European Winter Para Sports Event,Poland’2020

Background Para Sport brings fundamental values to people with disabilities (PwD) - determination, equality, inspiration and courage. Winter Para Sports allow PwD to enjoy freedom of movement in a hostile season. Para - athletes have impairments that lead to disadvantage in sport. The medical classification system, grouping athletes in sport classes according to their impairment, solves this problem, ensures that the success of an athlete is determined only by physical and mental skills. Objectives To allow para athletes of different ages and sport levels to participate in an innovative, big winter sports event (para -alpine skiing, -snowboard, -cross-country, - biathlon), where winning is as important as promotion of social inclusion through sport , health-enhancing physical activity, voluntary activity and also gaining knowledge of the sport and strengthening inspirations and motivations.To increase awareness of social and cultural values of sport and European values. Implementation The event was organized 24.02 - 02.03.2020 in two ski sports areas south Poland, for 294 participants from 15 countries ( incl. 194 athletes) in 4 winter para-sports: alpine skiing, snowboard, cross-country, biathlon. Days 25-29.02 were dedicated to trainings and competitions. From 26.02 to 01.03 additional activities, according to educational programme were organised. Subject to slight changes, the schedule was successfully implemented. The event has not been affected by the Pandemic. Achievements Total number of participants: 297 incl. 194 athletes . Countries: 15 - Austria, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, France, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Macedonia N.R., Norway, Portugal, Serbia, Slovakia, Sweden, Poland. 4 Winter Para Sports -5 days : 7 races, 10 trainings. Educational programmes: Seminar & workshops : Anti-Doping - 2 days, Medical classification -3 days. Accompanying activities - Inspirational & Motivational Meetings – 2 days. Opening, medal and closing ceremonies.