Classification provides a structure for competition in disabled sport to ensure that competition between athletes with a physical disability is equitable, and based on athletic ability and performance. The classification process determines which athletes are eligible to compete and systematically groups them into a competitive “sport class,” according to their physical or sensorial function, in and out of competition, in a given sport. It may include a technical assessment.
The taskforce, led by co-chairs Terrie Moore and Elisabeth Walker-Young, will enhance Canada’s capacity to provide athletes with a disability with a service that is integral to and uniquely Paralympic. Members of the taskforce include:
- Terrie Moore – Executive Director of SportAbility/CP Sports Association of BC, as well as a Senior International Technical Classifier, an International Cycling Union (UCI) Cycling Classifier, and a member of both the IPC Classification Committee and the Cerebral Palsy International Sport and Recreation Association (CPISRA).
- Elisabeth Walker-Young – Paralympic Classification Specialist and retired Paralympic athlete with provincial sport administration and management experience.
- David Greig – National coach responsible for talent development in Para-athletics.
- Celine Feagan – Para-Nordic 2010 Biathlon Technical Coach, Physiotherapist and National and International Para-Nordic Classifier.
- Jane Blaine – Executive Director of the Canadian Blind Sports Association (CBSA), as well as a Canadian Cerebral Palsy Sports Association (CCPSA) Classifier, a member of the International Blind Sports Classification Working Group and Chair of the IPC Swimming Committee.
- Courtney Pollock – Physiotherapist, International Rowing Classifier and Canadian Track and Field Classifier.
- Dhiren Naidu – Physiatrist and CPISRA Senior International Classifier.
The taskforce will be responsible for identifying gaps in the Canadian classification system and making recommendations for the development of a Canadian Classification Strategy. The process will engage a wide range of stakeholders, including national and provincial/territorial sport organizations, disabled sport organizations, coaches, sport leaders, partners and programs, officials, classifiers and athletes. An effective National Classification strategy will ensure the success of Canadian Paralympic athletes on the world stage continues well beyond the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Winter Games, as well as at World Cup, World Championship and Para-pan competition.
