protagonists

The maximum sports body, the International Olympic Committee (IOC), was present at the IBSA Assembly in Casablanca. Its president, Mr Samaranch, was represented by their Swiss Sports Director, Gilbert Felli, who declared to this magazine that: "the IOC considers itself to be fully involved in the development of sports for the disabled and, in addition, maintains extraordinarily healthy relations with IBSA. For this reason, it is a great pleasure for me to attend this Assembly."

In his opinion, the prime task facing the IOC in support terms is, at this moment in time, that of ensuring that the organisers of the Olympic Games undertake to hold the Paralympics also. As he explains: "it is essential that they go from strength to strength. For some years now we have been assisting the IPC (International Paralympic Committee), from the administrative and sports development standpoints, and even sponsoring aid programmes to enable those athletes with difficulties to participate in the Games."

Felli insisted on the need for unity between the different entities in the disabled sports world (a clear allusion to the relations between the IPC and the International Federations, such as IBSA), and on the independent administration of the Paralympic Games by way of their own structures and technical personnel.

With regard to the progressive incorporation of disabled sports in the Olympic Games, he assured us that "in Sydney, there will undoubtedly be some additional demonstration event". However, he reflected upon the true meaning of integrating Paralympic events in the Olympic Games: "If we have to choose between one or two Olympic medal events, which ones would we pick? For which disability group? Which athletes? Moreover, the level of the Paralympics could be adversely affected were we to rob them of their top athletes. We believe the best thing - and this is what we are striving for - is for the Paralympics themselves to improve constantly and reach new heights."

As regards the future of these events, he highlighted the problems arising from the combination of the purely sporting aspect and the disabled condition. "Within the IOC, we have to worry about sports matters, but we are dealing here with an associated problem. For that reason, although significant advances are being made, totally solving the problem will take some time."

"I do not believe", he added, "that there exists at present an institution with enough strength to fully unite the power of Paralympic sports. Where there already exist well-established disability groups, it would perhaps be better to leave the technical control in their hands, whilst in those sports not so deeply rooted or in those disability groups in which sport has not been sufficiently developed, the IPC may play a much greater organisational role, even from a technical standpoint... The Olympic Movement has taken 100 years to develop to its present state and the Paralympic Movement is much younger. Nevertheless, I am sure that the persons who are currently working in the International Federations and the IPC will make every possible effort to come together and reach solutions that prove acceptable and positive for everyone." He concluded by saying: "in order to achieve a strong movement, you need a strong economic power. This is what has afforded the Olympic Movement its current independence from the different governments, institutions, etc. And, of course, the possibility of providing economic aid to the Paralympic Movement."

With respect to Sydney 2000, Felli expressed his satisfaction with the Organising Committee, "with professionals like Xavi González, who is handling the Paralympics and is working in the same office as those dealing with the Olympics, I know that he is fully involved in the complete preparation of the Games."

GILBERT FELLI

IOC Sports Director

"The Paralympic Games must be strengthened"

The president of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), Robert Steadward, was a guest of honour at the Assembly, and his stance at all times was one of collaboration and overcoming the differences that had arisen with IBSA. "There are fewer problems than people think," he assured us, "in fact, there have been many misunderstandings... What was needed was to get together and discuss those differences in order to resolve them."

He recognised the importance of IBSA's work in recent years, improving sports for the blind, and announced that the agreement (signed several months ago in Lausanne under the auspices of Mr Samaranch) has already produced concrete results in the form of meetings and contacts: "the atmosphere surrounding our relation has improved greatly and, in fact, I can honestly say that the problems are being sorted out." To bring this about, we now require the work of the technical personnel from IBSA and the IPC to clearly delimit their respective fields of action and responsibilities."

He also stressed the significance of the fact that Morocco was hosting the Assembly. "It is most important that these kinds of meetings are not only held in rich countries, but most especially in those so-called "developing" countries which are in much greater need of this kind of activity for their sporting development."

In Steadward's view, the renovation of Paralympic sport for the future is guaranteed: "there are increasingly more young athletes participating and many more sports being practised... At this moment, some 150 countries are members of the IPC and, the more of us there are, the more the Paralympic Movement will grow." He is convinced that this positive atmosphere is going to be clearly reflected in the forthcoming Sydney Games, where he expects a continuance of the progression achieved, particulary in the last three editions - Seoul, Barcelona and Atlanta.

"The problems are being sorted out"

ROBERT STEADWARD

IPC President

The president of the European Blind Union (EBU), the Briton John Wall, attended the Assembly in representation of the World Blind Union, of which IBSA is a full member. In his view, sport is a key element for the development of non-sighted persons: "this is an activity that is of value from the purely leisure and rehabilitation viewpoints but, in addition, as in the IBSA sports, offers access to top-level competition in hugely popular events such as swimming, athletics, etc. And that provides added value in image terms." In this sense, Wall believes that sports practice can fulfil an important role in favour of the social integration of blind and visually impaired persons.

He also reiterated the WBU's support for IBSA - as was manifested at their Toronto Assembly - in its relations with other sporting organisations: "because, for us, IBSA represents the sports movement for the blind around the world." To finish off, Wall wished to highlight the fact that the World Blind Union will continue to defend sports, both as a leisure activity and competitively at all levels."

"IBSA is our sports representative in the world"

JOHN WALL

EBU President

The president of the International Federation of Sports for the Physically Disabled, Joan Palau, came to Casablanca following the invitation from IBSA to attend its General Assembly as an observer. He declared to this magazine: "IBSA has undergone a complete and absolute change in the last few years and, as a Spaniard, I am proud to point out that this is principally due to the extraordinary support provided from this country, by both the ONCE and its Foundation, to this Federation."

