NAN-S-1
Paralympics
Lagos, June 7, 2017 (NAN) The International Paralympics Committee (IPC) on Wednesday launched its Classification Research Grant Scheme, aimed at helping its members enhance or revise their classification systems.
The Paralympics body called for applications from eligible members to develop sport-specific, evidence-based classification systems as defined in the 2015 IPC Athlete Classification Code.
The Research Grant Scheme will support International Federations (IFs), International Organisations of Sports for the Disabled (IOSDs) and Recognised International Federations.
The IPC Medical and Scientific Director, Dr Peter Van-de-Vliet, said the scheme would facilitate its members to access funding for classification research.
“Classification is the backbone of Paralympic sport and we hope this initiative will help members to conduct multi-disciplinary scientific research to improve or revise their own sport.
“Such research must be evidence-based and focus on the relationship between impairment and key sport determinants.
“Athlete input must be solicited to assist in research and improvement in classification systems.
“We hope such involvement will strengthen the classification systems and lead to a higher degree of confidence in classification by Para athletes,’’ Van-de-vliet said in a statement on IPC Website.
IFs and IOSDs are given a deadline of July 15 to submit their proposals, while applications will be reviewed by at least two external scientific experts.
Chelsey Gotell, the IPC Athletes’ Council Chairperson, said that the success of para-athletes revolved around the implementation of a fair and transparent classification system.
“As the Paralympic Movement continues to grow, it is imperative to ensure the classification system evolves with it.
“One of the biggest priorities of the IPC Athletes’ Council is to find ways to give the athlete community a stronger voice, providing them every opportunity possible to be educated.
“Also to make them aware and involve in the decisions that inevitably allow them to thrive on the field of play.
“The scheme is a great opportunity for the athlete community to be in front and centre in providing direct and tangible input into the future of classification within our sport,’’ Gotell said. (NAN)
KOA/COO/PDE
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(Edited by Cecilia Odey/Peter Ejiofor)