IBSA is firmly established in all five continents with a presence in 90 countries

Never before has the "normalisation" of the blind and other disabled groups, and sport, as a social phenomenon, reached such heights and had such a repercussion on public opinionThe new atmosphere of collaboration with the IPC is an argument in favour of optimism, but there remains much hard work to be done

Going all out for the future

Following the latest modifications (incorporations and departures) ratified in Casablanca, on the occasion of IBSA's V General Assembly, our Federation is now established in all five continents of our planet, with a presence in 90 countries. Nearly a hundred nations constitute a grand partnership and a political representation of quite some significance, and IBSA is most proud of this evolution that places it in a prominent position within the worldwide context of sports organisations for disabled persons. This field that combines two of the most wide-ranging social aspects at this historic moment in time: the progressive incorporation of those persons who suffer some kind of physical, mental or sensorial handicap to social activities (i.e. "normalisation") and to competition sports, which have become one of the phenomena of greatest general interest, currently occupying a privileged position in the mass media.

World presence

Never before have these two aspects enjoyed such a presence and repercussion in international public opinion, nor has their correct orientation opened up so many possibilities to the people affected to take advantage of this development in order to achieve a fairer society and a higher sporting standard. We could, without fear of exaggeration, say that we are witnessing an historic moment in the evolution of these sporting events; and overcoming the tensions which may have arisen, in this field, in the recent past only serves to highlight the great importance and the admirable efforts that the different bodies and institutions involved in this sector are making in order to reach the most appropriate solutions and adopt the most suitable measures for everyone.

On this matter, we do not wish to forget to mention the fundamental role of mediator played by the president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Juan Antonio Samaranch, whose intervention served to iron out many of the differences between the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and IBSA. This situation now appears to be clearly on the way to recovery, something which can only help to normalise relations with the other International Sports Federations for the disabled (ISOD's). Moreover, both the presence in Casablanca of the IPC president, Robert Steadward, and the atmosphere of healthy dialogue between the different technical bodies enable us to face the future with confidence and a positive dose of optimism.

Unresolved questions

Conformism, however, never makes for a good adviser in these matters. As our president, Enrique Sanz, pointed out in his closing speech before the Assembly in Casablanca, only by maintaining a constant workload, multiplying our efforts and extending IBSA's associative links will we be able to continue making progress. For this reason, our magazine wishes to issue a challenge to the representatives of the Federation in the five new regions (corresponding to each of the five continents) in which it is now structured - namely, that they redouble their efforts to recruit new members. Just like any association, IBSA will constitute - and possess - the strength it derives from the sum of that of its constituent members. Already present in practically all the developed countries, it now remains for us to surmount the hurdle of introducing our organisation in the developing countries.

For such an arduous task, our efforts will not prove sufficient, no matter how indefatigable they may be. It also requires the decisive collaboration of the respective state administrations, of the supranational institutions, of Foundations and other bodies - such as the NGO's - committed to the development of the most needy regions. However, it is our responsibility to take the initiative and knock on these doors, to forcefully defend the rights of the group we represent and, as a result, extend the Paralympic Movement - as far as sports for the blind and visually impaired are concerned - as far as is humanly possible. We can only hope that the future will crown such an attractive project with the success it deserves.