Honoring Achievement and Promoting Inclusion

Every year on April 24th, the world observes International Sports Day for Blind People, a date established in 2021 by the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) to coincide with its 40th anniversary. This day serves as a crucial platform to champion the inclusion, encourage physical activity, and celebrate the remarkable sporting achievements of individuals with visual impairments across the globe.The focus is to highlight the talent and resilience of athletes who overcome physical and social barriers to compete.

The IBSA: A Driving Force in adapted Sports

The International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA), headquartered in Bonn, Germany, stands as the primary international body responsible for governing, promoting, and organizing sports tailored for individuals with visual disabilities. Founded in 1981, IBSA oversees a diverse range of disciplines, including Goalball, blind soccer (Soccer 5), judo, athletics, and swimming. These sports are not merely adapted; they are meticulously designed to provide a competitive and fulfilling experience for athletes with varying degrees of visual impairment.

Global Collaboration and Paralympic Integration

IBSA maintains a close working relationship with the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), ensuring that athletes with visual impairments have the possibility to compete at the highest levels of Paralympic sport. This collaboration extends beyond competition, encompassing sports growth programs and the promotion of inclusive policies that facilitate access to sports from a young age. The IBSA World Games, held every four years, are a testament to this commitment, bringing together blind and partially sighted athletes from around the world to compete in a variety of sports.

The Paralympic Games themselves have seen increasing participation and success from athletes with visual impairments. At the recent Tokyo 2020 Paralympics (held in 2021), athletes with visual impairments won a significant number of medals across various sports, demonstrating their skill and dedication on the world stage.

Adapted Sports in Colombia: A National Perspective

In Colombia, the landscape of Paralympic sport is nurtured by 13 dedicated sports federations.Among these, the Colombian Federation of Sports for the Visually Impaired (Fedeliv) plays a pivotal role in promoting disciplines such as blind football, judo, Goalball, bowling, and chess for individuals with visual disabilities. Fedeliv works to create opportunities for athletes to participate and excel in these sports, fostering a sense of community and achievement.

Categorization of Athletes: Ensuring Fair Competition

To ensure fair and equitable competition, ColombiaS national regulations classify athletes with visual impairments into three distinct categories based on their level of vision:

• Category B1: Athletes who are completely blind.
• Category B2: Athletes with low vision.
• Category B3: athletes with mild visual impairments.

This classification system allows for a level playing field, enabling athletes to compete against others with similar visual abilities.

The Importance of inclusive Sports Spaces

Creating and promoting inclusive sports spaces is paramount to guaranteeing equitable access to sport for all individuals.These spaces not only strengthen the autonomy of athletes with visual impairments but also showcase their talent and resilience, challenging societal perceptions and fostering a more inclusive and understanding world. By providing opportunities for participation and competition, we empower these athletes to overcome barriers and achieve their full potential.