon, who is supporting the ITU’s bid, has seen particular success in the sport this year, with the highlight being four gold medals and two silver for the GB Paratriathlon Team at the ITU World Paratriathlon World Championships – topping the medal table.
Clare Cunningham, 2009 World Champion is supporting the bid: “I believe that being included in Rio 2016 will be absolutely massive for paratriathlon. It would really see the sport move forward rapidly and help attract a high standard of athletes into the sport. All we can do now is wait with our fingers crossed!”
The ITU has launched a ‘Paratriathlon For Paralympics’ awareness campaign with a Facebook group ‘Paratriathlon for Paralympics’, set up to promote the bid and for fans to voice their support. Show your support for the campaign and become a fan here www.facebook.com/pages/Paratriathlon-For-Paralympics/168320876530848
Matt Baird
Editor of Cycling Plus magazine 