Palau was most critical of the IPC's "aggressive attitude" - as he said - towards the International Sports Federations for disabled persons. "Their stance," he maintained, "seems to me to be utterly nonsensical. Things are, undoubtedly, changing and the tendency will clearly veer increasingly towards structuring championships by sports and not by disabilities; but it would be absurd, at this moment in time, to forget about - or attempt to do away with - the work of the 5 International Federations (IBSA, INAS, ISOD, etc.) as, in addition, these organisations not only defend their sports, but also the disabled groups themselves." In his view, the ability to combine these two factors - sports development and the defense of the interests of the distinct disabled groups - is the major challenge for this sector in the immediate future.

For this task, Palau also considers Samaranch to be a key figure. "The fact is that I believe in the IPC, in a really strong IPC. But I feel that disabled sports can only advance with the support of the IOC, as the maximum authority in world sports, in the hope that some day it will not be necessary to make distinctions between 'disabled' and 'able-bodied' athletes, but simply talk about 'elite' sportsmen and women. From this perspective, the IPC should seek to carry out their work in parallel to that of the IOC in the able-bodied sport sector: external and international relations, seeking sources of financing, contacts with the nations, royalty and major Federations, and the organisation of the Paralympic Games, leaving the Federations to organise their respective sports." In order to achieve this objective, Palau feels it would be best for the IPC to be fully integrated within the IOC. "That would lead to the use of the same city, the same flag, the same structure for the Olympics and the Paralympics, the only exception being the calendar of events, as there is no city that could host both events at the same time with an Olympic Village for 60,000 people. Thus, with just one per cent of the contributions of the major firms to the Olympics, the needs of disabled sport would be covered."

"IPC should copy the IOC model "

JOAN PALAU

ISOD President

For Mohamed M'Jid, the Moroccan authorities - and specifically the National Olympic Committee, of which he is vice president - are extremely interested in all top level sports and, of course, also those practised by disabled persons, such as the blind and visually impaired. "We believe that promoting the practice of sports is an absolute necessity for all disabled groups, whatever their specific disability might be. In addition, we are talking about a universal right for everyone, something that can play an important role as a means of overcoming the handicaps of the people affected."

He also feels that Morocco, with activities such as holding this Assembly in Casablanca, may provide incentives for the development of sports for the visually impaired, not just at a national level, but also in the other countries of the region, with the consequent improvement in the quality of life of all disabled citizens.

With respect to the sports situation in Morocco, M'Jid feels it is evolving in a normal, positive manner, "although there are financial and infrastructure problems". He also assures us that "we have entrusted our sports administration to people with personal experience in top competition and positive results are already being noticed in athletics, football and tennis. These events can act as models for the others, because here in Morocco we have an ideal climate and human resources for accomplishing a great sporting development. Let's hope that these positive prospects can be applied to blind sports also." As an example of this climate of encouragement and collaboration, he referred to the performance of the blind and other disabled athletes from Morocco at the Mediterranean Games which are taking place in Bari (Italy) during the same days as the Assembly.

"Sports is a universal right"

MOHAMED M' JID

Vice-president of the Moroccan Olympic Committee

Although he attended the Assembly as a representative from Sweden (the blind sports organisation there is grouped together with people afflicted by other disabilities), the fact that Hans Lindström is the technical officer of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) meant that his presence took on special significance and importance.

Lindström feels that the Assembly "has unfolded in a most interesting fashion. I had not been to one since the very first one - held in Paris - and must admit that great progress has been made. I would, however, have liked to have seen a bit more order when it came to analysing some rather important matters, as this would have permitted more debate, but I must admit that, in the end, it proved possible to discuss all the fundamental topics, particularly the new IBSA Constitution."

Amongst the negative aspects, he highlighted the large volume of documentation that arrived at the last minute, due to the difficulties involved in analysing it "particularly for the blind delegates. In any case, I believe the meeting has been positive, that it has been demonstrated that there is a strong movement and that things are starting to move."

With respect to the relations between IBSA and the IPC, he declared himself to be optimistic. "A year and a half ago in Tokyo, I had already told President Sanz of my interest in improving the coordination aspect and, in particular, compiling a list of IBSA's concerns. I even went to Paris in December '95 and, together with the Secretary General, we prepared a document outlining those aspects in which we were in agreement and those in which we were not, which - in my opinion - is where you have to start out from. Unfortunately, I don't know why, following the appointment of Brian Scobie as IBSA Technical Officer, the progress made was rejected... But, anyway, now we are going to do it, we are going to forget our past differences and work together in order to resolve the problems. Personally, I am really glad we can, at last, advance in this direction."

We spoke to Hans Lindström at the end of the sessions on the penultimate day of the Assembly, and this led us to think about concreting contact dates, given the new climate that apparently reigned. We therefore asked him about a possible calendar for meetings with IBSA's technical team. "We have already started. The next meeting? It will be right here in an hour and a half", he replied graphically with a smile.

"Things are starting to move"

HANS LINDSTRÖM

IPC Technical Officer

The vice-president of the Association, the American Oral Miller, was also re-elected by this Assembly in Casablanca. Enthusiastic about this new phase about to be initiated, he declared to this magazine how optimistic he was regarding the future of blind sports. "We are increasingly receiving support, especially and most important of all, that of the general public". In his opinion, this process is enabling us to broaden the range of events practised by the blind.

"IBSA has made many positive advances in the last four years", he added, "and we are now witnessing a truly historic moment as a result of the improvement in the relations with those in charge of the Paralympic Movement", he qualified, in relation to the latest conversations held with the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). In this sense, he stressed the important work carried out by the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Juan Antonio Samaranch, although he admitted that "there is still a long way to go before it is recognised that, logically enough, those who know most about sports for the blind are the blind themselves."

As for the situation in his country, the United States, Miller underlined the development of sports such as athletics, swimming and goalball, but also others such as bowls, which has an enormous tradition in the US and Canada, and which has yet to be officially sanctioned by IBSA. This increase in the number of recognised sports should, in the view of the vice president, constitute one of the major challenges for the organisation in the next four years, together with the clarification and improvement in relations with the other sporting organisations in the disabled world, especially IPC. "Finally", he concluded, "I would stress the need to place greater emphasis on actions aiming to obtain commercial sponsorships for our teams and championships. Especially in countries like mine where there is hardly any kind of public support whatsoever."

