Move United Names 30 Athletes to Compete at International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports World Games
Move United, the national leader in community-based sports and recreation for individuals with disabilities, has announced thirty athletes who will compete at the 2022 International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports (IWAS) World Games. The international competition, scheduled for November 23-29, will take place in Vila Real de Santo Antonio, Portugal. The U.S. delegation, which includes athletes ranging from 13 to 39 years old, will compete in para powerlifting, swimming, and track and field.
The majority of the delegation will be competing in track and field. Those athletes are Michael Anwar, Adaylia Borgmeier, Ben Brandt, Justin Caine, Catherine “Annie” Carey, Lauren Fields, Elizabeth Floch, Benjamin Foos, Beth Grauer, Ann “Sayers” Grooms, Madison Hahs, Aubrey Headon, Samantha Heyison, Emma Jundt, Lucas Jundt, Danielle Kanas, Emily Lopez, Lindi Marcusen, Grant Pierce, Janie Richardson, Hope Santiago, Derik Smith, Austin Spalla, Chance Wells, and Samuel Winter. The delegation also includes para powerlifters Brett Forbes and Joshua Jundt and swimmers Ryan Eidelman, Ava McEntire, and Emilylynn Pfankuch.
In order to be considered to compete, athletes had to apply and meet certain criteria, including having at least two or more years of competition experience at the national level. The U.S. delegation also includes a number of coaches, medical staff, and other support personnel.
“This competition provides emerging athletes the opportunity to compete on an international level,” said Move United Competition Manager Jessica Cloy, a four-time Paralympian and seven-time Paralympic medalist who is serving as the delegation leader for the U.S. “It has served as a stepping stone to the Paralympic Games and other elite competitions for many athletes in the past.”
The International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports Federation (IWAS) is an international sports organization for athletes with a physical disability and is one of the founding organizations of the Paralympic Games. As the United States’ primary member of IWAS, Move United has fielded many exemplary athletes to the IWAS World Games and IWAS World Youth Games over the years. The IWAS World 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.
For more information about the U.S. delegation for IWAS, visit moveunitedsport.org/international-wheelchair-and-amputee-sports-federation.