Absolute revolution in armwrestling! – this we wrote a couple of weeks ago. So far the disabled contestants wrestled arm in arm with the non-disabled. Next year is supposed to change this. During a WAF meeting, the International Armsport Federation for Persons with Physical Disabilities put forth a proposal for separation from regular championships. The WAF board with president Assen Hadjitodorov accepted the proposal to form a separate organization with WAF as part of board of directors.

The idea, however, was not accepted by … the disabled themselves. According to some armwrestlers, the new rules would only serve to polarize the community.

The separation of European and World Championships into disabled and non-disabled categories is a bad idea – says Maciej Gralak, World Championship 2013 golden medalist. Nearly all publications on armwrestling underline the sport’s unique character, allowing for nearly everyone to compete equally despite almost any handicap. If we look closely at categories, there are young and old (including masters, grand masters and senior grandmasters), as well as the disabled. It was a matter of pride that armwrestling allows for handicapped people to find their niche in sport. We all integrated well and lived in great friendship, outside and inside the sport.

Now the disabled armwrestlers feel pushed aside.

I’m feeling pushed away, as if we, the disabled, were a problem, and now the problem is solved – says Patryk Weterle, a debutant in the oncoming Nemiroff World Cup 2013. I train with the whole group at my club, and no one thinks me any different from the others. Now, for example, if I were to go to a shop and the clerk would say that they only serve the disabled from 13 – 17 hours. I would feel horrible. It’s the same with armwrestling competitions. The sport is supposed to unite people, not divide them.

In Maciek’s opinion, with the new rules in life, the word integration will become pure slogan.

The idea and the great message of universal sport will cease to exist – says Maciej. – I feel very sad for this. Maybe we just got used to the thought of competing all together, supporting everyone and cheering for everyone. Also, and it’s not only my opinion, we feel marginalized. We are reminded of our handicap.

Additional problem for us will be the starting process. It will take double entry fees to compete in disabled and senior categories, which can be a financial problem. I hope that local events will still be played by the old rules.

As we can see, the financial aspect is as much of an issue for the disabled as the unnecessary and unfair divisions.

It’s great that they are trying to promote us, but there are two sides to this matter- says Patryk.

Separate European or World Championships for the disabled and for seniors means doubling the entry fee. And not everyone can afford double fees, the sponsors are also not very fond of doubling the costs. In my opinion it should remain as it is now - 1^st and 2^nd day should be devoted to the disabled contests (organized by the group who proposed the division); the 3^rd and 4^th day for seniors, organized by the main organization.

Igor Mazurenko, the president for PAF (Polish Armwrestling Federation) justifies the division with the wellbeing of the contestants.

The disabled are hard to really notice at major events – says he. – Organizing a separate event is an homage to them, not an attempt to push them away. For 150 contestants there are only a few that make double entries in both categories (disabled / non-disabled). They are always welcome to compete only in the non-disabled category.

As a reminder : disabled Championships are divided into 3 categories: deaf-mute, sight impaired and physically disabled.

In a few months we will have a full set of rules for the bouts. For now it is certain that all of them will take place in a seated position – says Mazurenko. – We are proud to say that we are turning over a new leaf in armwrestling. We want the disabled who require special care and different setting for events to have their own competitions. That is why we apply special care and consideration to this enterprise.

The leader of this organization will be Aleksander Filimonow. Everything will be conducted in accordance with official Olympic rules. First European Championship is due to take place in June next year in Poland; first World Championship in Moscow at a yet unspecified time. Will they take place? We heard that the disabled community has requested to speak to the people responsible for the idea, in order to convince them to drop it. Will they succeed? We will keep you all posted on the subject.

Iza Małkowska