UIPM Para Sports Spotlight: April 2025

Para Laser Run’s reach expands with inclusion in World Abilitysport Beach Games

The growth and reach of Para Laser Run will continue to expand in 2025 with confirmation that it has been added to one of the key events on the pathway to the Paralympic Games. 

World Abilitysport, one of the world’s leading organisations for the development of Para sports, with a membership of more than 80 countries around the world, has green-lit the inclusion of Para Laser Run for its World Abilitysport Beach Games in Türkiye later in 2025. 

After consultation processes with World Abilitysports, the UIPM Para Pentathlon Commission is very excited to confirm that Para Laser Run will now be added to the sports programme for the competition in Viransehir Beach, Mersin (TUR) from October 18-24. The World Abilitysport Beach Games is a multi-sport competition environment and acts as a roadmap to many athletes’ journeys into the Paralympics. 

A newly titled event will boast the International Open title and have both an Individual and Mixed Pairs relay event. This provides excellent preparation for the UIPM Para Sports events as well as an opportunity to engage new national federations in the Para Pentathlon movement.

The UIPM Para Commission plays a pivotal role in integrating para-athletes into the Pentathlon community, fostering growth and inclusion in preparation for future Paralympic events. Its mission is to build awareness, improve classification procedures and ultimately secure a meaningful representation of Para Pentathlon within the Paralympic Games. 

Dr Nicola Robinson, UIPM Para Pentathlon Commission Chair, said: “Expanding the sport to new boundaries and competitions such as the World Abilitysports International Open Laser Run, which will have Individual and Mixed Pairs Relays, is another positive step. This provides such an exciting opportunity for athletes both new and established to compete on the world stage!”

Dr Robinson confirmed that there will also be classification opportunities prior to the event supported by UIPM official classifiers. Training opportunities will be available both for new athletes and the officials prior to the competition.

New technology to help visually impaired athletes is a big hit at test event in Pesaro (ITA)

The city of Pesaro in Italy witnessed the recent unveiling of a promising new technology for the Para Pentathlon community — the Apeom Mode pistol. 

This innovative device is specifically designed for Para Laser Run, a sporting discipline combining running and shooting, which is adapted for athletes with visual impairments. The Apeom pistol represents a significant step towards full autonomy for blind people and sparked much curiosity and interest among participants and enthusiasts at the gathering in Pesaro (ITA). 

During the presentation event, organised by the Italian Modern Pentathlon Federation (FIPM), visually impaired athletes had the opportunity to try this new technology, overcoming some of the barriers they encounter in sport and everyday life.

What makes the Apeom Mode pistol unique is the use of sound as a guide. The device emits acoustic signals which allow athletes to aim and shoot independently. A guide stands behind the athlete, offering helpful hints on how to interact with the gun, but without ever touching them, letting the sound direct the participant’s movements.

An important technical aspect of the Apeom Mode laser pistol is its design for safe and guided use in controlled environments. While the infrastructure for a proper shooting range for the blind is still under development, the current conditions allow athletes to practice and compete safely, ensuring that new technologies can be tested and perfected effectively.

Adriana Fabbri, Member of the UIPM Para Pentathlon Commission and Chair of FIPM Para Pentathlon Commission, said: “The athletes involved were enthusiastic about the new possibilities offered by this technology. Not only did they enjoy putting their skills to the test, but they also found a new way to experience sports competition in a more independent and autonomous manner

“The Pesaro event demonstrated how innovation can open up new avenues for the inclusion and autonomy of people with visual impairments, offering a glimpse of a future where technology can effectively break down barriers and enable everyone to fully participate in sports and social activities.”

Study the Para Pentathlon Educational Course today!

Education is a vital part of UIPM Para Sports development and that’s why a comprehensive online course was launched today.

Available via the Educational Platform at the UIPM website, the UIPM Para Pentathlon Educational Course will help you build confidence in understanding Para Pentathlon and its related disciplines, including Para Laser Run, Biathle, Triathle, and Tetrathlon. 

You will learn the fundamentals of classification and how to foster a positive, inclusive mindset. By the end, you will be more prepared to approach and support para athletes, promote inclusive participation, and actively welcome athletes with impairments into your club and competitions.