Paratriathlon bares new ITU classification system

MANILA, Philippines - The Asian Paratriathlon Championships will be held at the Subic Bay Freeport on April 26, the first day of the K-Swiss ITU Subic International Triathlon (SUBIT).

 This year a new classification system will be implemented in line with the International Triathlon Union’s (ITU) standards for paratriathlon. Effectively all athletes are required to undergo classification at a designated ITU competition. The ITU will send an official to conduct this classification.

 Prior to the event sponsored by K-Swiss, Century Tuna, Asian Center for Insulation Philippines (ACIP) , Gatorade, SPEEDO, Standard Insurance, David’s Salon, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Tourism Department and Green Triathlon, ITU will also conduct a technical course for paratriathlon officials on April 24.

Last year Filipinos debuted at the paratriathlon event and acquitted themselves very well. Andy Avellana and Arnel Aba finished first and second, respectively, in the Tri- 2 (one /no leg, no prosthesis) and Sixto Ducay got the silver in the Tri-4 category (no/one arm). They will come back this year to improve on these performances.

Paratriathlon has been accepted for inclusion for the IPC’s 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.