The IPC Opens Call for Abstracts for VISTA 2017

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has opened the call for abstracts for the VISTA 2017 conference which will be held in Toronto, Canada, between 20-23 September. Full details can be found online at www.vista2017.com.

Organised through a partnership between the IPC, the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) and the Canadian Sport Institute Ontario (CSIO), the theme of next year’s VISTA is "Opportunities and Challenges in Paralympic Sport Science and Sport Medicine Support."

Around 300 of the world’s leading sports scientists, sport medicine practitioners, classifiers, coaches, athletes and sport administrators are expected to attend. From now until 31 January 2017, organisers are inviting those with an interest in Paralympic sport to submit abstracts in the following areas:

· Socio-economic determinants of Paralympic participation and success

· Evidence-based classification

· Athlete health and performance

· Integrative approaches to the preparation of Paralympic athletes

· Technology, biomechanics and engineering

· Athlete and coach education

Abstracts must be submitted in English. Following January’s deadline all will be reviewed for their scientific merit and relevance to the Conference topics by members of the IPC Scientific Committee.

Registration for VISTA 2017 which will take place at the Chelsea Hotel and CSIO is now open. Anyone booking before 15 June 2017 can take advantage of an early bird registration fee of CAD 400, which represents a 12.5 per cent discount on the listed price. Students can book their places for CAD 200 and all registering delegates can take advantage of a special discounted accommodation rate at the Chelsea Hotel.

The registration fee includes participation in all conference sessions, an invitation to the Opening Ceremony and an Evening of Interactive Learning and Scientific Celebration on 22 September. Also included are lunch and refreshments during breaks, and airport transfers to and from Pearson International Airport and the Chelsea Hotel.

Following an Opening Ceremony on 20 September, the three-day conference will feature keynote speakers, invited symposia and free communications. The biennial IPC Paralympic Scientific Award will also be presented.

VISTA was first held in 1993 in Jasper, Canada, and has since developed a global reputation for acting as a platform for debate, discussion and dialogue on key issues relating to the growth of the Paralympic Movement.

The event is designed to promote and advance the mission, goals, objectives and reputation of the IPC. It also provides a platform for the academic world to meet with athletes and professional experts in the field of sport for athletes with an impairment.

It provides a forum for exchange on the latest information, research and expertise related to the Paralympic Movement and promotes cross-disciplinary interaction among sport scientists, athletes, coaches, administrators and the media.

Further information regarding registration and speakers for VISTA 2017 can be found at www.vista2017.com.

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