 |
"Alpine (downhill) skiing is one of the rare opportunities available which allows the blind individual to move freely at speed through time and space. An opportunity to embrace and commune with the primal force of gravity, thus experiencing the sheer exhilaration of controlled mass in motion, in a physically independent setting."
Brian Santos, Visually Impaired former Paralympic Champion
IBSA is the international federation responsible for the rules which govern Alpine Skiing competitions for the blind and partially sighted. These competitions include the Paralympics, IPC World Championships, IBSA World and Continental Championships and FIS World & Europa Cup Races, in addition to national and regional qualifying events.
Alpine skiing is practiced by all B categories (B1, B2 and B3). Blind skiing has been a part of disabled skiing from the beginning. The earliest disabled competitions, held in the 1970s, included blind skiers. Since then the blind have competed in every Paralympics and World Championships.
Alpine skiing for the blind and partially sighted is a team sport, as the visually impaired skier competes with a sighted guide who efficiently guides the blind or partially sighted skier through a race course.
|
|
