Registration for October’s International Paralympic Committee (IPC) organised VISTA conference for scientists and experts in para-sport in Girona, Spain, is now open with organisers offering a special early bird discount for attendees.

Scheduled for 7-10 October for the first time in Spain, the theme of the seventh VISTA conference is “securing the future for young para-athletes” and hundreds of experts and sports specialists from around the world are expected to attend.

Following an Opening Ceremony on Wednesday 7 October, the three-day conference will feature keynote speakers, invited symposia and free communications. It will be held at Girona’s AC Hotel Palau Bellavista.

Keynote speakers and invited symposia will be announced shortly and will address issues such as determining Paralympic success, classification, athlete health, coach education and winter sports.

Registration is now open at www.vista2015.com and everyone booking before 15 June 2015 can take advantage of an early bird registration fee of 300 EUR, which represents a 15 per cent discount on the listed price.

VISTA is designed to promote and advance the mission, goals, objectives and reputation of the IPC and provides a platform for the academic world to meet with athletes and professional experts in the field of sport for athletes with an impairment.

It provides a forum for exchange on the latest information, research and expertise related to the Paralympic Movement and promotes cross-disciplinary interaction among sport scientists, athletes, coaches, administrators and the media.

It was first held in 1993 and has since developed a global reputation for acting as a platform for debate, discussion and dialogue on key issues relating to the growth of the Paralympic Movement.

In addition to opening registration, experts wishing to participate in a free communication at VISTA have until 15 February 2015 to submit their abstracts for consideration by the VISTA 2015 Scientific Committee. Only those who register can submit abstracts.