Cerebral Palsy International Sports and Recreation Association


The Cerebral Palsy International Sports and Recreation Association is the leading international sports and recreation association for cerebral palsy and related neurological conditions. CPISRA organise recreational opportunities, develop adaptive sports and organise sport events for people with Cerebral Palsy and related neurological conditions.
CPISRA was formed in 1969 and is the leading international sports organisation governing and promoting sport and recreation for Cerebral Palsy and related neurological conditions. CPISRA's vision is that “all people who have CP or related neurological conditions have the opportunity to benefit from and participate in sport and recreation throughout the World”. CPISRA aims to provide and promote opportunities for recreational sport and activity, the development of grassroots adaptive sport, and platforms for regional and international competitive and elite sport. CPISRA is a founding organisation of the Paralympics and one of only four International Organisations of Sport for the Disabled recognised by the International Paralympic Committee to represent impairment groups. CPISRA has been responsible for the development of new and adaptive recreation and sports, including Boccia, CP Football, RaceRunning and Wheelchair Slalom. CPISRA is made up of worldwide members and a community of volunteers including an advisory board, specialist committees and networks.

Recreation

It is well accepted that taking part in Recreational Sport can positively impact physical well-being, mental well-being, social interaction and personal development. CPISRA is passionate about promoting sport for recreation, wellbeing and enjoyment, as well as sport development and competition. Recreational sport can take many forms and at its simplest is defined as taking part in an activity that you enjoy in your spare time. Engagement in recreational sport can be participating in a sport itself, volunteering with sport or spectating sport in your community. Participation in recreational sport increases physical fitness, improves psychological wellbeing, provides social benefits for individuals and communities, and is FUN. CPISRA develops and promotes inclusive and adaptive sports to be enjoyed recreationally, providing taster sessions, equipment, coaching material and an online community to share ideas and knowledge. CPISRA also promotes and holds outdoor recreation camps and expeditions.

Sport Development

CPISRA has led the development of many adaptive sports for different cerebral palsy impairment levels, including CP Football, Boccia, Wheelchair Slalom and RaceRunning. CP Football and Boccia now both have their own International Federations and are governed independently to CPISRA. CPISRA's goal is to continue to develop adaptive sporting opportunities for all people with Cerebral Palsy, and to support and develop pathways from participating at grassroots level for enjoyment and recreation, to competing at National and International level.
Boccia was the first sport developed by CPISRA and provided a much needed competitive sport pathway for people with severe impairment. It made its Paralympic debut in 1984 with a total of 19 competitors from 5 different countries. The Boccia International Sports Federation became independent to CPISRA in 2013 and the sport is now practised by more than 50 countries worldwide.
The development of CP Football has allowed individuals with Cerebral Palsy to take part in the World's most popular sport. The first CP Football World Championship was at the CPISRA World Games in 1982 and it debuted at the Paralympics in 1984. The International Federation of Cerebral Palsy Football became independent to CPISRA in 2015 and now has over 40 worldwide members.
RaceRunning provides an opportunity for aerobic sport and recreation for people with severe motor and coordination impairments. RaceRunning became a CPISRA development sport in 2001 and the first CPISRA RaceRunning World Championships were held in 2005. In 2018 RaceRunning premiered at the World Para Athletics European Championships in Berlin and will debut at the WPA World Championships in Dubai in November 2019.

Sport Events

The first CP World Games were held by the International CP Society in 1972. CPISRA became independent from the ICPS in 1978 and since then has held regular regional and world championships. In 2018, Sant Cugat in Spain hosted the CPISRA World Games and welcomed 600 participants from 30 countries for the broadest schedule to date, showcasing World Class competition in elite para-sport, as well as development sport camps and competitions.
CPISRA aim to hold regular regional games in Europe, the Americas, Australasia, Africa and India every four years; 2020, 2024, etc., with World Games every alternate 4 years; 2018, 2022, etc. In between these regional events run the CPISRA Development Games, including CPISRA endorsed and supported events to allow experience and participation in competitive sport and space for multi-sport development camps.
CPISRA also invests in developing people. CPISRA aims to extend the number of qualified classifiers, coaches and trainers at national, regional and international levels and recognise the diversity of cultures, and ensure improved communication and information.

Events