"We are witnessing an historic moment"

ORAL MILLER

IBSA Vice-president

IBSA's Secretary General, the Frenchman Michel Berthézène, declared his satisfaction at the end of the General Assembly: "Everything has gone as planned, with certain technical difficulties at the start with the interpretation booths... but, anyway, these are minor matters. As for the work of the Assembly itself, as is always the case, some interventions can prove repetitive or too long, but this is inevitable in meetings with so many people, different languages and different problems... In the end, the positive attitude of the delegates and the evident climate of unity won the day."

Berthézène also replied to some complaints regarding the delay in sending out documents, prior to the Assembly, to the different delegations: "all the important documents were sent out on time, both the agenda and the proposal for modifying our Constitution, so that the delegates could study them. It is possible that other documents arrived late, such as the reports from the Regional Chairpersons, which we had not received on time. Unfortunately, this is an ever-present problem, even for the Executive."

As regards the new regional structure (by continents), he feels that the resultant zones are always very extensive: "the problems are difficult to avoid, if those in charge of each region do not manage to surround themselves with adequate collaborators to carry out their work. The continental division itself is fine; it now remains to be seen what each region manages to achieve in the area under its responsibility."

"The climate of unity won the day"

MICHEL BERTHÉZÈNE
IBSA Secretary General

The Argentinean Alberto Bravo arrived in Casablanca as head of the Latin American and Caribbean region and left as Chairman of the whole American continent, following the regional restructuring approved by the Assembly which designated one sole structure for each continent. As far as the Latin American region is concerned, Mr Bravo highlighted the progress made since the last General Assembly (Costa Rica, 1993) in the work relating to the training of technical personnel, "thanks to the generous collaboration of the ONCE and the Spanish Blind Sports Federation". In this sense, diverse seminars and courses have taken place, the first practical results of which could be witnessed at the Atlanta Paralympic Games, where Latin America, "despite not having a large representation of athletes, improved its level and quality both in times and records most significantly with respect to the Barcelona Games."

These activities have been systematically programmed in a calendar ever since the meeting held in Sao Paulo, in April '94, between the representatives of the countries within the region. "We have also witnessed an increase in the sporting activities themselves, with national and regional championships, which provide great encouragement to our athletes as preparation for the major international sporting events."

Amongst the countries in this area which have undergone greatest development during this period, Mr Bravo highlights Cuba, "which has traditionally received support from its government", and especially Brazil, "which had a weak association, with little governmental support, and yet has changed dramatically in recent years. All of a sudden, a country as big as Brazil is able to hold periodical national championships in the different sporting events, organise a Latin American championship with the support of their Sports Secretary, etc. This has a lot to do with the people involved, as this change occurred from the moment at which Pele, the great football player, entered the Sports Ministry and took such a great interest in our sport that, during the Paralympic Games in Atlanta, he accompanied his country's team the whole time."

Unfortunately, there are other cases that lead us to be less optimistic. In countries such as Argentina, Colombia or Peru, some public support is still forthcoming, but many other countries in the region, with severe economic and development problems, find themselves in a totally neglected situation.

As regards the new regional structure, which has converted the whole of America in just one IBSA region, with Alberto Bravo himself at the head, he recognises that the Latin American and Caribbean representatives analysed the appropriateness of such a unification at the prior regional meetings. "They were rather wary of the powerful position of certain new partners within this region, such as the United States or Canada, but we concluded that, for our countries - generally of a much lower level of development - the advantages undoubtedly outweighed possible negative aspects. We shall be able to share championships, events, seminars, courses, with the technical personnel and athletes from North America who possess great expertise and experience. Moreover, there are the Paralympic Games which are now irreversibly linked to the Olympics, and reveal a clear trend towards the involvement of the host governments. As of the creation of this continental structure, we shall attempt to get the administrations to commit themselves to supporting competitions like the Panamerican Games; we would be delighted if this could be achieved for Canada in 1999. In Buenos Aires in 1995, despite the fact that neither the United States nor Canada participated, we managed to receive such consideration and obtained official aid.

Moreover, the relations with our "new neighbours" from the North are really healthy. We have held a meeting with the vice president Oral Miller and reached a satisfactory agreement on the question of mutual respect, the adoption of convergent criteria on matters affecting the whole continent and, in general, on a commitment to cooperation.

"We shall seek the support of the administrations"

ALBERTO BRAVO
Chairman of IBSA America

The IBSA chairman re-elected in Casablanca to head the European continental region offers a clearly positive assessment of the work carried out at the Assembly, in his opinion undertaken in a most intelligent fashion. For example, the change to a continental regional structure: "This was a necessary change. The new structure facilitates and speeds up our work, as it permits greater internal coordination and, therefore, greater operational capacity."

For Europe, at least, it does not pose any problems, given that it already operated along these lines. However, problems may arise in those countries that formerly belonged to the Soviet Union, as it will have to be decided whether they now belong to Europe or Asia. "It is possible that this will lead to an extension of our European region."

In the opinion of Mr Meschiari, the current state of evolution in blind sports warrants optimism. "The improvement in relations with the IPC is a fundamental factor, because their collaboration is essential for enhancing competition sports, not just for the blind but also for the disabled in general."

In the purely European aspect, he considers that the greatest difficulties as regards development are to be found in the south-east of Europe - Turkey, Bulgaria, Romania and the ex-Soviet Union member countries. "These countries suffer from a severe shortage of economic resources, and in the regional meeting we held as a preliminary to this Assembly, we Europeans decided that a special commissioner be appointed, someone with experience, to deal exclusively with the problems of these countries."

