"VAN" (Sports Desk - 23.07.2026) :: The International Paralympic Committee successfully concluded its Annual Classification Meeting on 18 July 2026 following four days of extensive discussions and collaborative sessions at the IPC Campus, in Bonn, Germany. The event brought together over 140 classification leaders and representatives from International Federations (IFs), International Organisations of Sports for the Disabled, National Paralympic Committees (NPCs), Regional Organisations, and Recognised International Federations.
With the continued growth of the Paralympic Movement, maintaining a robust and credible classification system and advancing classification processes are essential to providing integrity and fair competition. The Annual Classification Meeting serves as a key forum for stakeholders to exchange knowledge, address emerging challenges, review recent developments and help shape the future direction of classification, the foundation of Para sport.
IPC Director of Classification Tea Cisic said: “This meeting provides an invaluable opportunity for the classification community to come together and address key topics. This year, we gathered around the theme ‘Classification – a shared responsibility’ where everyone involved in Para sport is held responsible and accountable to understand classification and actively engage.
“Throughout the four days, the meeting rooms were buzzing with discussion and engagement in what was a very open and safe space for complex conversations and collaboration to happen. There is more work ahead and we will be looking to maintain the momentum achieved during the meeting. On behalf of Team IPC, we thank all organisations and their representatives for taking part in the meeting."
Pablo Perez, representing International Table Tennis Federation said: “This meeting was a ‘nice to have’ when it started and it is now ‘a must’ in the agenda of all IF and NPC classification leads.”
The opening day (15 July) provided an opportunity for the IPC to share key updates, including details on the implementation of the 2025 IPC Classification Code and International Standards, as well as for IFs to share updates on its implementation.
Day two (16 July) focused on strengthening classification capacity and operations across the Paralympic Movement. Sessions on classification development explored how NPCs can enhance their programmes. The IPC also shared legal input on International Federation operations. Participants learned about best practices in classification systems and research including a workshop, with a particular focus on Minimum Impairment Criteria and sport class structures.
In parallel, discussions addressed the preparation and delivery of classification opportunities at both national and international levels. Overall, the day combined strategic, legal, research and operational perspectives to support the continued development of fair, robust and consistent classification systems and processes worldwide.
Sessions on day three (17 July) provided a forum for Heads of Classification to exchange experiences. Participants also engaged with the Chair of the IPC Classification Compliance and Oversight Committee and IPC legal team during an open Q&A session. The programme then explored athlete and classifier well-being, conflicts of interest among classification personnel, and guidance on underlying health conditions and eligible impairments. A session highlighting athlete voices and experiences in classification also took place, reinforcing the importance of an athlete-centred approach to transparent and trusted classification system. The day closed with the Classification Recognition Awards Ceremony.
Key topics on the final day of the meeting (18 July) focused on intentional misrepresentation, recruitment and retention of classification personnel, and the future of classification, including AI and technological advancements.
Feedback from participants after the event was extremely positive.
Doramitzi González, representing NPC Mexico said: “I’m thrilled to bring back the knowledge, tools, and connections I gained at my first Annual Classification Meeting and see how they can help strengthen Classification in Mexico. I am leaving with valuable insights, new friendships, and renewed motivation to share these learnings with my community and contribute to the continued development of classification."
Sercan Yıllı, representing NPC Turkiye said: “The IPC Annual Classification Meeting continues to be an invaluable platform for sharing knowledge, strengthening collaboration, and shaping the future of classification. It was a privilege to be alongside some of the world’s leading experts in classification, exchanging experiences with colleagues from across the Paralympic Movement and contributing to discussions that will support the continued development of fair, consistent, and evidence-based classification worldwide.”
Sue Sandwick, representing International Ski and Snowboard Federation reflected: “I am so incredibly impressed with the direction that IPC classification leadership has taken over the past few years. There is a tangible sense of collaboration, support and positive movement forward and leadership has infused this into all aspects of the conference to reinforce that individual members are ‘not alone’ but rather are connected, bolstered and supported. Throughout the meeting I felt a growing sense of collaboration and sharing among all participants and this created a sense of incredible motivation to engage and work together, throughout the meetings and beyond.
Christian Hamilton of International Golf Federation noted: “The IPC Classification meeting provided an amazing opportunity for International Federations to collaborate, share experiences and advance classification across Paralympic sport. The open discussions and willingness to work together through an athlete centred approach was a highlight of the week, which will strengthen classification across the Paralympic movement.”
Katerina Magkou, representing World Triathlon reflected: “The annual classification meeting is more than a gathering - it is a home for global networking, where experiences are exchanged, knowledge is shared, concerns are voiced, and solutions are born under the care of the IPC.”
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