The 2nd Classification Conference cum Workshop, organised by the China Hong Kong Paralympic Committee (HKPC), was successfully held on Saturday, 23 May 2026 at the Regal Hong Kong Hotel. More than 1,200 participants from 22 countries and regions attended either in person or online.
Under the theme "From Principles to Grounded Practice: The Next Chapter in Para Sport Classification", the conference brought together leading experts from the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), Asian Paralympic Committee, World Abilitysport and the International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA), along with local scholars, healthcare professionals and sports administrators. The programme featured six keynote speeches and three impairment-specific workshops focusing on vision, intellectual and physical impairments, aiming to present the latest classification advancements introduced by the IPC and foster the sustainable development of Para sport in Hong Kong and the wider region.
Officiating guests, international sports dignitaries, and delegates gather for a group photo at the opening ceremony of the 2nd Classification Conference cum Workshop, underscoring a global commitment to advancing professional classification standards in Para sport.
Mrs. FUNG MA Kit-han, Jenny, SBS BBS JP, President of the HKPC, delivered the opening remarks. Mrs. Fung stated, "This year's conference attracted over 1,200 participants, representing a 70% increase from last year and reflecting the growing emphasis on professional classification standards." She emphasized that classification is key to fair competition, as incorrect classification could render years of hard work fruitless, making the training of internationally recognized classifiers of paramount importance. She added that with HKSAR Government support, the event focused on elevating professional standards to align with international metrics, before officially declaring the conference open.
Mrs. FUNG MA Kit-han, Jenny, SBS BBS JP, President of the China Hong Kong Paralympic Committee, delivering her opening address. She noted a 70% increase in participation and stressed the critical role of professional classification in fair competition.
Mr. TSOI Kin Pan, George, JP, Commissioner for Sports, Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, said as a guest of honour, expressing his delight at the expanded scale of this year's conference. Mr. TSOI emphasized that a robust national classification framework forms the cornerstone of fairness, consistency, and integrity in competition. To maintain this standard, Mr. TSOI issued a call to action to National Sports Associations to actively identify and nominate candidates, including retired athletes, to build a sustainable pipeline of international classifiers.
Lauding the Hong Kong delegation’s outstanding achievement of securing 140 medals in various championships last year, Mr. TSOI underscored that a strong classification system is indispensable to sustaining such competitive momentum. To this end, he officially announced that the Government will provide additional recurrent funding to the China Hong Kong Paralympic Committee this year. This pivotal financial support will empower the Committee to lead and coordinate sports associations in aligning with international classification requirements, and fortifying Hong Kong's long-term Para-sports development.
Mr. TSOI Kin Pan, George, JP, Commissioner for Sports, Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, addressing the conference. He announced additional recurrent government funding to HKPC to strengthen the classification framework.
Ms. Marieke Creese, on behalf of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), said as an invited guest, classification is fundamental to defining Para sport, as it provides a meaningful framework for determining athlete eligibility and ensuring fair grouping into sport classes. She emphasized that a classification system functions at its best only when all stakeholders—from athletes and officials to support personnel and administrators—fully collaborate and dedicate their efforts, thereby directly safeguarding the integrity of Para sport competition. She encouraged all participants to seize this platform to share expertise, enhance their professional skills, and forge new connections to drive the movement forward.
Ms. Marieke Creese, speaking on behalf of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). She highlighted that wholehearted collaboration among all stakeholders is essential for the classification system to achieve its best effect.
Mr. Majid Rashed, President of the Asian Paralympic Committee, delivered his remarks via video. Highlighting this year's theme, Mr. Rashed emphasized the importance of translating theory into practice to ensure fairness and integrity in competition. He described classification as the core foundation of Para sport that must be continuously enhanced through collaboration and innovation. He also reaffirmed Hong Kong's role as a professional hub in the region, which will continue to foster cooperation and align classification systems with international standards.
Mr. Majid Rashed, President of the Asian Paralympic Committee, speaking via video. He recognised Hong Kong as a professional hub and called for further alignment of classification systems with international standards.