"The continental structure is more operational"

BRUNO MESCHIARI

Chairman of IBSA EuropE

Mr Scott has been Member at Large of the IBSA Executive for the last four years. Following the restructuring process, this Australian former athlete now becomes Chairman of the IBSA Oceania region. Convinced as he is that IBSA is on the right track, he feels that "it now possesses a really clear working approach, with the future in mind. And this has a lot to do with the work carried out by an Executive of which I am most proud to have been able to form part as Member at Large. We have known how to direct our work and, finally, we have been able to rely on the assistance of the Olympic and Paralympic Committees, which has greatly facilitated this work."

Regarding this matter, he believes that the current climate of dialogue between IBSA and the IPC "will permit greater autonomy and respect on the part of the representatives of each of the disabled groups towards the others."

In a summarised fashion, Mr Scott outlines the following most pressing needs currently facing blind sports: "First, more participants, more young sportsmen and women; second, more countries integrated in IBSA (with the corresponding aid programmes and intense recruitment work on the part of the regional heads); and third, more sports, for which the collaboration of our Technical Officer and his assistants is fundamental." He stresses the gravity of the economic problem for carrying out these projects: "Sports for the blind are not well-financed; it's a shame but that's the way it is. And this is true, despite the support we have received from blind organisations with greater financial possibilities, particulary in Spain, but also from countries such as Sweden, Holland or Canada."

Australia, moreover, will be the host of the forthcoming Sydney Games and Mr Scott, as host, is convinced they will be a success. "I am maintaining close contact with the heads of the Organising Committee and things are going perfectly. There are no internal struggles as may have been the case in Atlanta, and the Olympic and Paralympic Committees are working hand in hand to ensure that Sydney will be remembered as one of the best Paralympics in history."

Referring to his own region (Oceania), in which only three countries are currently members of IBSA, he hopes his work will manage to raise this number to some thirteen nations. "In any case, this region is rather special and it proves really difficult to deal with our geographical layout."

From this Assembly in Casablanca he highlights the reform of the Constitution and the climate of consensus. "If we all keep moving in the same direction, as has been the case in this Assembly, based on solidarity towards the blind athletes and working on their behalf, we shall continue advancing and shall become even stronger." On this question, he feels that the principal problem to date (relations with the IPC and regulations) is clearly on the road to being resolved. "Then there is the other problem, which cannot be laid at anyone's door, of the distances involved. We have great athletes in many sports, but the geographical distances often make it impossible to take our athletes to competitions. This is our number-one problem to be resolved."

"We are on the right track"

GREG SCOTT

Chairman of IBSA Oceania
Mr Chisambi, due to the regional structural change, has gone from being Chairman of sub-Saharan Africa to holding the post of Secretary General of the whole African continent, whose maximum authority will now be the Egyptian Hossam Eldim Mostafa.

For Mr Chisambi, the last four years have been filled with activity: "Great advances have been made, especially in Africa - and more particularly in the sub-Saharan region, of which I had the honour to be the representative during this period." He highlighted the work of the President himself, Enrique Sanz, to ensure the support of major institutions such as the Spanish blind organisation (ONCE) to his region. "Seminars have been organised in Zambia, Kenya and Tanzania thanks to this aid. I must take this opportunity to request that IBSA continues this work, so that the athletes of our continent may have the chance to compete at the same level as those of the developed countries."

Amongst the most pressing needs, the economic ones - naturally - stand out. "We have decided to establish the new General Secretariat for Africa in Zambia, but we have the most basic needs: typewriters, fax machines, personnel, etc. There are 53 countries in Africa (the same number as have attended this Assembly in representation of the whole world), making it the most numerous region, and we have a lot of work before us. In addition, we have to encourage the younger athletes and particularly the women. The female participation is still very poor and we want to increase it for Sydney 2000." To this end, we have organised clubs in eleven different blind schools with well-trained teachers.

He is of the opinion that only the shortage of resources, qualified trainers and adequate preparation can explain that the coloured athletes do not triumph to the same degree as their sighted counterparts in events such as sprinting, the 5,000m or 10,000m.

As for the Assembly itself, he highlighted the emphasis placed by the President in the closing declaration on increasing the cooperation, of both IBSA and the IPC, with the developing countries. "Mr Sanz has done a great job of encouraging the athletes within our region. He has travelled to Africa on several occasions, has met with leaders from Kenya, Tanzania, Namibia and Zambia, etc. It is not usual to see people from the developed countries showing such concern for our problems, not just in the sporting sector but also for the blind in general."

"Keep up the solidarity"

The future of Moroccan sport must be left in the hands of men with personal experience in top competition

KESHI CHISAMBI

Secretary General of Africa

As host of the Assembly, the head of CECISPORT, Mohammed Rachid Rifai, manifested the pleasure for Morocco "of welcoming the delegates from the 52 countries. And this "both because of the possibility of offering the traditional Moroccan hospitality and of the decision of His Majesty Hassan II to take an interest in all their social, cultural and sporting problems." He went on to say: "For Morocco, this has presented a great opportunity to present its blind athletes to the world of IBSA, a worldwide project that can aid them to combat a certain degree of isolation."

In this respect, he recognises that blind sports have not yet developed sufficiently within his country, but he explains that, in the schools, they are now practising athletics, goalball and swimming, "and other sports are being introduced such as judo, which can only give rise to hope for the future."

Morocco hopes that the contacts, intensified on the occasion of this meeting, may give rise to an increase in the cooperation with other countries who possess greater experience in this field, especially - due to its relations as neighbour and traditional links - with Spain and France. Its primary needs include training for technical personnel and coaches, followed by aid for the acquisition of specific sports material: "There are team sports which we must develop, such as goalball, torball or football, as they may permit Morocco to increase its international presence."

