Recipients of the inaugural IPC Classification Recognition Awards revealed

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) have announced the inaugural recipients of the IPC Classification Recognition Awards. 

Dr. Emilie Newell from Canada, Dr. Ludwig Krabbe from Germany, Marguerite Christophers from New Zealand, and Mette Berg from Norway have each received the 2023 IPC Classification Recognition Award. 

The Awards, which have taken place for the first time this year, celebrate individuals who made significant contribution to classification within the Paralympic Movement. They recognise those who have been involved in various roles in classification, have served the Movement through their dedicated service over decades, or their immense contribution to the development, awareness, and improvement of classification at national and international levels.  

Each of the recipients were presented with their awards at a special ceremony 2023 IPC Annual Classification Meeting, which took place from 28-30 October in Cairo, Egypt.    

Speaking of the new awards and their recipients, Tea Cisic, IPC’s Head of Classification, said: “Over the years, the Paralympic Movement has seen incredibly talented and professional individuals, working day-in and day-out to strengthen classification systems and processes, be it on a national or international level. Without these incredible individuals, the Movement would not be what it is today.  

“It is through classification that we provide meaningful competition opportunities, and while our focus is to serve the athletes and celebrate their amazing achievements, it is important to recognise the workforce behind the scenes and all their efforts to allow athletes to shine.  

“Over the years there are many individuals to whom we have not had the chance to present this kind of an award, and I would like to say a heartfelt thank you to all of them. As the pioneers in classification, they trained and mentored the individuals we were able to recognise today so this is equally a celebration of their work and success.  

“To the 2023 award recipients, we are extremely proud and grateful for all you have done, for your professionalism and your tireless drive to make classification better. It is important that all of us involved in Para sport take a moment to acknowledge the importance of their work and invest further efforts to raise the profile of classification personnel within the Movement.” 

Dr. Emilie Newell 

With over 30 years of experience in classification, Emilie contributed to the Movement in distinct roles, as a classifier, as a medical expert, as an educator, as an advisor to several International Federations and National Paralympic Committees, including World Curling Federation, World Para Athletics, World Wheelchair Rugby and NPC Canada.  

She played a key role in developing classification systems and classifier education across a wide range of sports, including Para athletics, wheelchair rugby, and wheelchair curling, as well as nationally within NPC Canada. Emilie mentored several generations of classifiers and participated in extensive dialogue and consultations with the IPC and its members.   

Recognition for Dr. Emilie Newell 

Jiri Snitil, World Curling Federation: “Dr. Emilie Newell from Canada is one of the most experienced and recognised curling classifiers and classification experts in the world. Not only is she an outstanding classifier, but she has also conducted multiple classifier courses. She is an exceptional lecturer who is always open to share her experience and knowledge with classifier trainees and junior classifiers.” 

Natasja ter Veer, World Para Athletics, said: “World Para Athletics can always rely on Emilie’s expertise, sharp eye for detail, and critical reflections. In addition, she is a classifier, chief classifier, medical consultant, member of the classification advisory group, and classifier mentor. Emilie has so much experience and made such a huge contribution to our sport and all of us at World Para Athletics congratulate her on this achievement.” 

Dr. Ludwig Krabbe 

Ludwig, an ophthalmologist and sport medicine expert, is a hugely experienced national and international classifier for athletes with vision impairment (VI). He brings over 20 years of expertise in this field, working both on a national level with NPC Germany and international level with IBSA (International Blind Sports Federation) and other International Federations.  

Since 2018 Ludwig has served as the Head of Classification for IBSA. He continues to contribute to advancing VI classification for the Paralympic Movement and training generations of classifiers. 

Recognition for Dr. Ludwig Krabbbe 

Winnie Timans, Consultant on Classification and Anti-Doping at NPC Germany, said: “On behalf of NPC Germany, we would like to say thank you Ludwig, and we are grateful for having you in our team. You have been our national classifier for over 20 years. You always have done your job to be very motivated, and you always had fair sport and fair classification for all athletes at the top of your priorities. You always kept on fighting for the right cause and improving the classification system. Thank you and congratulations on all your years of service.”  

Marguerite Christophers 

Marguerite has over 25 years of experience working in the disability and Para sport sector in New Zealand. During her 14 years with Paralympic New Zealand (PNZ), she has been responsible for the development and implementation of a world leading classification programme.  

For the past 15 years she has worked on a voluntary basis for World Triathlon where she led the Classification programme for Para triathlon for 10 years and contributed to the development of a classification system enabling Para triathlon to debut at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. Marguerite brings specialist qualifications, knowledge, and experience to her role at PNZ along with strong leadership and strategic skills, communication, and personal skills. 

Recognition for Marguerite Christophers 

Greg Warnecke, Chief Executive Officer at Paralympics New Zealand said: “Paralympics New Zealand is indeed proud of being able to celebrate Marguerite Christophers and her significant contribution to the Paralympic Movement, specifically in progressing the professionalism and implementation of classification.  

“She has and continues to lead the development of new classifiers, creating opportunities for athletes across the world to take part and compete in Para sports, all the while displaying the utmost of integrity, implementing the key principles of classification in delivering a fair and level playing field, earning the respect of athletes, coaches, and her peers alike. Paralympics New Zealand has been fortunate to have benefited from the commitment and service of Marguerite.” 

Mette Berg 

Mette has over 25 years of experience working in sport organisations, starting with the Norwegian Sport Federation for the Disabled as top sports consultant and development and integration consultant.  

Within classification, she brings over 15 years of service. Since 2018, Mette has acted as the classification lead for NPC Norway. She played a vital role in addressing classification challenges and concerns, both on a national, regional, and international scene.  

Recognition for Mette Berg 

Cato Zahl Pedersen, NPC Norway said: “Mette is a unifying person for the classifiers in Norway in all sports having held annual seminars for the Norwegian classifiers. In addition, she has contributed to the Nordic classification collaboration, and all the national sport federations have been invited to participate.  

“Mette has made a solid effort with feedback to the international classification family. Examples are Classification Code consultation rounds, where she has involved both national federations and individual classifiers, so that everyone understands the importance of the Code. She involves us, and we are proud to be asked.”