ITU President delighted by new Paralympic classification system launched for Rio 2016
By Paul OsborneInternational Triathlon Union (ITU) President Marisol Casado has expressed her delight today at the new classification system launched at the Yokohama Para-triathlon.
It was the first formal ITU World Triathlon Series for Para-triathletes with the sport due to make its Paralympic debut at Rio 2016.
The new system saw the athletes split into five classification groups allowing for even competition as they battled for honours in the Japanese city.
The groups ranged from P1 to P5 with the former encompassing athletes competing in a wheelchair and the latter for those with total or partial visual impairment.
"We have enjoyed one of the most competitive Para-triathlon events of the year with athletes coming from around the world to compete here," said Casado, a member of the International Olympic Committee.
"In this Yokohama race, we are delighted to have implemented a new research-based classification system that allows Para-triathletes with different degrees of disability to compete against one another.
"ITU is leading the way to advance the new classification system and this demonstrates our dedication to innovate and evolve Para-triathlon to ensure we can offer the best competitive race environment and enable athletes and watching fans to celebrate great athletic achievements.
"The ITU is also extremely proud that Para-triathlon will make its debut at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games, offering an inclusive global opportunity for athletes to perform at elite level in a modern and dynamic sport.
"I believe on this evidence that Para-triathlon has the potential to become one of the fastest growing sports in the Paralympic Movement."
Read the full article at Inside The Games
http://www.insidethegames.biz/paralympics/summer-sports/triathlon/1020118-itu-president-delighted-by-new-paralympic-classification-system-launched-for-rio-2016
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