The World Triathlon Paralympic Qualification period commenced on July 1 and our inspiring para triathletes from around the world started their campaigns, earning vital qualifying points towards the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.
To coincide with the start of this important qualifying period, World Triathlon launched its Para Athlete Support Grant, now in its second year. This grant recognises the heavy cost of travelling for para triathletes and is designed to provide athletes with the required financial support needed to race around for Paralympic qualification.
World Triathlon received 26 applications (7 female & 19 male) from 5 continents and 17 NFs (one applicant is currently under TRI flag). The Selection Panel named nine (9) Para athletes from five medal event categories who will be the recipients of this grant. Each athlete now can focus on the requirements of racing our gruelling sport, without the burden of also financing worldwide travel.
In recognition of the importance of the Para Athlete Support Grant to World Triathlon, First Vice President, IPC Executive Board Member and member of the grant selection panel, Debbie Alexander said, “Huge congratulations and well deserved to all recipients of the Para Triathlon Support Grant. Wishing you the very best of luck in all your efforts during the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games Para Triathlon qualification period. World Triathlon is proud of your progress and performance and looking forward to celebrating your sporting achievements and your extraordinary in the upcoming months.”
World Triathlon Para Athlete Support Grant Recipients in 2023:
Africa: Kirsty Weir (RSA) PTS3, Eslam Ali (EGY) PTWC
Americas: Ladies Vega (PAN) PTS5
Asia: Shashruti Vinayak Nakade (IND) PTS2, Rustamjan Satiboldiyev (UZB) PTS2
Europe: Gerasimos Lignos (GRE) PTVI, Bence Mocsari (HUN) PTS5,
Lazar Filipovic (SRB) PTVI, Ibrahim Al Hussein (TRI) PTS3
European Update: Para Triathlon Horizon Project 2032
Triathlon Europe has led the world in designing and implementing a ‘Para Triathlon Specific Project’. This project is in response to the World Triathlon’s Executive Board’s decision to require their 5 Triathlon Regions to dedicate a minimum 10% of their Continental Development Budget to developing Para Triathlon.
The Para triathlon Horizon Project 2032 is an innovative and unique opportunity to:
Create global awareness.
Enhance the development of Para triathlon.
Create para parity through an athlete-centered and coach-supported approach.
Develop social engagement and mentoring opportunities.
Make life better through Para sports.
The Project is expected to guide and build structure within new flag countries while also strengthening and securing the health of tier 2 and tier 3 countries. This will be achieved through a process of engaging, enabling, empowering, and educating of athletes and coaches through formal education, live practical experience, and mentorship.
Key to this will be the power of the camp to connect athletes, coaches, and support personnel and to develop and grow our sport in a psychologically safe and nurturing environment.The project was also presented with huge success at the 2023 World Para Triathlon Conference Swansea.
The 2023 Rio Maior Europe Triathlon - World Triathlon Para Triathlon Camp will take place in September. The following NFs have been awarded with financial assistance to attend the camp:
Croatia (athlete: Antonio Franko; coach: Kristina Skore)
Cyprus (athlete: Andreas Doulappas)
Estonia (athlete: Laura-Liis Juursalu)
Hungary (athlete: Bence Mocsari; coach: Szilard Toth)
Latvia: (athlete: Edijis Simanis; coach/classifier: Aleksejs Pozdnakov)
Lithuania (athlete: Ernestas Cesonis; coach: Jelena Cesoniene)
Norway (athletes: per-Einar Torbergsen, Isac Ottestad and Ingvild Sandli Ekeland; 2 coaches TBD)
Romania (athletes: Darius Dumitru and Arian Notretu; coaches: Catalin Dumitru and Dani Nistoroiu)
Without financial support:
Belgium: no funding but participation in camp approved (Elena Brovarnaya, as a coach and classifier)