Learning disability athletes return to Paralympics

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: Athletes with learning disabilities will be allowed to compete in the Paralympics again at London in 2012.

The International Paralympic Committee voted on Saturday in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to overturn the ban that had been in place since the Spanish basketball team was revealed to have cheated at the 2000 Sydney Games.

The IPC said there will be a rigorous classification procedure, with medical files submitted for review before athletes proceed to onsite testing that focuses on "sports intelligence."

Full criteria for intellectually disabled athletes will be available early next year. Their inclusion will not reduce the number of athletes from other classes or events in 2012.