18 November 2009 - Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Today, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Governing Board (GB) concluded its 54th official meeting, which was held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on the occasion of the upcoming IPC Conference and General Assembly.

During two days of meetings, the IPC GB focused on the upcoming General Assembly, approved the Paralympic Medal Events programme for the London 2012 Paralympic Games as well as the Sochi 2014 Sports programme (Alpine Skiing, Biathlon, Cross-Country Skiing, Ice Sledge Hockey, Wheelchair Curling). It was decided to not include Standing Ice Hockey on the Sochi 2014 Sports programme as the number of countries widely and regularly practicing the sport does currently not meet the minimum requirement of eight countries from two regions.

The Board also discussed and approved the International Federations that intend to apply for inclusion of a sport/discipline on the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games Sports Programme (Badminton, Canoe, Golf, Handball, Basketball ID, Futsal ID, Powerchair Football, Taekwondo, Triathlon).

Said IPC President Sir Philip Craven after the meeting: “This last meeting with the current Governing Board was as fruitful and productive as all the other meetings we had so far. I want to thank my fellow Governing Board members for their dedication and commitment throughout the years. I am confident that the new Board will take on the upcoming challenges in the best interest of all Paralympic athletes.”

The GB also discussed several other issues, including a report on the progress of the preparations for the Paralympic Games in Vancouver, London and Sochi. Furthermore, the Board received updates on the work of various IPC Standing Committees and Councils as well as addressed several membership issues.

The next Governing Board meeting of the newly elected Board will take place in Whistler, Canada, just before the Opening Ceremony of the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games.

Paris, France and Bonn, Germany: Friday 6 November 2009 In a letter Thursday to Sir Philip Craven, President of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), the Fédération Internationale de Powerchair Football Association (FIPFA) asked for recognition of powerchair football (known as power soccer in the United States) as a sport for the 2016 Paralympic Games.

In accordance with IPC procedures, FIPFA consequently also seeks to become a member of the highly respected International Paralympic Committee as an independent federation governing powerchair football, a team sport widely played both competitively and for recreation by severely disabled athletes in 20 countries.

Speaking in Paris, France, where FIPFA has its official headquarters, the FIPFA President, Hervé Delattre stated that his letter to Sir Philip was sent after careful consideration in the governing bodies of FIPFA, which is as yet a relatively new structure for many in the sports world. Delattre has been involved as a volunteer since the idea of playing football in electric wheelchairs was born, thirty years ago.

He went on to say that for the 3500 players, coaches, referees, classifiers and volunteers involved in powerchair football the time seems to be truly right for this way of playing "the beautiful game" to be seen as an essential aspect of the future growth of sports opportunity for the disabled. "We look forward to the IPC's favourable acceptance of our submission" he concluded.

The Olympic and Paralympic Games are the pinnacle of an athlete’s career. The Rio de Janeiro 2016 organizers have said they will strive to provide conditions to enable athletes to compete at the highest level in an environment of excellence, friendship and enjoyment. Who gets to go is strictly controlled.

With only two weeks to go to the decisive IPC conference in Kuala Lumpur, powerchair footballers and national teams, as well as FIPFA officials are now anxiously waiting to see if they will have the chance to play in the paralympic arena, as of Rio 2016. The fast moving video available on line of their World Cup of Nations in Tokyo, Japan in 2007 shows that, whatever is decided, for sure this popular, dynamic and exciting team sport will reach a wide and appreciative audience in the next few years.

For more information about the sport of powerchair football and its organisation visit www.fipfa.org. Go to www.paralympic.org to learn about the International Paralympic Committee and Movement.

CDC CONCURS WITH MDA'S DECISION TO CANCEL SUMMER CAMPS ACROSS THE COUNTRY, GIVES USPSA CAUSE FOR CONCERN...

Carmel, IN - July 2, 2009 -

As a result of the cancellation of the Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) camps this summer, the USPSA has assessed and evaluated the risk of holding the power soccer camp at Camp Courage in August. Upon our investigation, the CDC (Center for Disease Control), has agreed with MDA's decision to cancel their camps as a result of H1N1 (swine flu) virus. A number of campers who attended MDA camps at the beginning of the summer contracted the virus. Many of our members/athletes are in a high risk category and susceptible to serious dangers if exposed to the virus.

At this point in time, the USPSA will follow the CDC prudent direction and recommendation as it relates to power soccer camp at Camp Courage. Camp Courage is not the source of concern and has received a clean bill of health but the bringing together of "at risk" persons in close proximity for the camp is what lends itself to force us to pause. Camps have continued at Camp Courage thus far and the power soccer camp is still scheduled, should you choose to attend.

This is clearly a family decision. I feel it is the obligation of the USPSA to communicate its concern and potential risk in light of the pandemic declared by the CDC and World Health Organization.

The Power Soccer Camp schedule will not change and programs will move forward as planned. The USPSA will not have any officials attending the camp in an official capacity.

Atlanta, Georgia - March 9, 2009 – “The worst critics of referees are…other referees!” This statement was no truer than when a group of International referees attended the recent 2009 US Power Soccer Association (USPSA) Eastern Regional Championships. 16 officials from six countries traveled to Atlanta, Georgia, to attend a senior referee clinic hosted by the Fédération Internationale de Powerchair Football Associations (FIPFA) and then to officiate the tournament of 15 teams from New York to Florida playing 34 matches over 3 days.