Up to 80 delegates have begun to arrive in Sheffield, Great Britain, ahead of the 2015 International Sports Federation for Persons with Intellectual Disability (INAS) General Assembly.

The weekend (11-12 April) begins with a meeting of the INAS Governing Board who will hear key updates on projects including the 2015 INAS Global Games in Ecuador, following which the INAS conference takes place.

The theme of the conference will be growing sport for athletes with an intellectual disability. Nick Parr, INAS Executive Director, explained that despite the overall growth in para-sport in recent years, there has been a decline in the participation of athletes with an intellectual disability in many sports. “It’s important that we understand the reasons behind this decline and take steps to reverse the trend".

"There are worldwide opportunities in sports beyond the three that are currently included in the Paralympic Games programme (athletics, swimming and table tennis) for athletes with an intellectual disability, and it’s vital that we promote and support them."

The highlight of the weekend will be the 1st INAS Awards which will recognise outstanding performances by athletes with an intellectual disability and the many people that support them. Nominees, together with guests from Great Britain and beyond, will join delegates for the prestigious ceremony on Saturday evening.