With the dismissal of the "democratizing" proposal of the Task Force OPENS FIRE In their last General Assembly (Tokyo, November 1995), the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) decided to create a working group, which it named the "Task Force". Its basic objectives were to analyse whether the sports organizations for distinct disabilities within the IPC truly represented these groups; to consider the demands these organizations have been putting before the Committee; and to reach a renewed consensus with regard to the decision-making bodies and the authority awarded to each of them. The idea was to attempt to guarantee internal democracy, common sense in the resolutions adopted and the indispensable unity of the International Paralympic Movement. The expectations that were raised at that time have been quashed in Atlanta, at the Extraordinary General Assembly of the IPC, and this has led to an open confrontation with IBSA and other International Federations.

Taking advantage of the Paralympic event in Atlanta, the IPC convened an Extraordinary General Assembly in the capital of Georgia to study the report prepared by the Task Force - created in Tokyo - and take the pertinent decisions. What was their position on this matter? Well, first of all, they dismissed the second of the ten motions put forward in the survey: that is, that the IPC should not be empowered to sanction and organize Regional and World Championships, but rather that the International Federations should be given this task. This is something that they all - with IBSA at the head - have historically defended, with the sole purpose of doing justice to the athletes with different kinds of handicaps.

SHARED MANAGEMENT

The aim was to redirect the administration of the IPC towards the original objective for which it was created: the running, promotion and administration of the Summer and Winter Paralympic Games. Also contemplated was the creation of a new coordinating body, to be known as "Paralympic Solidarity", that would serve as a joint platform for the different authorities involved in this question, with an equitable representation for the IPC itself.

The "Task Force" also dealt with the question of restructuring the systems of representation within the administrative organs of the IPC, with a view to consolidating their efficiency and establishing the principles of unity that should be present in any structure governed by democratic rules.

Despite all this effort, the IPC seems to have decided to "break the consensus" and abandon all dialogue. By rejecting the fundamental (recognize the right and the responsibility that the Federations have to organize World and Regional Championships, as well as to sanction their respective sports rules), they have even made it impossible to hold conversations in order to reach an agreement on the other points: quotas of participation in the governing bodies, etc.

Enrique Sanz, as IBSA president, formally presented a communiqué outlining the attitude of this Association before the Extraordinary General Assembly in Atlanta: the conviction that, in following this course, the Paralympic Movement is now heading towards a period of instability, division and inefficiency and, as a result, the conclusion that IBSA feels obliged to undertake an analysis of its possible withdrawal from the IPC.

INTERNATIONAL SUPPORT

The IBSA Executive Committee got together at once (August 21st), right there in Atlanta, to approve the initiative proposed by the Presidency before the IPC. Moreover, it was decided to advise the World Blind Union (WBU) of this confrontation situation, at their General Assembly meeting in Toronto at the end of August, so that their associations and member nations might express their solidarity with the organization that represents their interests in the world of sport, and defend these interests by writing to:

- The IPC President, Robert Steadward.

- The International Olympic Committee, as the financial benefactor of the IPC, to request that they halt such material aid, until such time as the demands expressed by the group of blind and visually impaired athletes might be resolved.

- And to the media, in order to inform the public of these resolutions and of the essence of the conflict in question.

IBSA has had the satisfaction of receiving a unanimous expression of support from the WBU. The maximum organ of democratic representation for the blind all over the world has backed this initiative without reservations, being convinced that it is based on criteria of justice and rationality.

In the Extraordinary General Assembly in Atlanta, a simple majority of the delegates supported motion 5.2, focal point of the subsequent controversy. It does not therefore appear to be a sectarian or rash idea and, no matter how favourable the climate might be towards the current IPC management team, this should not permit them to reject it.

RESPECT FOR DIFFERENCES

"Every alley undoubtedly has, sooner or later, some way out. But IBSA, at this time, cannot take any further steps towards reaching an agreement, without receiving an explicit commitment from the IPC to the effect that it will respect IBSA's right to organize its own World and Regional Championships; to have a representative on the Sports Committee of those events practised by the blind and visually impaired; to elaborate and develop - without external interference - the sports rules that must prevail in these sports and establish the consequent classification systems", declared Enrique Sanz to our magazine on this matter.

In short, the capacity for dialogue that the IPC demonstrates in this field will determine the definitive position of IBSA, as regards their links and relations to said Committee in the future, and the consequent recommendations that may be put to the member nations at the IBSA General Assembly to be held next summer.

IN ATLANTA. OUR FEARS CONFIRMED

Enrique Sanz, President of IBSA

Our fears, unfortunately, have been confirmed. The present heads of the IPC have shut themselves in their ivory tower of supposed power, closing the door they themselves appeared willing to open last November, on the occasion of the I IPC Congress in Tokyo. The political essence of the Task Force formed there has been destroyed by the IPC itself in Atlanta, thus killing off the desires for democratization and rationalization that IBSA has been trying to promote, together with other International Federations. Time has thus run out and, with the possibility of negotiations fast fading, we find ourselves obliged to take the initiative i.e. take action. In the first place, we have contacted the maximum internationallyrepresentative body for the blind - the WBU. Through them, and by means of direct actions undertaken by ourselves and the associations integrated in IBSA, we shall be contacting the IOC, in order to assert our rights.

The political essence of the Task Force formed there has been destroyed by the IPC itself in Atlanta, thus killing off the desires for democratization and rationalization that IBSA has been trying to promote, together with other International Federations. Time has thus run out and, with the possibility of negotiations fast fading, we find ourselves obliged to take the initiative i.e. take action. In the first place, we have contacted the maximum internationally representative body for the blind - the WBU. Through them, and by means of direct actions undertaken by ourselves and the associations integrated in IBSA, we shall be contacting the IOC, in order to assert our rights.

We are still hopeful that, due to their capacity for reflection and rationality, the IPC will be able to compromise and thus avoid what could truly be an unprecedented schism, something totally absurd and counterproductive for everyone in the world disabled sports movement.