Paralympics New Zealand appoints full-time Classification Manager

In response to dramatic growth of High Performance Programme, PNZ has appointed Marguerite Christophers 24 Dec 2014
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Marguerite Christophers has been appointed Paralympics New Zealand Classificiation Manager from 1 January 2015.

Marguerite Christophers has been appointed Paralympics New Zealand Classificiation Manager from 1 January 2015.

ⒸParalympics New Zealand
By Paralympics New Zealand

“Marguerite is well recognised and very respected both nationally and internationally as an expert in classification. We were thrilled to finally conclude that we already had the very best person available to support New Zealand para-athletes.”

Paralympics New Zealand (PNZ) has appointed of Marguerite Christophers to the full-time position of PNZ Classification Manager commencing January 2015.

The appointment has been made in response to the dramatic growth of the PNZ High Performance Programme since London 2012 Paralympic Games. The para-athletics, para-cycling and para-swimming programmes in particular now have more than 158 athletes at various levels of development.

Marguerite was selected from amongst a very talented pool of national and international applicants, eventually winning the role based on the exceptional work she has delivered in a similar part-time role for the organisation over the past five years. She will lead the re-development of the National Classification Strategy, working hand-in-hand with all 22 member sports, and will lead the provision of services for all levels of New Zealand para-athletes. She will also train and support Classifiers and lead development of up-to-date education resources and online tools to educate stakeholders, media and the public about PNZ classification.

Fiona Allan, PNZ Chief Executive, said: “Paralympics New Zealand is delighted to see one of our own, Marguerite Christophers, step up into the full-time position of Classification Manager.

“Since London 2012 the PNZ High Performance Programme has grown quickly and it is imperative that the PNZ Classification programme supports the PNZ High Performance programme and provides the leadership to para-sport to deliver gold medal success at Rio 2016 and beyond.

“Marguerite is well recognised and very respected both nationally and internationally as an expert in classification. We were thrilled to finally conclude that we already had the very best person available to support New Zealand para-athletes.”

Classification is the system that provides the basis of all global para-sport competition. It is the process by which all athletes are assessed, determining who can compete in which specific event and in what class, based on the type of impairment and the limitations that the impairment has on the sporting activity. The classification principles have been developed and are monitored by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC). PNZ adheres to these guidelines in classifying national athletes and each classification is checked by the IPC both at the time and before every competition, including the Paralympics Games.

Marguerite brings to the role more than 16 years’ experience in the disability sport sector and four years’ experience working in the disability sector within health and education organisations. She has worked for PNZ for five years in the previous part time role of Classification Manager and in parallel led the International Triathlon Union Para-triathlon Classification Programme globally. The new full-time role has changed significantly to align with the PNZ Strategic Plan 2013 - 2020 - Towards 2020.

Marguerite Christophers is equally excited and said: “I have a lifelong interest and commitment to ensuring the lives of disabled New Zealanders are enhanced through participation and success in sport. I feel privileged to have the opportunity to help shape the future growth of Paralympic Sport in New Zealand and lead the Classification Strategy as we head into the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.”

The appointment of Marguerite Christophers is the latest in a string of new hires by PNZ, which just last week had its High Performance Sport New Zealand funding increased again in recognition of its growing professionalism and success. Following the recent announcement of a new Commercial and Marketing Director, PNZ has also begun to search openly for private funding from the business community and public to support the growth of the High Performance Programme.