By Nick Butler

An Inas workshop was held to boost African participation in intellectually impaired events ©InasA workshop aiming to boost opportunities for Paralympians across Africa has been delivered in Cameroon by the International Federation for Para-athletes with an intellectual impairment (Inas).


The workshop, held in the capital city Yaounde and funded by the International Paralympic Committee's development arm the Agitos Foundation, was designed to help promote sport for athletes with an intellectual impairment and to encourage competitive opportunities.

More than 40 delegates participated, receiving presentations on topics including eligibility and classification of athletes and an overview of the Inas sport and competition programmes. 
 
"Inas has set itself a target to grow its activities in areas such as Africa," commented Inas President Amaury Russo afterwards.

"I am delighted by the enthusiasm and ideas to promote sport for athletes with an intellectual disability, and very much hope to see our first Inas Africa regional events taking place soon."

It is hoped that through the project, Inas can establish new and sustainable links across the continent, which will see more athletes with an intellectual impairment competing in Inas and Paralympic sport.

Although 120 athletes within the classification competed at the London 2012 Paralympic Games, not a single one represented Africa, something the organisation is keen to change ahead of Rio 2016.

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