"Do away with isolation"

MOHAMED RACHI RIFAI

President of CECISPORT Morocco

"We shall defend our competitions"

The president of the Spanish delegation at the IBSA Assembly, who is also president of the Spanish Blind Sports Federation, Felipe Ponce, became one of the leading players at this meeting when he presented the World Championships for the blind and visually impaired to be held in Madrid in July 1998. This will be the first time that IBSA organises multidisciplinary championships at this level, specifically athletics, swimming, judo and goalball. As far as he is concerned, this kind of sporting event is fundamental. As he declared to this magazine: "IPC was determined to hold championships with the participation of persons with differing disabilities, alleging calendar and economic problems. But, what they really wanted was to do away with our specific competitions, something we are resolved to maintain at all costs, as well as the necessary specialisation of the technical personnel."

As regards the Madrid'98 World Championships, Mr Ponce underlined that Spain's experience in this field, particularly following the success of the Barcelona'92 Paralympic Games, constitutes a sure guarantee of their success. He is therefore convinced that they will draw a great response in terms of international participation. "Nevertheless, it is evident that, as these will be the first multidisciplinary games held simultaneously in the same city, there is some degree of uncertainty. But, if we have undertaken the challenge of organising these games, it is because we are convinced they will be truly successful."

FELIPE PONCE

Spanish Representative

"IPC debe copiar el modelo del CIO "

JOAN PALAU

Presidente de ISOD

Para Mohamed M'Jid, las autoridades marroquíes, y concretamente el Comité Olímpico Nacional, del que es vicepresidente, mantienen un gran interés por todos los deportes de alto nivel y, desde luego, también por aquellos practicados por personas con discapacidad, como los ciegos y deficientes visuales. "Pensamos -señaló- que para los colectivos de discapacitados es una necesidad absoluta, cualquiera que sea su discapacidad, el fomento de la práctica deportiva. Además, se trata de un derecho universal, para todos, que puede jugar un papel importante como medio para superar los hándicaps de las personas afectadas".

Considera también que Marruecos, con acciones como la celebración de esta Asamblea en Casablanca, puede servir de aliciente al desarrollo deportivo de los deficientes visuales, no sólo a nivel nacional, sino también en los demás países del área, con la consiguiente mejora de la calidad de vida de los ciudadanos con discapacidad.

Respecto a la situación deportiva marroquí, M'Jid considera que está evolucionando con normalidad y positivamente, "aunque hay problemas financieros y de infraestructuras" , pero -asegura también- "hemos confiado la gestión deportiva a hombres con experiencia personal en la alta competición y ya comienzan a notarse los resultados en atletismo, futbol, tenis... Estas disciplinas pueden funcionar como modelos para las demás, porque en Marruecos contamos con un clima y un material humano idóneos para un gran desarrollo deportivo. Ojalá en esas positivas perspectivas pueda encuadrarse también el deporte para personas ciegas". Como ejemplo de ese clima de fomento y colaboración, se refirió a la actuación de atletas marroquíes ciegos y con otras discapacidades en los Juegos del Mediterráneo que, durante esos mismos días, se estaban celebrando en Bari (Italia).

"El deporte es un derecho universal"

MOHAMED M' JID

Vicepresidente del Comité Olímpico de Marruecos

Aunque acudió a la Asamblea como representante de Suecia (allí la organización deportiva de ciegos está agrupada con personas que sufren otro tipo de discapacidad), la condición de oficial técnico del Comité Paralímpico Internacional (IPC) de Hans Lindström otorgaba a su presencia una significación e importancia especiales.

Considera Lindstrom que la Asamblea "ha tenido un desarrollo muy interesante. No había estado desde la primera -celebrada en París- y reconozco que se ha avanzado mucho. Me hubiera gustado, eso sí, que se hubiera tenido un poco más de orden a la hora de analizar algunos temas de mucha importancia, porque hubiera permitido un mayor debate, pero reconozco que, al final, se han podido discutir los fundamentales, sobre todo acerca de la nueva Constitución de IBSA".

Entre las pegas, resalta el gran volumen de documentación llegada a última hora, por la dificultad de analizarla, "especialmente para los delegados ciegos -señala-. Pero, en todo caso, creo que el encuentro ha sido positivo, que se ha demostrado que hay un movimiento fuerte y que las cosas empiezan a moverse".

Respecto al futuro de las relaciones IBSA-IPC se manifiesta optimista. "Hace año y medio, en Tokio, yo ya le manifesté al presidente Sanz mi interés por mejorar la coordinación y recoger específicamente las inquietudes de IBSA. Fui incluso a París, en diciembre del 95, y allí, con el secretario general, preparamos un documento con los aspectos en los que estábamos de acuerdo y aquéllos en los que no, que es en mi opinión por donde hay que empezar. Desafortunadamente, no sé por qué, tras el nombramiento de Brian Scobie como oficial técnico de IBSA, se rechazaron los pasos avanzados... Pero, bueno, ahora sí vamos a hacerlo, vamos a olvidar las diferencias del pasado y a trabajar por solucionar los problemas. Personalmente, me alegro mucho de que podamos por fin avanzar en este sentido".

Conversábamos con Hans Lindström al término de las sesiones en la penúltima jornada de Asamblea, lo que obligaba a pensar, dentro de este nuevo clima, en concretar los contactos; así que le preguntamos sobre un posible calendario de reuniones con el equipo técnico de IBSA: "Ya hemos empezado... ¿La próxima reunión? Será aquí mismo, dentro de una hora y media...", nos respondió gráficamente con una sonrisa.

"Las cosas empiezan a moverse"

HANS LINDSTRÖM

Oficial Técnico de IPC

ORAL MILLER

Vicepresidente de IBSA

El vicepresidente de la asociación, el norteamericano Oral Miller, fue también reelegido en su puesto por la Asamblea. Ilusionado por la nueva etapa que se abre, manifestó a esta revista su optimismo de cara al futuro del deporte para ciegos. "Estamos recibiendo progresivamente apoyos, y en especial el más importante de todos, el apoyo del público", nos manifestó en Casablanca. A su entender, este proceso está permitiendo ir ampliando el abanico de modalidades practicadas por los ciegos.

