World Para Athletics deeply saddened by the passing of Jon Mason

World Para Athletics is deeply saddened by the news of the passing of International Technical Official (ITO) Jon Mason at the age of 48.

Mason served the sport for almost a decade in different capacities, as ITO, Technical Delegate (TD) and Chair of the Jury of Appeal. 

He began his international career in Para athletics in 2012 and since then, World Para Athletics had the privilege to work with him in various major international competitions in several roles such as ITO at the Doha 2015 and London 2017 World Championships, Berlin 2018 and Bydgoszcz 2020 European Championships, and Indonesia 2018 Asian Para Games. 

Those experiences elevated him to serve as Chair of the Jury of appeal at the Lima 2019 Parapan American Games, Dubai 2019 World Championships, Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games and Paris 2023 World Championships. Jon continued to excel into leadership positions and was appointed as Technical Delegate for Santiago 2023 Parapan American Games and Kobe 2024 World Championships.

As a leader of Technical Officials, Jon always looked to share his knowledge and experience which led him to become a member of the Evaluation Panel that selected the 2023-2026 ITO Panel, a member of the Technical Advisory Group (TAG) as well as a World Para Athletics Instructor.

Jon’s expertise and dedication ensured uniformity, fairness and thoroughness in these various roles, and as the Chair of the Jury of Appeal, he contributed to building processes and procedures that are followed at all major competitions. In addition, his willingness to contribute to educational courses for ITOs and NTOs benefited many members of the World Para Athletics community. 

Messages of condolence have poured into the World Para Athletics office:

“We can find a number of qualities to honour Jon’s memory, but if I have to choose they would be integrity, empathy and his willingness to always collaborate”, Albin Renteria, World Para Athletics Technical Manager. "He will be greatly missed by the WPA community for his passion and professionalism to continually try to improve and develop Para athletics." 

“It was a pleasure to work alongside Jon. His knowledge, understanding, contribution, enthusiasm and high standards were outstanding. He was a team player and willingly assisted anyone wanting to increase and develop their skills. He will be greatly missed, and his contribution will live on,” said Ruth Liong, World Para Athletics ITO.

"Jon could undertake any role assigned to him and was able to adjust to a change of role with ease if needed. This was clearly demonstrated when he changed from Chair of the Jury to become Chief ITO at the 2020 European Championships. While equally able to take on any assignment, whether as TD, Call Room Referee or Chief ITO, he will be particularly remembered in the role of Chair of the Jury of Appeal. It was in this role that his knowledge and considered approach, with an eye for detail was always evident,” Dave Jessett, World Para Athletics ITO, said.

Paul Fitzgerald, Head of World Para Athletics, said: “Jon was a true professional. While working at the local, national and International level, he endlessly volunteered his time and shared his knowledge with anyone and everyone he came across. Indeed, we are overwhelmed with the tributes that have poured in for Jon and it is evident the kindness with which he treated anyone seeking to learn from him. Most importantly, Jon was a friend and valued member of the WPA family. We offer our deepest condolences and support to his wife Sam and son Kristian as extended members of our WPA family.”