The WIAA Executive Board announced the addition of the Ambulatory Division to the 2016 WIAA State Track and Field Championships, approved during the January 24-25, 2016 executive board meeting.

The new division will include the 100m, 200m, and 400m and will compete with the Wheelchair Division in three throwing events.  The points awarded to the para-athletes will be added to the able-bodied and wheelchair athletes’ scores to determine a Combined Team State Track and Field Championship in each classification.

“The WIAA has a rich tradition of providing opportunities for students to participate in education-based activities,” WIAA executive director Mike Colbrese said. “The addition of the ambulatory division in track and field will continue that long history.”

The para-athlete qualifications, which follow the Paralympic standards, identify impairments that would qualify a student-athlete.

School administrators seeking assistance in creating opportunities for para-athletes can contact Seattle Adaptive Sports and Para Sports Spokane. They assist with identifying student-athletes and also provide guidance and instruction for the participants.

There are multiple opportunities for student-athletes with physical disabilities to compete collegiately, internationally or at the Paralympics.

Eight colleges offer wheelchair basketball sports scholarships, and four colleges offer track and field scholarships.

The WIAA also offers wheelchair races in cross country, adaptive swimming and has a partnership with Special Olympics offering school activities in Unified Sports.