By China Hong Kong Paralympic Committee
The China Hong Kong Paralympic Committee successfully hosted the 1st Classification Conference recently.
Held under the theme “Classification in Para Sports – A New Era”, the conference was attended by over 700 delegates and professionals from 17 countries and regions, including classification specialists, classifiers, coaches, athletes, physiotherapists, medical personnels, sports administrators, government officials, and delegates of international Para sports federations, national sports associations and National Paralympic Committees.
The conference emphasised the importance of classification as the cornerstone of safeguarding the integrity and credibility of Para sports competitions and of development of Para sports, while participants shared insights on the latest development of classification by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and future blueprint of classification development in Hong Kong, China.
In his opening speech, vice president of China Hong Kong Paralympic Committee (HKPC) and Chairman of Sports Association for the Physically Disabled of Hong Kong, China (HKSAPD) Dr Leung Lai-yin, John said: “We will explore a scientific, transparent, and fair classification system that ensures athletes can compete fairly, improves athletic standards, and aligns with international standards.”
“Today, we will delve into the importance of classification in parasports, as it is the foundation that ensures the fairness of competition, allowing athletes of diverse abilities and backgrounds to participate effectively.”
Also speaking at the conference, Commissioner for Sports of Culture, Sports & Tourism Bureau (Sports & Recreation Branch) Mr Tsoi Kin-pan, George expressed excitement about the first classification conference taking place in Hong Kong.
“We look forward to Hong Kong becoming the hub of stimulating discussion on classification, both online and offline, among international industry experts, therefore establishing a far-reaching bridge of wisdom and collaboration that transcends borders and links the world.”
Director of Classification of International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Ms Tea Cisic said the objectives of the conference are in line with the latest classification regulations of the IPC.
“We aim to align with the recently released IPC regulations of classification, while offer a platform for knowledge exchange, discussion about the future direction and opportunities of classification, and development of Para sports.”
Deputy Director General of Department of Sports of China Disabled Persons’ Federation Mr Ma Li-tao and Classification Consultant of China Hong Kong Paralympic Committee (HKPC) Dr Chan Wing-nga, Chad, also spoke at the conference.
“As an international hub of sporting events with a fully developed sports system, Hong Kong plays an important role in inter-regional exchange and collaboration, and in promoting the development of classification. Looking forward, we hope that Hong Kong would become the pivot of classification in Asia and offer valuable experience and professional support to the development of Para sport in the region.”
The conference also included sessions about the classification system of intellectual impairment and physical impairment in Para sports, and a panel discussion of Para sports classification development in Hong Kong.
The 1st Classification Conference was funded by Culture, Sports & Tourism Bureau and supported by the government and various stakeholders including Sports Association for the Physically Disabled of Hong Kong, China, and Hong Kong, China Sports Association for Persons with Intellectual Disability among others.
