IPC Athletics classifier training takes place in Dubai

“There’s no doubt a key role in Paralympic sport is the work done by classifiers. We believe it is important that people from around the world can gain first-hand knowledge and an insight in to how classification works."

The IPC Athletics National and International Classifier Programmes took place in Dubai last week – as the next wave of candidates from around the world took their first steps to becoming the classifiers of the future.

The programmes took place against the backdrop of the first of a series of IPC Athletics Grand Prix in 2015, the 7th Fazaa International competition in Dubai, UAE.

In all, four candidates from four nations from Great Britain, Egypt, Uzbekistan and Qatar, took part in the International Classifier programme.

Each participant was looking to be certified as an IPC Athletics International Classifier – and had to complete the 10-day course involving theory work, practical assessment and competition practical assessment.

Ryan Montgomery, Head of IPC Athletics said: “We are delighted with the success of the IPC Athletics education programmes that took place in Dubai.

“It’s vital for the development and progression of the sport that we have a pool of classifiers from around the world.

“Our aim was to make sure the courses were as engaging – and relevant – as possible, and I hope the results speak for themselves.”

Also held in Dubai last week was the National Classifier programme, funded by the Agitos Foundation. The course was designed to give an insight for participants into classification and serving as a national classifier.

The three-day programme was designed by the IPC to give a first taste of hands-on teaching in the roles and responsibilities of a para-athletics classifier.

Eight participants from six countries took part in the programme, which proved a huge success.

“There’s no doubt a key role in Paralympic sport is the work done by classifiers. We believe it is important that people from around the world can gain first-hand knowledge and an insight in to how classification works. We want to ensure that we identify, educate and nurture the classifiers of the future,” added Montgomery.

“We have seen a number of vital education programmes take place in Dubai in the last few weeks. I have every confidence that this is only the beginning.”

Further international programmes are planned to take place alongside the Swiss IPC Athletics Grand Prix, the ParAthletics meeting which takes place in Nottwil, Switzerland in May.

A number of other national programmes are also scheduled to take place throughout this year, starting in Tunisia next month to coincide with the Tunis Grand Prix which runs from the 23-25 March 2015.