Paralympic Games
2021 sees us move into the delayed Paralympic Games year. A very different Games will be before us. The first ever during a pandemic with all that entails. The IOC/IPC/Tokyo 2020 have published the first “Playbook” outlining general principles related to going to Tokyo and all the requirements that we as visitors to the Games will have to comply with. Further “Playbooks” will be published in April and June which will be more specific. The IPC will be working with IF’s to generate sport specific protocols.
Return to Competition
Preparations are ongoing for other competitions being held in 2021, these events will be challenging and it will be important that all the necessary precautions outlined in the four IWRF documents (Return to Train and Play, Athlete Checklist, Referee Checklist and Return to Competition Model) related to play and competition are followed as a minimum standard. Irrespective of our desire to return to competition the most important thing is the safety and welfare of all involved in wheelchair rugby.
Anti-Doping
The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has launched a new education course on its Anti-Doping Education and Learning platform (ADEL), specifically designed for athletes and coaches aiming to attend the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.
The new course, entitled ‘ADEL for Tokyo 2020 Paralympics’, was developed by WADA in collaboration with the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). This collaboration was established as part of WADA’s ongoing work to support the implementation of the International Standard for Education (ISE), which promotes the principle that athletes and their Athlete Support Personnel (ASP) should be educated prior to arriving at a Major Games or event. All wheelchair rugby athletes and support staff will be required to complete the online course before attending Tokyo 2020 later this year.
Governance
The Governance project group has been reviewing the IWRF Statutes and Bylaws so that the governance model for the organisation is fit for purpose and reflects the best practice for sport governance. The amendments will be presented to a General Assembly of the IWRF membership.
Ongoing Communication
Newsletters – There will be three more Newsletters this year.
IWRF Member Nation Meetings – Apart from the General Assembly it is intended to have 3 more virtual meetings with National Member Organisations.
Kind regards
Steve
IWRF Chief Executive