China Hong Kong Paralympic Committee – 1st Classification Conference Successfully Concluded With participation of over 700 delegates from 17 countries & regions

The China Hong Kong Paralympic Committee – 1st Classification Conference Successfully Concluded on 22 March 2025. Held under the theme “Classification in Para Sports – A New Era”, the conference underscored the importance of classification as the cornerstone of safeguarding the integrity and credibility of Para sports competitions and of development of Para sports, while participants shared insights on the latest development of classification by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) and future blueprint of classification development in Hong Kong, China.

In attendance were over 700 delegates and industry professionals from 17 countries and regions, including classification specialists, classifiers, coaches, athletes, physiotherapists, medical personnels, sports administrators, government officials, and delegates of international Para sports federations, national sports associations and National Paralympic Committees.

In his opening speech, Vice President of China Hong Kong Paralympic Committee (HKPC) cum Chairman of Sports Association for the Physically Disabled of Hong Kong, China (HKSAPD) Dr Leung Lai-yin, John said, “We will explore a scientific, transparent, and fair classification system that ensures athletes can compete fairly, improves athletic standards, and aligns with international standards.”

“Today, we will delve into the importance of classification in Para sports, as it is the foundation that ensures the fairness of competition, allowing athletes of diverse abilities and backgrounds to participate effectively.”

Also speaking at the conference, Commissioner for Sports of Culture, Sports & Tourism Bureau (Sports & Recreation Branch) Mr Tsoi Kin-pan, George expressed excitement about the first classification conference taking place in Hong Kong.

“We look forward to Hong Kong becoming the hub of stimulating discussion on classification, both online and offline, among international industry experts, therefore establishing a far-reaching bridge of wisdom and collaboration that transcends borders and links the world.”

Director of Classification of International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Ms Tea Cisic said the objectives of the conference are in line with the latest classification regulations of the IPC.

“We aim to align with the recently released IPC regulations of classification, while offer a platform for knowledge exchange, discussion about the future direction and opportunities of classification, and development of Para sports.”

Deputy Director General of Department of Sports of China Disabled Persons’ Federation (CDPF) Mr Ma Li-tao emphasised on the pivotal role of Hong Kong in classification development.

“As an international hub of sporting events with a fully developed sports system, Hong Kong plays an important role in inter-regional exchange and collaboration, and in promoting the development of classification. Looking forward, we would like to hope that, with her strengths and potentials, Hong Kong would become the pivot of classification in Asia and offer valuable experience and professional support to the development of Para sport in the region.”

The conference then continued with sessions about the classification system of intellectual impairment and physical impairment Para sports, by Vice President of China Hong Kong Paralympic Committee (HKPC) cum Chairman of Hong Kong, China Sports Association for Persons with Intellectual Disability (HKSAPID) Dr Luk Tze-chung, Jim, and Chief Classification Consultant of China Hong Kong Paralympic Committee (HKPC) Dr Chung Wai-man, respectively.

Also speaking at the conference was Classification Consultant of China Hong Kong Paralympic Committee (HKPC) Dr Chan Wing-nga, Chad, who shared on the latest changes of classification code announced by the IPC.

In the high-level panel discussion of Para sports classification development in Hong Kong, Dr Leung Lai-yin, John exchanged knowledge and thoughts with Dr Luk Tze-chung, Dr Chung Wai-man, Dr Chan Wing-nga, and Prof. Andrew K.C. Lam, Professor of School of Optometry, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University about how to optimise the classification system, promote effectively the system to the general public and stakeholders, and ensure the optimisation equity of the classification process. Classification Manager of the Japanese Paralympic Committee (JPC) Mr Yuki Izuchi and Associate Professor (Sports Science) of School of Physical Education of Yunnan Normal University Prof. Yang Jiong, represents China Disabled Person’s Federation (CDPF) also shared their opinions on the subjects.

The 1st Classification Conference, organised by China Hong Kong Paralympic Committee and funded by Culture, Sports & Tourism Bureau received tremendous support from the government and various parties, including:
Hong Kong Coaching Committee, Department of Physiotherapy of Hong Kong Metropolitan University, Hong Kong Physiotherapy Association, Hong Kong Sport Institute, College of Nursing Hong Kong, School of Optometry of The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Sports Association for the Physically Disabled of Hong Kong, China, and Hong Kong, China Sports Association for Persons with Intellectual Disability.