Paralimpic Academic Approval

The terminology employed to refer to our sports is also the subject of debate in certain sectors. In Spain, there has been some controversy in recent years with respect to the use of the Spanish term "Paralímpico" when referring to the maximum level of sports competition for persons with disabilities, which manifests itself in the Games held every four years, in parallel with the Olympics. In the face of the call from the Spanish Paralympic Committee that this term be officially recognised, the Royal Academy of the Spanish Language has replied to the Secretary of State for Sports in the following manner:

"Although the linguistically correct formation of this term would be paraolímpico or parolímpico, the Spanish Paralympic Committee is right when it says that it would make no sense to attempt, at this stage, to defend one of these forms against the term already established by usage in the International Committee, in expressions such as Juegos Paralímpicos (Paralympic Games), etc.

The form paralímpico may continue to be used therefore, and will indeed be included in the next edition of the Academy's Dictionary, thus registering approval of its usage."

Bengt, Vasilis, Keshi, Cho & Eklund

We could not omit a special mention in this important issue for the work carried out in the last four years by our colleagues who no longer form part of our Executive, but on whom we shall obviously be calling for their advice and collaboration from the different perspectives offered by their wide-ranging, extensive experience in the field of sports for the blind and visually impaired. This mention, therefore, aims to serve as a tribute to their work.

Victor Ludorum

The Valencian artist Javier Mariscal, who created the official mascots for the Olympic Games (Coby) and the Paralympics (Petra), has designed the Victor Ludorum trophy for our Federation, a prize which IBSA

will be awarding to the most outstanding of our athletes.

"The truth is that, the day I was asked to make a trophy for blind athletes, I was really moved. At last I could produce something highly visual which the blind athletes would be able to understand just by touching it. It is lovely to think that -through touch, weight and heat - this trophy will be capable of transmitting passion, merit, affection, and a reward for the enthusiasm and effort that every sportsperson deserves".

Javier Mariscal

International Blind Marathon in Kasomigaura (Japan)

B.S.I. Editorial Staff

On April 20th, the Japanese city of KASOMIGAURA provided the setting for the International Blind Marathon which drew the participation of 187 athletes from the three blind categories (B1, B2 and B3). The organisation invited runners from such countries as RUSSIA, POLAND, NORWAY, NEW ZEALAND, FINLAND and ITALY. Apart from the success of the organisation and the competition itself, we must underscore the explicit undertaking of the President of the Organising Committee of the Competition - and mayor of the city of TSCHIURA, Mr Sukegawa, to organise the World Championship Marathon for the Blind and Visually Impaired next year. There can be no doubt that this is great news for the world of blind sports, and constitutes renewed acknowledgment of the work being carried out by the International Blind Sports Federation in order to gain recognition for the international competitions. B.S.I. Editorial Staff

Not wishing to miss out on the new information and communications technologies, IBSA - as we informed our readers in the previous issue in November 1996 - has made available to all interested a new WEB site on INTERNET -http://www.ibsa.es- as well as an E-mail address for contacting us -ibsa6ibsa.es-.

For all of you who, in one way or another, are advanced Web surfers we can now inform you that our site has been updated to include a comprehensive database covering the last Paralympic Games in ATLANTA as well as the BARCELONA '92 Games. We also provide the professional and sporting background of the most important blind and visually impaired athletes, as well as all the latest news relating to our Federation. As a novelty, we can now reveal that you will be able to enjoy the promotional commercial spots for blind sports produced by IBSA, which have proved so successful recently.

Finally, we should like to receive any comments and suggestions you might have for our magazine BLIND SPORTS INTERNATIONAL.

ANCI organises a forum on the rehabilitation of the blind and visually impaired

B.S.I. Editorial Staff

The National Association of the Blind in Cuba (ANCI) has organised the 'V Forum on the Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired' in Havana for the 2nd to 5th February, 1998. One of the issues proposed for this encounter will be entitled: "Sport, culture and the use of leisure time". This will be an opportunity for specialists in sports for the blind and visually impaired to exchange impressions and experiences in a field which is widely researched.

For all those interested in further information, we provide the telephone numbers and contact addresses:

* Telephones: 32-3574, 32-3575, 32-0449, 32-3253.

* Fax: 33-4134.

* E-mail: anci@infomed.sld.cu

* Mail: Eugenio Guanche Díaz, Head of Rehabilitation Dept. Sports and Recreation, ANCI National Administration Calle 1 201 e/Linca y 11, El Vedado, Havana, Cuba CP 104000.

FIRST CLASS SKIING

Jean Vasseur. Bordeaux (France)

In January of this year, I had the chance to be present at the European Championships for blind skiers, held at the Baqueira Beret (Lérida-Spain) ski resort. I must confess that I was the most surprised of all: I knew nothing of the practice of this sport by persons with severely limited vision and, on many occasions, totally blind skiers. And this was the case despite the fact that I am a great fan of this sport and have been skiing on the slopes of the Pyrenees and the Alps for many years now. It was there that I learnt of the existence of this magazine also - whose quality, by the way, I feel must be emphasised - and am thus able to send you my reflections on this event.

The fact is that I wish to express my admiration, both personal and (humbly) professional, for the high sporting level evident at the events I was able to attend, not just the skill of the skiers themselves, but also the organisation of the Championships: I have been to many "open", supposedly professional competitions that would have been proud to boast such professionalism. You are perfectly right, whenever possible, to use first-class, professional pistes for your competitions, as you did on this occasion, as this is where the athletes can demonstrate their true worth. Good luck and keep up the good work.

MADRID EVENT

Luis F. Naranjo. Madrid (Spain)

I am a university athlete and have been fortunate enough to coincide on many occasions with blind athletes on the training tracks. I live in Madrid and have thus found out that they are going to hold world championships for the blind and visually impaired here next year. First of all, I was really glad for the blind athletes, for whom - from my personal experience - I feel great admiration, as they combine the effort demanded of every athlete with their struggle to overcome their handicaps. So often I have marvelled at their skills! Check it out... try to complete a running, jumping or throwing event with your eyes closed.

Secondly, I am happy for the athletics fans in my city. I only know a few of the Spanish athletes, but, knowing their quality, I am sure that a meeting bringing together the best in the world will provide a truly spectacular event. So, I just want to urge all those who love Athletics to not miss these Championships. I am certain you will be just as impressed as I have been.

Letters to the Editor should not exceed 30 typed lines. They must be signed and include the adress and telephone number of the author. Letters may be mailed to:

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