World Abilitysport
About Move United and World Abilitysport
World Abilitysport is an international sports organization for athletes with a physical disability and is one of the founding organizations of the Paralympic Games.
WORLD ABILITYSPORT GAMES AND WORLD ABILITYSPORT YOUTH GAMES
As the United States’ primary member of World Abilitysport, Move United has fielded a delegation of exemplary athletes to the World Abilitysport Games and World Abilitysport Youth Games over the years. “The World Abilitysport Games is a biennial event featuring multiple sports, aiming to give aspiring athletes with physical impairments their first taste of international competition and [experienced] athletes the chance to continue competing,” states World Abilitysport. Individual entries to the World Abilitysport Games and World Abilitysport Youth Games are not permitted. Athletes attending the Games must travel as a member of the USA delegation that is managed by Move United.
If interested in learning about the eligibility requirements or applying as an athlete or as staff, please read the information below and check back here for updates or contact Jessie Cloy at jcloy@moveunitedsport.org.
U.S. Delegation FAQs and Information
2023 World Abilitysport Games
The 2023 World Abilitysport Games will be held in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand from December 1-9, 2023. Learn more at https://worldabilitysport.org/world-abilitysport-games/world-abilitysport-games-2023.
Applications are open for athletes and staff.
Move United plans to send a delegation to the 2023 World Abilitysport Games to compete in track and field. Athletes and staff interested in being a part of the delegation must apply. Athletes and staff wishing to compete in wheelchair fencing at the 2023 World Abilitysport Games should contact USA Fencing.
See below for eligibility requirements for athletes and staff.
- Team size: 22 athletes and 10 staff
Anticipated dates including travel: November 27th through December 11th
Applications due August 4, 2023
Competition Age Divisions
Track and Field
- Under 20: 19 or younger by 12/31/2023
- Open: At least 14 years old by 12/31/2023
Minimum Qualifying Standards by Sport
*The World Abilitysport Games include physical impairment classifications only.
Selection Procedures and Delegation Policies
View the Delegation Selection Procedures and Policies.
Athletes’ Application
There are two athlete applications to be completed for submission to be considered complete.
Note: A minimum of 12 qualified athletes must apply in order for a delegation to be named.
Estimated cost per athlete: $5300
Note: There may be additional airline costs due to airline age restriction requirements for younger athletes.
Athletes with financial hardship may apply for a Ralph Armento scholarship. If selected, funds must be used to offset the cost of the trip. (More information to come on scholarship opportunity.)
- $500 non-refundable deposit due: August 30, 2023
- 50% of remaining fee due: September 29, 2023
- Remaining fee due: November 1, 2023
Selection: Athletes will be notified the week of August 14th whether or not they have been selected to join the delegation. The athlete’s competitiveness and the athlete’s ability to travel independently will be primary factors in selection. Not all athletes that meet the qualifying standard may be selected due to the team’s size capacity.
Staff Application
Move United is looking to fill the below staff positions.
Complete the staff application:
Move United will fund the staff to support this delegation.
Selection: Staff will be notified on or before the week of August 14th whether or not they have been selected to join the delegation.
Athlete Eligibility Guidelines
- Athletes must be 14 years of age or older by 12/31 of the competition year in order to apply.
- Athletes must have an eligible physical impairment under the IPC classification system.
- Athletes must achieve required performance standards in event(s) at least once during the designated qualification period. Qualification period varies and is dependent upon date of IWAS World Games competition.
- Athletes must have 2 or more years of competition experience at the national level, at Move United Sanctioned Competitions, and/or at recognized competitions (ie: USATF, USA Swimming, high school sanctioned events).
- Athletes must be a citizen of the USA.
Selections are made by members of the Move United staff and the Move United Competition Committee.
Staff Eligibility Guidelines
- Staff must be 22 years of age or older by 12/31 of the competition year in order to apply.
- Coaches must have 2 or more years of coaching experience with para athletes. Coaching experience at the national level is preferred.
- Assistant team leader must have 2 or more years experience with management of adaptive sports programs.
- Medical staff must have a medical background such as a doctor, athletic trainer, or other medical professions and have experience working with para athletes.
- Equipment staff must have experience with repairs on wheelchairs, racing chairs, field chairs, and/or experience with prosthetics.
Staff selections are made by Move United staff and the Move United Competition Committee.
- Background checks will be conducted on all selected staff.
- All staff must have a current SafeSport certification prior to traveling with the team.
Recommendations for Interested Athletes and Staff
Athletes
(If selected, the athlete must obtain each prior to the start of competition)
- Have a current IPC license for the calendar year of the applicable IWAS event
- Complete International classification or have applied for international classification completing all necessary documentation for this process
- Have a current passport which does not expire for 6 months after the event
- Be SafeSport trained and clear a background screening (for athletes 18 years of age and older)
Staff
(If selected, the staff must obtain each prior to the start of competition)
- Have a current passport which does not expire for 6 months after the event
- Be SafeSport trained and clear a background screening
History of US Delegation and Past Teams
The U.S. delegation has attended the following World Abilitysport Games:
- 2022 Vila Real de Santo Antonio, Portugal – IWAS World Games
- 2020 Thailand – IWAS World Games – *Cancelled
- 2018 Athlone, Ireland – IWAS World Youth Games
- 2016 Prague, Czech Republic – IWAS World Youth Games
- 2015 Stadskanaal, Netherlands – IWAS World Youth Games
- 2014 Stoke Mandeville, UK – IWAS World Youth Games
- 2013 Mayaguez, Puerto Rico – IWAS World Youth Games
- 2012 Diomouc, Czech Republic – IWAS World Youth Games
- 2010 Olomouc, Czech Republic – IWAS World Youth Games
- 2009 Nottwil, Switzerland – IWAS World Youth Games
- 2008 New Jersey, USA – IWAS World Youth Games
- 2007 Johannesburg, South Africa – IWAS World Youth Games
- 2006 Dublin, Ireland – IWAS World Youth Games
