UK to host 7th Inas European cross country championships

The UK Sports Association for People with Learning Disability (UKSA) and Mencap Sport are delighted to announce that the UK will host the 7th Inas European Cross Country Championships in Yorkshire, England from 19th – 23rd February, 2015.

As the Inas member organisation for Great Britain, UKSA has been awarded hosting rights on the basis of a bid for delivery by its England member, Mencap Sport. The two organisations will work in close collaboration to deliver the world class endurance event at Thornes Park in Wakefield. Hosting this important event has been made possible by the Local Organising Committee, led by John Wootton and the generous support provided by Wakefield Council.

Chief Executive at the UK Sports Association, Tracey McCillen said: “The 7th Inas European Cross Country Championships will bring together elite international athletes, their families, coaches and supporters to the City of Wakefield to compete for a coveted place amongst Europe’s best. On behalf of UKSA, I wish to warmly congratulate Mencap Sport for driving the bid forward. We look forward to working with Mencap Sport and Wakefield Council who through a strong collaboration will no doubt deliver an outstanding event.”

Chief Executive at Mencap Sport, Jan Tregelles said: “We are delighted to host this top sporting event here in the UK,” said Jan Tregelles, Chief Executive at Mencap Sport. “We believe that people with a learning disability should have the same opportunities to participate in elite sport, enjoy it, and excel in it as all other athletes. This competition will bring together the most outstanding runners with a learning disability from across Europe and we hope it brings the sport the attention it deserves.”

UKSA promotes, facilitates and supports talented athletes with learning disability in the UK to train, compete and excel in national and international competitive sport.

UKSA manages the eligibility and classification process for UK athletes with learning disability. The Great Britain Team is managed by UKSA in collaboration with its four Home Country members, Scottish Disability Sport, Disability Sports Northern Ireland, Welsh Sports Association for People with Learning Disability and Mencap Sport in England.

Mencap Sport works with the governing bodies of sport and other sports providers to promote opportunities for people with a learning disability at all levels.

The Great Britain Team to the Inas event will be selected and managed by the UK Sports Association. Further details on the British Team will be published soon.