The VISTA 2019 programme, set for 4-7 September in Amsterdam, Netherlands, will enrich its attendees with an array of sessions, speakers and networking opportunities surrounding the Para sport science world.

The schedule for the International Paralympic Committee’s (IPC) scientific conference includes four intensive days, plus a bonus pre-conference appetiser.

Before the opening ceremony kicks off VISTA 2019, five workshops will be offered during the morning of 4 September.

The topics range from statistical learning techniques for classification research, to testing wheelchair athletes on the latest technological equipment. The workshops will be user-pay and on a first-come-first-serve basis. That evening, the IPC Scientific Award will be given out, with the winner delivering the keynote speech.

The next three days will start off with more keynote speeches from well-renowned sports science professors: Leslie Schwartz from the University of Stellenbosch in South Africa; Marjan Olfers from Vrije Universteit Amsterdam in the Netherlands; and Nick Webborn from the University of Brighton in Great Britain, respectively.

A variety of presentations that dive deeper into Para sports science will follow each speech.

Symposium topics on day two include counter measuring heat in athletes; equipment and technology in Para sports; and classification research. Various presenters will also share their researches during sessions that cover evidence-based classification and sociology. The day will conclude with an informal outing in Amsterdam for more networking opportunities.

Day three encompasses more presentations and symposium regarding athlete health and well-being, athlete preparation, and injury prevention and protection.

It will be highlighted by a poster session and exhibition, where numerous academics from around the world will display and discuss their researches conducted about the Paralympic Movement.

The conference will wrap up on 7 September with a lighter schedule that invites attendees to join practical sessions regarding athlete health, technology and classification. An invited symposium will see three experts share their insight on Para sports psychology.

The complete programme for VISTA 2019 is available on the event website https://www.paralympic.org/vista-2019/programme

Further information on attending VISTA 2019 can also be found online https://www.paralympic.org/vista-2019/attending-vista

VISTA is designed to promote and advance the mission, goals, objectives and reputation of the IPC. It also provides a platform for the academic world to meet with athletes and professional experts in the field of sport for athletes with an impairment.