Mr. Chang Zheng, Vice Chairman of the China Disabled Persons' Federation, also shared his insights as a guest of honour via video, this conference actively puts the spirit of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) into action while addressing global sports governance challenges. Mr. Zhang described classification as the "very lifeline of fairness" that directly impacts the dignity and future of Para-athletes.
Furthermore, Mr. Chang commended Hong Kong's role as a pivotal hub in fostering cross-regional cooperation, noting that the fruitful collaboration between the Mainland and Hong Kong continues to strengthen their sports communities under the "One Country, Two Systems" principle. He expressed firm belief that the conference's insights would lead to a more scientific, inclusive, and human-centric classification system.
Mr. Chang Zheng, Vice Chairman of the China Disabled Persons' Federation (CDPF), delivering his address via video. He highlighted classification as the vital lifeline of fairness and commended the fruitful sports collaboration between the Mainland and Hong Kong.
Dr. Kenneth Tsang, Chief Executive Officer of Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong, said as an invited guest, highlighting that the hospital’s core philosophy of "Care for Good" aligns seamlessly with the Paralympic movement's mission to promote inclusivity and athlete well-being. Dr. Tsang proudly recalled the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, where Dr Joe Law, the hospital's Consultant and Emergency Medicine Specialist, served as the team doctor for the Hong Kong, China delegation, providing critical on-site medical care to local Para athletes.
Looking ahead, Dr. Tsang announced that Gleneagles Hospital eagerly anticipates standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Hong Kong athletes once again at the upcoming 5th Asian Para Games in Nagoya, Japan, this October. Dr. Tsang expressed the hospital's long-term commitment to partnering with the Paralympic Committee to drive the sustainable growth of Para sports in the region.
Dr. Kenneth Tsang, Chief Executive Officer of Gleneagles Hospital Hong Kong, delivering his address. He emphasized the alignment of values between the hospital and the Paralympic movement, promising continued professional medical backing for the Hong Kong team.
A new workshop session was introduced this year, featuring three thematic workshops on vision impairment (VI), intellectual impairment (II) and physical impairment (PI). More than 300 participants joined the workshops, which focused on practical challenges and solutions in classification. Through expert sharing, case studies and interactive discussions, the workshops addressed practical challenges and solutions in classification.
The Vision Impairment (VI) workshop was conducted by Dr. David Mann, Associate Professor of Human Movement Sciences at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Director of the IPC Classification Research and Development Centre for Athletes with Vision Impairment, together with Prof. Andrew Lam, Programme Leader of the Doctor of Optometry at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University. They shared practical operational knowledge required for vision impairment classification.
The Vision Impairment workshop conducted by Dr. David Mann and Prof. Andrew Lam, sharing hands-on classification practices with attentive participants.
The Intellectual Impairment (II) workshop was conducted by Dr. Jim LUK Tze Chung, Vice President of the China Hong Kong Paralympic Committee and Chairman of the Hong Kong, China Sports Association for Persons with Intellectual Disability. He analysed the key differences in classification between able-bodied athletes and those with intellectual impairment.
In the Intellectual Impairment workshop, Dr. Jim LUK Tze Chung explained the differences in classification between able-bodied and intellectually impaired athletes, with lively audience interaction.
The first session of the Physical Impairment (PI) workshop was delivered Mr. LAW Ying Man, Angus, Senior International PI Classifier, World Para Fencing, World Abilitysport. The second session was delivered by Dr. Chad CHAN Wing Nga, Classification Consultant of HKPC, who highlighted practical operations in Para-archery classification.
Mr. LAW Ying Man, Angus sharing knowledge on classification in Para fencing
Dr. Chad CHAN Wing Nga explaining practical operations in Para-archery classification.
The successful conclusion of the 2nd Classification Conference cum Workshop marked a key step forward for classification professionals in Hong Kong and Asia. The event translated the IPC's evidence-based approach and the Classification Code into local practice. Through in-depth discussions and hands-on workshops, participants strengthened both their knowledge and practical skills, laying the groundwork for more consistent, fair and professional classification in the future.
