PARATRIATLÓN: Courage, Determination, Inspiration and Equality

In a weekend full of national and international events held on the same stage as the second of the Triathlon World Series events, we have had the opportunity to enjoy the Paratriathlon event.

At 12.45:XNUMX in the morning on Saturday, about thirty paratriathletes gathered next to the starting marsh of the Casa de Campo in Madrid, to compete in this modality: A clear example for all of what courage and eagerness means of overcoming.

Fighting paratriathletes committed to the sport, organizers and volunteers involved in giving the best of themselves and the tireless applause of hundreds of spectators, resulted in one of the most exciting and emotional moments of the entire weekend.

The Spanish Triathlon Federation announced in December 2010 that Paratriathlon became part of the Paralympic Sports family.

The decision was made that same month, at the meeting that took place in China, of the Governing Body of the International Paralympic Committee. In Guangzhou they agreed to add the disabled discipline of Triathlon, as a Paralympic Sport. The premiere will be, in Rio de Janeiro, at the Paralympic Games that will take place from September 7 to 18, 2016. Spain, led by FETRI, is one of the countries that has contributed the most to achieving this decision It will be carried out. The support for this sporting discipline has been clear, continuous, always positive and, above all, exciting.

Its beginnings took place in the test of the 'World Championship Series' in Madrid in 2009 and since then, it has grown exponentially, reaching a database of more than 150 disabled athletes interested in the Paratriathlon.

Spain was one of the first countries to include a Paratriathlon event in a 'World Championship Series'. It has also been one of the countries that has promoted the development of its paratriathletes the most, at all levels and which has again demonstrated it in the Second of the 2011 World Series Events, held this weekend in Madrid. The FETRI is one of the few federations in the world that have trained and specialized technicians in this regard.

The Spanish Triathlon Federation has been one of the first federations to make Paratriathlon official, as the Spanish Triathlon Championship, first and then Duathlon. A constant and rewarding commitment to athletes. The new two-time world champion, Javier Gómez Noya, has already shown his support for this initiative. That he described this possibility as decisive and very positive. The TOP, of the World Triathlon, expressed their commitment. “Having Paratriathlon, at the Paralympic Games, will have a tremendous impact on paratriathletes and on society. Let the world public learn the value of the Paralympic Games; courage, determination, inspiration and equality.”

From the Spanish Triathlon Federation one of the most fervent wishes is to support and promote triathlon among people with disabilities. Fighting for paratriathlon to be recognized worldwide is our goal.

They put their effort, an example of people with great determination to achieve their goals, we must fight for their promotion and recognition. An example for all of us who practice this sport.