IPC Athletics trains African classifiers

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A total of 10 people took part in an IPC Athletics National Classifier Programme in Windhoek, Namibia, from 24-26 October, with the aim of classifying more para-athletes on a national level in Africa.

The programme was organised with support from the development arm of the International Paralympic Committee, the Agitos Foundation, and the Norway Olympic and Paralympic Committee and Confederation of Sports.

The training, hosted by the Namibian National Paralympic Committee (NPC), means that participants now have the skills they need to serve as a national classifier and develop more track and field athletes from Namibia, Zambia, Mozambique, Botswana, Angola, and Zimbabwe.

Over the three day workshop, attendees discussed the importance of classification to para-sport and the theory it is based on. They completed sessions on how to carry out assessments of athletes in and out of competition, and the specifics of classification within athletics.

They also learnt communication skills, how to manage the classification process and carry-out the correct procedures.

By successfully completing the programme, participants will receive a formal certificate and be able to serve as a national classifier once approved by their NPC.

IPC Athletics will now notify each successful participant’s NPC of their successful completion of the programme. They will be eligible to attend an International Classifier Programme or Regional Classifier Programme dependent on meeting all other requirements, including building classification experience.

The IPC Athletics National Classifier Programme aims to ensure that there are more opportunities for athletes to be classified on national level before attending major competitions, as well as to encourage new athletes to take-up para-athletics by putting the structures in place for them to do so.