Juan Palau Award

Juan Palau Francas was an important contributor to the Paralympic Movement both in his home nation of Spain as well as internationally for more than five decades.

In 2004, Palau was instrumental in bringing together the two organisations of the International Sports Organisation for the Disabled (ISOD) and International Stoke Mandeville Wheelchair Sports Federation (ISMWSF). This led to the creation of the International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports Federation (IWAS). From that day Palau remained on the executive board as an active member – embracing the goals and values of IWAS and giving his utmost to work with others to realise those aims.

Sadly in April 2012, aged 81, Palau passed away.

In honour of his great achievements both for IWAS and the Paralympic Movement as whole, the ‘Juan Palau Award’ was created. The award is given to nominees put forward by members of the IWAS family. Nominations are accepted for those that go beyond the expected, for showing sportsmanship and whose actions represent the ethos of the great man himself.

To put forward a nominee for this award please contact IWAS HQ