Group of people participating in wheelchair racing on an outdoor track
Move United /

International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports Federation

International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports Federation

About Move United and the International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports Federation

For results and updates on the IWAS World Games 2022 head to the event website.
https://iwasf.com/iwas-games/iwas-world-games/iwas-world-games-2022

The International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports Federation (IWAS) is an international sports organization for athletes with a physical disability and is one of the founding organizations of the Paralympic Games.

 

IWAS WORLD GAMES AND IWAS WORLD YOUTH GAMES

As the United States’ primary member of IWAS, Move United has fielded a delegation of exemplary athletes to the IWAS World Games and IWAS World Youth Games over the years. “The IWAS World Games is a biennial event featuring multiple sports, aiming to give aspiring athletes with physical impairments their first taste of international competition and [experienced] athletes the chance to continue competing,” states IWAS. Individual entries to the IWAS World Games and IWAS World Youth Games are not permitted. Athletes attending the Games must travel as a member of the USA delegation that is managed by Move United.

If interested in learning about the eligibility requirements or applying as an athlete or as staff, please read the information below and check back here for updates or contact Jessie Cloy at jcloy@moveunitedsport.org.

U.S. Delegation FAQs and Information

2022 IWAS World Games

The IWAS World Games 2022 will be held in Vila Real de Santo Antonio, Portugal from November 23 – 29, 2022. Sports on the program include athletics (track and field), swimming, para powerlifting, and Cerebral Palsy (7-a-side) football. Learn more at https://iwasf.com/iwas-games/iwas-world-games/iwas-world-games-2022.

 

Move United Names 30 Athletes to Compete at IWAS World Games 2022!
Check out who was selected for the Move United Delegation

 

Move United plans to send a delegation to the IWAS World Games 2022 to compete in para powerlifting, swimming, and track and field. Athletes and staff interested in being a part of the delegation must apply. See below for eligibility requirements for athletes and staff.

Applications due August 5, 2022

Competition Age Divisions

Para Powerlifting

  • Junior: 15 to 20 years old by 12/31/2022
  • Senior: At least 15 years old by 12/31/2022

Swimming

  • Junior Males: Under 17 and Under 19 *age group determined by age on first day of competition
  • Junior Females: Under 16 and Under 19 *age group determined by age on first day of competition
  • Open: At least 14 years old by 12/31/2022

Track and Field

  • Juniors: Under 20 (Any athlete between 14 and 19 year of age on 12/31/2022)
  • Open: At least 14 years old by 12/31/2022

Minimum Qualifying Standards by Sport

Athletes

There are two athlete applications to be completed for submission to be considered complete.

Note: A minimum of 12 qualified athletes must apply in order for a delegation to be named. A minimum of 3 athletes per sport must qualify and be selected to the team in order for that sport to be represented by the USA.

 

Estimated cost per athlete: $3500

 

Note: There may be additional airline costs due to airline age restriction requirements for younger athletes.

Athletes with financial hardship may apply for a Ralph Armento scholarship. If selected, funds must be used to offset the cost of the trip. (More information to come on scholarship opportunity.)

  • $500 non-refundable deposit due: August 29, 2022
  • 50% of remaining fee due: October 3, 2022
  • Remaining fee due: November 4, 2022

 

Selection: Athletes will be notified the week of August 15th whether or not they have been selected to join the delegation. The athlete’s competitiveness and the athlete’s ability to travel independently will be primary factors in selection. Not all athletes that meet the qualifying standard may be selected due to the team’s size capacity.

 

Staff

Move United will fund the staff to support this delegation.

Selection: Staff will be notified on or before the week of August 15th whether or not they have been selected to join the delegation.

Athlete Eligibility Guidelines

  • Athletes must be 14 years of age or older by 12/31 of the competition year in order to apply.
  • Athletes must have an eligible physical impairment under the IPC classification system.
  • Athletes must achieve required performance standards in event(s) at least once during the designated qualification period. Qualification period varies and is dependent upon date of IWAS World Games competition.
  • Athletes must have 2 or more years of competition experience at the national level, at Move United Sanctioned Competitions, and/or at recognized competitions (ie: USATF, USA Swimming, high school sanctioned events).
  • Athletes must be a citizen of the USA.

 

Selections are made by members of the Move United staff and the Move United Competition Committee.

Staff Eligibility Guidelines

  • Staff must be 22 years of age or older by 12/31 of the competition year in order to apply.
  • Coaches must have 2 or more years of coaching experience with para athletes. Coaching experience at the national level is preferred.
  • Assistant team leader must have 2 or more years experience with management of adaptive sports programs.
  • Medical staff must have a medical background such as a doctor, athletic trainer, or other medical professions and have experience working with para athletes.
  • Equipment staff must have experience with repairs on wheelchairs, racing chairs, field chairs, and/or experience with prosthetics.

 

Staff selections are made by Move United staff and the Move United Competition Committee.

  • Background checks will be conducted on all selected staff.
  • All staff must have a current SafeSport certification prior to traveling with the team.

Recommendations for Interested Athletes and Staff

Athletes

(If selected, the athlete must obtain each prior to the start of competition)

  • Have a current IPC license for the calendar year of the applicable IWAS event
  • Complete International classification or have applied for international classification completing all necessary documentation for this process
  • Have a current passport which does not expire for 6 months after the event
  • Be SafeSport trained and clear a background screening (for athletes 18 years of age and older)

Staff

(If selected, the staff must obtain each prior to the start of competition)

  • Have a current passport which does not expire for 6 months after the event
  • Be SafeSport trained and clear a background screening