US national governing body USA Triathlon (USAT) has put forward ‘the top five reasons race directors should be seeking Paratriathlon-friendly certification.’
1. Expansion: Paratriathlon is the fastest growing segment of the triathlon community
On 11 December 2010, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) announced that paratriathlon was officially accepted into the Paralympic Games. Paratriathlon will have its Paralympic debut in 2016 in Rio de Janeiro.
The number of paratriathletes (military and civilian) registered with USAT has grown 500% since this announcement. More opportunities are needed to accommodate these increasing numbers of dedicated athletes. The effort required to include these athletes is minimal. In fact, paratriathletes can be integrated into most races.
2. Aspiration: Future Paralympians need high-quality opportunities to prepare
The Rio Paralympic Games is quickly shaping up to be the most historic Games to-date and paratriathlon is certain to be front and centre for its debut. By being designated as para-friendly, race directors increase their potential to attract elite paratriathletes. This will add a whole new dimension of racing to an event. As USAT notes, ‘You are effectively saying to top athletes, “I have gone the extra mile for you and I want you to choose my race.” This certification says, “Achieve your dreams, starting right here.”’
Organisers also open up to the possibility of hosting a Paratriathlon Regional or National Championship.
3. Inspiration: Disabled athletes garner extensive positive exposure
The 2012 London Paralympic Games had 2.7 million live spectators in addition to the media attention garnered through social media that included 1.3 million tweets using the word ‘Paralympic’ and 5.8 million downloads of the London 2012 Paralympic App.
The US finished 6th the in medal count with 98 medals (31 Gold, 29 Silver, 38 Bronze) in 20 sports. As a result, NBC Olympic and the USOC are partnering to broadcast 66 hours of the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio. With this level of global excitement, media outlets from local, state, and regional markets are expected to take particular interest in the inspirational stories of disabled athletes competing around the US. By becoming para-friendly certified, race directors have the opportunity to increase positive exposure to fellow athletes, fans and the community.
4. Inclusion: Athletes of all abilities deserve to be included in the lifestyle of triathlon
Development of the grassroots section of the athlete development pipeline is also underway. USAT strives to support all athletes with disabilities so they are able to compete in triathlons across the US. One of the greatest aspects of the sport of paratriathlon is the ability for disabled athletes to be integrated into almost every single USAT-sanctioned race and USAT-certified club.
These efforts are fundamental and make this sport a viable option for all families who are looking to live a healthy and active lifestyle. USAT notes that ‘By being para-friendly certified, you are saying to the All-American family loving someone with a disability, “Your health matters to me.”’
5. Celebration: Share the win – it’s the right thing to do
Over the past year, USAT has seen a large increase in the number of organizations, sport clubs and training facilities who desire to incorporate paratriathlon into their facilities and activities. Across the US, race directors and clubs see including paratriathletes as the right thing to do. The USAT national office, the USAT Paratriathlon Committee, and the 10 USAT regional councils have resources for growing participation in the sport at all levels.
By including paratriathletes, race directors will add a whole new dimension to their race. At the same time, this creates an exciting opportunity for these dedicated athletes. By certifying, race directors will make it known that they have addressed the few extra considerations required to meet the needs of disabled athletes.
This will solidify a reputation as a good, responsible, inclusive community event. In turn, race directors can expect to see an increase in race registrations and sponsorship opportunities. ‘Thus, you share the win.’
Resources for becoming Para-friendly Certified
Additional resources, such as the 2014 Paratriathlon Event FAQs, as well as applications for initial certification and re-certification are available on the USAT website.