"IBSA ha dado muchos pasos positivos en estos últimos 4 años -dijo también-. Y ahora acudimos a un momento verdaderamente histórico, como consecuencia de la mejora de nuestras relaciones con los responsables del Movimiento Paralímpico", matizó, en relación con las últimas conversaciones mantenidas con los responsables del Comité Paralímpico Internacional (IPC). En tal sentido destacó la labor llevada a cabo por el presidente del Comité Internacional Olímpico (CIO), Juan Antonio Samaranch, aunque reconoció que "queda mucho terreno por recorrer, hasta que se asuma que, lógicamente, quienes más saben sobre deportes para ciegos son los propios ciegos".

Por lo que respecta a la situación en su país -Estados Unidos-, Miller destacó el desarrollo de modalidades como el atletismo, la natación y el goalball, "pero también -continúa- de otros, como pueden ser los bolos, con una enorme tradición de práctica en Estados Unidos o en Canadá, y que todavía no han conseguido el reconocimiento formal de IBSA". Esta ampliación de modalidades deportivas sería, para el vicepresidente, uno de los mayores retos de la organización en los próximos 4 años, junto a la clarificación y mejora de las relaciones con el resto de las organizaciones deportivas del sector de discapacidad, especialmente IPC. "Finalmente -concluyó-, yo destacaría la necesidad de que profundicemos en las acciones para conseguir patrocinios comerciales de nuestros equipos y campeonatos. Sobre todo en países como el mío donde prácticamente no existe ningún tipo de apoyo oficial".

"Asistimos a un momento histórico"

El secretario general de IBSA, el francés Berthézène, se mostraba satisfecho al término de la Asamblea General: "todo se ha desarrollado dentro de lo previsto, con algún problema técnico al principio con las cabinas de interpretación... Pero, en fin, éstas son cuestiones menores. En cuanto a los trabajos de la Asamblea propiamente dichos, como siempre sucede, algunas intervenciones pueden resultar reiterativas, o demasiado largas, pero eso es inevitable en reuniones con tantas personas, distintos idiomas y problemas dispares... Al final, ha triunfado la actitud positiva de los delegados y un clima de clara unidad".

Berthézène respondió también a algunas quejas, respecto a retrasos en el envío de documentos previos a la Asamblea a las diferentes delegaciones: "todos los importantes se enviaron en el momento oportuno -asegura-, tanto el orden del día como la propuesta de modificación de nuestra Constitución, para que los delegados pudieran estudiarlos. Sí ha podido haber algún retraso con otros documentos, como los informes de los chairmen regionales, que no los habíamos recibido a tiempo... Desgraciadamente, éste es un problema habitual, incluso para el Ejecutivo".

Respecto a la nueva estructura regional (por continentes), estima que las zonas de división son siempre muy amplias: "los problemas -reconoce- son difícilmente evitables, si los responsables de cada región no consiguen rodearse de los colaboradores pertinentes para llevar a cabo el trabajo. La repartición continental, en sí, está bien, ahora queda ver lo que cada región consigue estructurar en su zona de responsabilidad"

"Triunfó el clima de unidad"

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MICHEL BERTHÉZÈNE

Secretario Gral. de IBSA

responsable de la región de América del Alberto Bravo llegó a El argentino Casablanca como Sur y del Caribe y salió de allí como chairman de todo el continente americano, tras la reestructuración regional aprobada por la Asamblea que ha establecido una sola por continente. Por lo que a latinoamérica se refiere, Bravo destacó los avances conseguidos desde la anterior Asamblea General (Costa Rica, 1993) en el trabajo de capacitación de técnicos, "al que han contribuido generosísimamente la Federación Española de Deportes para Ciegos". ONCE y la En tal sentido, han tenido lugar diversos seminarios y cursos, cuyos primeros resultados prácticos pudimos ya observarlos en los Juegos Paralímpicos de Atlanta, donde Latinoamérica, "pese a no tener una gran representación de deportistas, mejoró su nivel y calidad en tiempo y marcas de manera notable respecto a Barcelona '92".

Estas actividades se han sistematizado en un calendario, desde la reunión que mantuvieron en Sao Paulo, en abril del 94, los representantes de los países de la región. "También hemos visto fortalecida la actividad deportiva propiamente dicha -continúa-, con campeonatos nacionales y regionales, que constituyen el gran aliciente como encuentro deportivo internacional".

Entre los países del área de mayor desarrollo en esta etapa, Bravo destaca a Cuba, "que tradicionalmente ha recibido apoyo de su gobierno", y especialmente a Brasil, "que tenía -dice- una asociación débil, sin demasiado soporte gubernamental, y en los últimos años ha dado un cambio inusitado; de pronto, un país tan enorme como Brasil puede celebrar periódicamente campeonatos nacionales de las distintas disciplinas, organizar un campeonato latinoamericano con apoyo de la Secretaría de Deportes, etc. Esto tiene mucho que ver con los hombres, pues tal cambio se pudo producir a partir de que Pelé, el gran jugador de fútbol, llegó al Ministerio de Deportes y tomó tal interés por nuestros deportes que, incluso, en las Paralimpiadas de Atlanta estuvo todo el tiempo acompañando a la delegación de su país".

Por desgracia, hay otros casos que mueven mucho menos al optimismo. En países como Argentina, Colombia o Perú, aún se recibe cierto apoyo oficial, pero otros muchos en el área, con graves problemas económicos y de desarrollo, se encuentran completamente desasistidos.

