USA Para-Triathlon will host a free summit from 16-17 September, which takes place during the week of the International Triathlon Union (ITU) World Triathlon Grand Final (15-20 September) in Chicago, USA.

The summit will discuss how to create a para-triathlon club or programme, outline the basics of the sport at the grassroots level and offer an opportunity for attendees to meet elite US para-triathletes, such as three-time world champion Melissa Stockwell and others competing in the ITU Para-Triathlon World Championships on 18 September. The World Championships will be an opportunity for para-triathletes to earn spots for their countries toward Rio 2016, where the sport will make its Paralympic debut.

The summit will be supported by Dare2tri Paratriathlon Club in Chicago and Disabled Sports USA. Registration is open now for the free event. The complete schedule of events is available at USA Triathlon’s website.

Educational panels during the summit include:

Para-Triathlon 101 — Everything from grassroots para-triathlon programmes all the way up to high performance for elite-level athletes, including the sport classes and the classification process

Starting a para-triathlon programme — Participant recruitment, equipment, structure, funding, building from an existing programme, recruiting volunteers, guides and handlers

Connecting with your local triathlon community — USA Triathlon resources including clubs, race directors (including how to advocate for para-friendly races), regional para-triathlon reps and councils, and the committee’s role

Camps, clinics and connecting — Details of programmes and opportunities already available across the country

Athlete panel — Panel of athletes talking about their stories and how triathlon positively impacts their lives

Road to Rio — History of para-triathlon, what we know about Rio, how para-triathletes qualify for a spot on the US Paralympic Triathlon Team

Equipment session — See, touch, feel and try different pieces of equipment that are legal and used in para-triathlons such as racing chairs, hand bikes, tandems, guide running and cat trikes, as well as various prosthetic and orthotic devices

Coaching the para-triathlete — The similarities and differences of coaching able-bodied vs. athletes with impairments, as well some basic skills related to coaching para-triathletes through transition, swimming, cycling/hand cycling and running/pushing portions

Also visit US Para-Triathlon website for more information on each sport class, world rankings and grassroots efforts to grow the sport in the USA.