World Abilitysport

Previously IWAS and CPISRA. World Abilitysport is passionate about promoting sport for recreation, well-being and enjoyment, as well as sport for development and competition for people with physical impairments. Every year we stage a version of the World Abiltysport Games. These are the world’s biggest gathering of athletes with physical impairments, attracting 500 athletes from around the world. They offer aspiring Paralympians the chance to experience international competition for the first time, as well as more experienced athletes the chance to qualify for the Paralympics. Many of the world’s best Para athletes have competed. We also organise recreation camps for all ages and abilities featuring different activities for people with physical impairments. We hold an annual conference gathering together leading experts to discuss new research in both grass roots and high-performance sports and disability more generally. World Abilitysport is the only organisation recognised by the International Paralympic Committee to develop and promote Para sports in these ways. We have a worldwide community of more than 60 member countries. World Abilitysport was formed after the merger of the International Wheelchair and Amputee Sports Federation (IWAS) and the Cerebral Palsy International Sports and Recreation Association (CPISRA). Both organisations and their forbears were pioneers of Para sport and have been at the forefront of the Paralympic Movement for over 70 years. World Abilitysport is also the global governing body for wheelchair fencing – a Paralympic sport – and powerchair hockey.