APSO establishes Classification Commission with six-member team

The Association of Paralympic Sports Organisations (APSO) Executive Board has formally approved the composition of the new APSO Classification Commission (ACC). The Commission brings together six informed experts from across the APSO Membership, ensuring broad representation while maintaining operational effectiveness.

The Commission members are:

• Craig Carscadden, Head of Development – World Ability Sport
• Simon Goodey, Para Rowing Commission Member – World Rowing
• Rabia Gülçin, Para Snow Sports Classification Coordinator – FIS
• Shail Maharaj, Classification Committee Member – World Boccia
• Pablo Perez, Classification Manager – ITTF (Commission Chair)
• Isabella Zens, Classification Coordinator – UCI

The Commission held its first meeting on 26 August 2025, where members outlined priorities including addressing rising classification costs, strengthening collaboration across sports, and improving the recruitment and training of classifiers.

The ACC has been established to advise the APSO Executive Board and Secretariat on classification matters, foster a cross-sport network of specialists, identify emerging challenges, and promote knowledge-sharing and collaborative solutions across member federations.

Commission Chair Pablo Perez commented:

"This Commission represents an important step forward in strengthening collaboration and innovation in Para sport classification. We have already begun discussing the intricacies of classification work, which is always challenging in practice. Together with member federations, we will work on building effective solutions to ensure that classification remains fair, sustainable, and athlete oriented."