Para Table Tennis Leader Appointed to Key Paralympic Classification Body
The Paralympic Movement has taken a significant step forward in ensuring fair and consistent athlete classification with the appointment of a leading expert in para table tennis. Pablo Perez, a seasoned professional with extensive experience in the sport, will serve on the Classification Commission (ACC) of the Association of Paralympic Sports Organizations (APSO).
This newly established ACC brings together six classification specialists from diverse international federations. Its designed to foster collaboration and share best practices across para sports, ultimately benefiting athletes worldwide. The commission will focus on proactively addressing classification challenges, delivering educational resources, and initiating research into the evolving medical, scientific, and operational aspects of para sport.
A Proven Track Record
Perez’s selection is a testament to his deep understanding of para table tennis classification. He has expertly managed para table tennis events and classification procedures at the highest levels, including:
The ITTF World Para Circuit
World Para championships
The last two Paralympic Games
Before joining the International Table Tennis Federation, Perez honed his skills as the coach of the Spanish Para Table Tennis national team. He also served as an international classifier and led classification courses, demonstrating a commitment to education and growth within the sport.
APSO: A Unified Voice for Paralympic Sport
APSO, founded in 2017, represents 21 international federations and sports organizations. Together, they advocate for the interests of Paralympic athletes and the continued growth of Paralympic sports. The ACC’s approval by the APSO Executive Board underscores the importance of this initiative.
The ACC Team
Alongside Perez, the ACC includes a distinguished group of experts:
Craig Carscadden (World Ability Sport Head of Development)
Simon Goodey (World Rowing Para Rowing Commission Member)
Rabia Gulcin (FIS Para Snow Sports Classification Coordinator)
Shail Maharaj (World Boccia Classification Committee Member)
Isabella Zens (UCI Classification Coordinator)
This diverse team will work collaboratively to refine and improve classification systems across multiple sports.Ultimately, this appointment reflects a dedication to upholding the integrity of Paralympic competition. You can be confident that these efforts will contribute to a more equitable and inclusive sporting environment for all athletes. This is a positive development for the Paralympic Movement, and we anticipate continued progress in ensuring fair play and opportunity for para athletes around the globe.
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