This inaugural event at the World Junior Games was a real success as athletics participated in three disciplines Swimming, Cycling and Road Racing.

The triathlon was staged on the sea front outside the Central American Stadium and despite a calm sea it was still a test of stamina in hot and sunny conditions which tested the endurance of the athletes (all under 23) and there were some impressive performances.

14 year old Jessica Heims from USA in her first competitive international Games won gold in the Sprint T5 category with a time of 1.41.58.

To cap an amazing week her fellow compatriot Jessica Rogers took gold in the Super Sprint T1 event with a time of 1.01.47

Finnish athletes Henry Manni and Tuomas Manni won gold and silver in the Men’s Sprint T1 category and Brenden Driscall – USA won the Mens T2 race.

Later in the day at the Closing Ceremony in the stadium the President of IWAS Paul De Pace said “That the World Junior Games had been extremely successful and I have witnessed great competition, sportsmanship and friendship between all the athletes, coaches and officials”.   To a great reception from the athletes and crowd Paul De Pace also paid tribute to the organisers he said that “The City of Mayageuz, the volunteers and the local organisers had done a terrific job in ensuring the success of the Games and called on all athletes and officials to attend next year’s IWAS World Junior Games which will be held at Stoke Mandeville Sports Stadium (the home of Paralympic sport) in the United Kingdom “.  

Special Performance Awards were given to three athletes, Felix Streng (Germany), Jessica Rogers (USA) and Iraq athlete Zainab Abdulwahhab in recognition of athletes with international potential competing in their first IWAS World Junior Games.

Tony Garrett IWAS Reporter

==================================================================================================================================

The 10th World Junior Games are scheduled to be held at Stoke Mandeville Sports Stadium in the UK between the 3rd to the 8th August 2014.

For further information, please visit website:      http://www.iwasjr2013.com/ or www.iwasf.com

Notes to the Editor:

Our Mission: IWAS is a founder member of the Paralympic movement, has the mission to develop sporting opportunities for athletes to maximize their potential.

It is the only organisation that provides a full international competition programme at the entry, development and qualifying levels in support of the IPC and the Paralympic movement