FAQ For Exhibition Race

We are here to try to answer all your questions. If you have read these questions and answers and still need assistance, contact the IVF Para Coordinator

Target Audience for this document:

  • Canoe Club Leaders
  • IDD Families, Caregivers and Athletes
  • Race organizers

Purpose

What is the purpose of the 2024 World Sprints Exhibition Race?

  • The exhibition race at World Sprints Hilo 2024 provides individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) a chance to participate alongside international paddlers, offering them a platform to showcase their abilities while honoring the spirit of inclusivity deeply rooted in the traditions of the Hawaiian Islands.

What defines an IDD Athlete?

  • An IDD athlete refers to an individual with intellectual and developmental disabilities. These disabilities may encompass a range of conditions affecting cognitive and physical abilities, including but not limited to: autism spectrum disorders, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, and intellectual disabilities.

Who is organizing the exhibition race?

  • In partnership with the Hawaiian Canoe Racing Association (HCRA) and the International Va’a Federation (IVF), the IDD exhibition race is organized by Hilo-based  ‘Ohana Wa’a Laulima, a “No Limitations Canoe Club,” dedicated to promoting inclusivity in paddling.

What does the exhibition race entail?

  • The IDD exhibition race welcomes up to 10 international teams to participate in a sprint race using traditional glass canoes. It aims to showcase the inclusivity of canoe paddling by providing individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities an opportunity to compete on an international stage.

When is the event scheduled?

  • Tentatively scheduled for August 11th to 17th, 2024. The exact date will be finalized with the overall event schedule.

Where does the event take place?

  • The IDD Exhibition Race will occur in conjunction with the 2024 IVF World Sprint Championship in Hilo, Hawaii

How can teams or individuals participate?

  • Interested teams or individual athletes can reach out via email to coordinate their participation and experience in the event. Contact:


Race Details

What is the IDD exhibition race format?

  • The race consists of 1 heat with 12 lanes.

What is the race distance?

  • The race covers a distance of 250 meters, utilizing the existing course.

What is the estimated timeline for each heat?

  • Canoe entry: 5 minutes
  • Starting lineup: 5 minutes
  • Race: 2 minutes
  • Return and exit: 5 minutes
  • Total estimated time: 20 minutes

What type of teams are allowed to participate?

  • Intergender teams composed of 5 IDD athletes are encouraged.
  • ____
  • A classification checklist, similar to those used in recent IVF races, will be provided to ensure fair competition.

Who is allowed to Participate?

What type of canoes and crew are provided?

  • Traditional Fiberglass OC6 canoes are provided, pairing 5 athletes with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD athletes) with an experienced steersman or woman.
  • Steersmen are required to be experienced and able-bodied or Para athletes. They are only allowed to adjust direction during races, not paddle for forward propulsion.
  • Steersmen can be provided by visiting teams OR provided locally by Ohana Wa’a Laulima volunteers. If a steersperson is needed, please email

Equipment

  • USCG approved life jackets will be provided to all Athletes
  • Paddles will be available if needed. Athletes are welcome to use their own paddle
  • Adaptive paddling equipment will be allowed, but needs to be reviewed with our Qualifying team after submission of application. 

Are practice sessions available?

  • Each team will have at least one two-hour practice session scheduled before the event.
  • The practice will be conducted away from the race course

What happens on the day of the race?

  • Team check-in, canoe placement, practice session, lineup coordination, timing, followed by an awards presentation. 

Who manages the IDD exhibition race?

  • The race will be managed by HCRA and other race officials and supported by volunteers with ‘Ohana Wa’a Laulima.
  • ‘Ohana Wa'a Laulima will provide volunteers to manage on-land and water transfer components of the race, alongside preparation, execution, and breakdown.
  • The race heat will be staged, water entry and exit coordinated, and timing managed in collaboration with participating nations.

What safety measures are in place for IDD athletes?

  • All paddlers are required to wear appropriate life jackets.
  • A dedicated safety team, led by a certified occupational therapist assistant, will ensure athletes receive necessary support.

How can teams register?

  • Registration will be managed through HCRA on the event web page.
  • After the team registration, the individual paddlers will need to complete the preliminary application ald all supporting forms and submit to us by ____
  • ‘Ohana Wa’a Laulima will provide team liaisons for international registrations and facilitate communication through a dedicated WhatsApp group.
  • ______

How are volunteers recruited?

  • Volunteers will be recruited from previous events and through targeted outreach.

What is the history of the event?

  • Hilo previously hosted the IVF World Sprints in 2004, featuring the first Para division exhibition race. Now, after 20 years, the event returns to Hilo, providing another opportunity to highlight inclusivity.