Por lo que respecta a la nueva estructura regional, que ha convertido a toda América en una sola región de IBSA, con el propio Alberto Bravo precisamente a la cabeza, reconoce que los representantes de América del Sur y del Caribe analizaron la conveniencia o no de esta unificación en las reuniones regionales previas. "Existían -admite- algunos recelos ante el poderío de nuevos socios, como Estados Unidos o Canadá, pero concluimos que, para nuestros países de -en general- mucho menor nivel de desarrollo, las ventajas superaban sin duda a los inconvenientes. Podremos compartir campeonatos, eventos, seminarios, cursos, con los técnicos y deportistas de América del Norte, que tienen una gran capacidad y experiencia. Además, están las Paralimpiadas, ya irreversiblemente unidas a los Juegos Olímpicos y con una clara tendencia a la implicación de los Gobiernos anfitriones. Intentaremos que, a partir de esta nueva estructura continental, las Administraciones asuman también los compromisos de apoyar competiciones como los Juegos Panamericanos; nos encantaría que fuera ya posible en Canada, en 1999. En Buenos Aires (1995), pese a no concurrir Canadá ni Estados Unidos, ya conseguimos que se les diera esa consideración y obtuvimos ayuda oficial.

Además, las relaciones con los "nuevos vecinos" del Norte son muy positivas. Hemos mantenido una reunión con el vicepresidente Oral Miller y llegado a un acuerdo satisfactorio, respecto al mutuo respeto, a la adopción de criterios convergentes en los asuntos que atañen a todo el continente y, en en general, respecto a un compromiso de cooperación.

"Buscaremos el apoyo de las administraciones"

ALBERTO BRAVO

Chairman de América

El responsable de IBSA para el continente europeo -reelegido en Casablanca- realiza un balance abiertamente positivo del trabajo llevado a cabo en la Asamblea, en su opinión planteado de forma muy inteligente. Así por ejemplo, el cambio regional hacia una estructura continental: "era un cambio necesario -afirma-. Esta estructura facilita y agiliza el trabajo, porque permitirá una mejor coordinación interna y, por tanto, una mayor operatividad".

Para Europa, en cualquier caso, no constituye ningún problema, pues ya funcionaba con anterioridad con este formato. No obstante, el problema puede plantearse con los países que antes constituían la Unión Soviética y cuyo encaje puede ahora desglosarse hacia Europa o Asia, según los casos. "Cabe la posibilidad -comenta Meschiari- de que suponga una ampliación de nuestra región europea".

En su opinión, el actual momento de evolución del deporte para ciegos debe mover al optimismo. "La mejora de relaciones entre IBSA e IPC me parece fundamental, porque su colaboración es ineludible para la mejora del deporte de competición, no sólo de cara a los ciegos, sino para los discapacitados en general".

En el aspecto puramente europeo, estima que las mayores dificultades de desarrollo se centran en la Europa del sudeste: Turquía, Bulgaria, Rumanía, los países adscritos a la ex URSS... "Se trata de naciones con una gran escasez de recursos económicos -explica Bruno Meschiari-, y en la reunión regional que hemos mantenido como preámbulo de esta Asamblea, los europeos hemos decidido que se nombre a un comisionado específico, una persona con experiencia que se ocupe, en exclusiva, de los problemas de estos países".

"La estructura continental es más operativa"

BRUNO MESCHIARI

Chairman de Europa

Scott ha sido, durante los pasados 4 años, miembro libre del Ejecutivo de IBSA. Tras la remodelación, este deportista australiano se convierte en chairman de la región del continente oceánico. Convencido de que IBSA está en el camino acertado, estima que hoy "posee una línea de trabajo muy clara y enfocada al futuro. Y esto -dice- tiene mucho que ver con la labor de un Ejecutivo del que me enorgullezco haber podido formar parte como miembro libre. Hemos sabido dirigirnos y, al final, hemos contando con el apoyo de los Comités Olímpico y Paralímpico, lo que ha facilitado esta labor".

Al respecto, cree que el actual clima de diálogo IBSA-IPC "permitirá una mayor autonomía y respeto por parte de los representantes de cada una de las discapacidades hacia el resto".

De modo esquemático, Scott describre así las necesidades más acuciantes del deporte para ciegos: "primero, más participantes, más atletas -hombres y mujeres- jóvenes; segundo, más países integrados en IBSA (con los correspondientes programas de ayuda y mediante la labor de captación de los responsables de la regiones); y tercero, más deportes, para lo que es fundamental la colaboración de nuestro oficial técnico y sus ayudantes". Insiste en la gravedad del problema económico para llevar adelante estos proyectos. "El deporte de ciegos -señala- no está bien financiado, es una lástima pero es así. Y ello, pese al apoyo que nos han dado organizaciones de ciegos con mayores posibilidades, especialmente desde España, pero también desde países, como Suecia, Holanda o Canadá.

Australia, además, será anfitriona en los próximos Juegos de Sydney y Scott, como anfitrión está convencido de que serán un éxito. "Mantengo -nos comenta- estrecho contacto con responsables del Comité organizador y las cosas marchan a la perfección. No hay luchas internas como pudo ocurrir en Atlanta, y los comités Olímpico y Paralímpico trabajan codo con codo para que Sydney se recuerde como una de las mejores Paralimpiadas de la historia".

Refiriéndose a su Región (continente oceánico), de la que, actualmente, sólo tres países están inscritos en IBSA, espera con su trabajo poder elevar este número a unas 13 naciones. "En todo caso -señala- esta Región es muy particular y resulta muy difícil luchar contra nuestra geografía".

De la Asamblea de Casablanca destaca la reforma de la Constitución y el clima de consenso: "Si nos movemos en la misma dirección, como ha ocurrido en la Asamblea, en torno a la solidaridad hacia los atletas ciegos y trabajando en su beneficio, seguiremos avanzando y seremos aún más fuertes". Al respecto, cree que el principal problema hasta la fecha (relaciones con IPC y reglamentaciones) está claramente en proceso de resolución. "El segundo, del que no se puede responsabilizar a nadie son las distancias. Tenemos grandes atletas en muchos deportes, pero la distancia geográfica hace que muchas veces no podamos llevar a nuestros atletas a competir. Es nuestra gran asignatura pendiente".

"Estamos en el buen camino"

GREG SCOTT

Chairman de Oceania

Keshi ha pasado -como consecuencia del cambio de estructura regional- a ocupar un nuevo cargo en el organigrama africano: de chairman de África Subsahariana a secretario general para todo el continente, del que queda como responsable máximo el egipcio Hossam Eldim Mostafá.

Para Chisambi, los últimos 4 años han estado llenos de actividad: "Se ha avanzado mucho, sobre todo en África, y en particular en la región Subsahariana, de la que he sido representante durante esta etapa". Al respecto destacó el esfuerzo del propio presidente, Enrique Sanz, para asegurar que grandes instituciones -como la organización española (ONCE)- apoyaran financieramente a su región. "Se han organizado seminarios -explica- en Zambia, Kenia y Tanzania gracias a esas ayudas. Y aprovecho para rogar a IBSA que continúe esta labor, de modo que los atletas de nuestro continente puedan llegar a competir al mismo nivel que los de países desarrollados".

Entre las necesidades más urgentes, destaca -cómo no- las económicas. "Hemos decidido -nos cuenta- establecer la nueva Secretaría Gral. para Africa en Zambia, pero necesitamos cosas básicas, máquinas de escribir, fax, personal... Somos 53 países (tantos como han asistido a la Asamblea representando a todo el mundo), la región más numerosa, y tenemos mucho trabajo por delante. Por otro lado, hay que estimular a los deportistas jóvenes y sobre todo a las mujeres; la participación femenina es aún muy baja y queremos aumentarla en Sydney 2000". Para ello se han organizado clubes en once diferentes escuelas de ciegos, con profesores convenientemente preparados.

Cree que sólo la escasez de medios, entrenadores cualificados y preparación puede explicar que los ciegos africanos no triunfen, como los videntes, en disciplinas como la velocidad, los 5.000 o los 10.000 m.

Por lo que respecta al desarrollo de la Asamblea, destacó el énfasis de la declaración final del presidente respecto a incrementar la cooperación -tanto de la propia IBSA como de IPC- con los países en vías de desarrollo. "Sanz ha hecho una gran labor en el estímulo de los deportistas de nuestro área. Ha viajado en diversas ocasiones a Africa, se ha entrevistado con dirigentes de Kenia, Tanzania, Namibia y Zambia... No es muy corriente ver que gente de países desarrollados se preocupe así por nuestros problemas, no sólo en el terreno del deporte sino en el de los ciegos en general".

"Mantener la Solidaridad"

El futuro del deporte marroquí pasa por la gestión en manos de hombres con experiencia personal en la alta competición.

KESHI CHISAMBI

Secretario Gral. de Africa

Como anfitrión de la Asamblea, el responsable de CECISPORT, M.R. Rifai, manifestaba la felicidad de Marruecos "por acoger a los delegados de estos 51 países". Y ello, explicaba, "tanto por la tradicional hospitalidad marroquí, como por la decisión de su majestad Hassan II de acercarse a todos los problemas sociales, culturales y deportivos". Para Marruecos, estima, "ha sido una gran oportunidad de acercar a sus deportistas ciegos hacia el mundo de IBSA, a una proyección internacional que puede ayudarles a combatir cierto aislamiento".

Reconoce, en tal sentido, que los deportes para ciegos no tienen todavía un desarrollo suficiente en el país, pero explica que ya se practica, en las escuelas, el atletismo, el goalball, o la natación, "y se van incorporando otros deportes, como el judo, que nos abren nuevas esperanzas".

Marruecos espera que los contactos, intensificados con motivo de este encuentro, permitan ampliar la colaboración con otros países de mayor desarrollo en el sector, especialmente -por sus relaciones vecinales y de tradición- con España y Francia. Sus necesidades pasan -primero- por la formación de técnicos y entrenadores, y después, por las ayudas para adquisición de material para deportes específicos: "hay deportes de equipo -explica al respecto- que debemos desarrollar, como Goalbal, Torball o Fútbol, porque pueden permitir a Marruecos favorecer su presencia internacional".

"Acabar con el aislamiento"

MOHAMED RACHI RIFAI

Presidente de CECISPORT Marruecos

"Defenderemos nuestras competiciones"

El presidente de la delegación española en la Asamblea de IBSA, que lo es también de la Federación de Deportes para Ciegos de su país, Felipe Ponce, se convirtió en uno de los principales protagonistas del encuentro, al presentar en Casablanca los Campeonatos Mundiales para ciegos y deficientes visuales que tendrán lugar en Madrid, en julio de 1998. Será la primera vez que IBSA organice unos Campeonatos de este calibre, concretamente de Atletismo, Natación, Judo y Goalball. Para él, este tipo de encuentros deportivos son fundamentales. "IPC -declaró a nuestra revista- estaba empeñado en la celebración de Campeonatos con participación de personas con diferentes discapacidades, alegando sobre todo razones de calendario y económicas. Pero es que, en la práctica, querían terminar con nuestras competiciones específicas, que nosotros estamos decididos a defender a toda costa, así como la necesaria especialización de los técnicos".

Por lo que respecta a los Mundiales de Madrid'98, Ponce destacó que la experiencia de España en este terreno, especialmente tras el éxito de los Paralímpicos de Barcelona'92, constituye una garantía para su correcto desarrollo, por lo que está seguro de que contarán con una gran respuesta de participación deportiva internacional. "No obstante -reconoció-, es evidente que el hecho de ser los primeros que van a realizarse simultáneamente y en una misma ciudad, con varias disciplinas, produce siempre cierta incertidumbre. Pero si hemos hecho la apuesta de asumir la organización es porque estamos convencidos de que van a ser un éxito".

FELIPE PONCE

Representante de España