Owain Rhys James appointed to Paralympics Board of Appeal of Classification
Following an open rectruitment process, Owain Rhys James has been appointed to the International Paralympic Committee’s independent Board of Appeal of Classification.
The BAC hears athlete classification appeals in various Para sports across the Paralympic Movement.
Liz Riley, General Counsel of the IPC, commented: “The recruitment of the new panel was part of a strategic refresh of the Board of Appeal of Classification. This is the first time that the IPC has run an open and proactive recruitment campaign for members of the panel and was designed to ensure we have the best independent and appropriately qualified people. These new members will enable the IPC and the IFs to ensure that the BAC has appropriate capacity and expert knowledge.”
Fred Jansen, independent chair of the BAC, added: “We were very impressed by the number of highly qualified candidates, and athletes should be reassured that we have a panel with a wide-range of expertise in the fields of legal, medical, scientific and Para sport. That is thanks, in no small part, to the Association of Paralympic Sports Organisations and the IFs, who for the last year have been unstinting in their support of the recruitment process. It has ensured that we have the best panel possible for athletes.”
The BAC is a service that is available to all IFs. The BAC currently has jurisdiction over classification appeals in the following sports: Badminton World Federation’ World Archery; World Para Alpine Skiing; World Para Athletics; World Para Dance Sport; World Para Ice Hockey; World Para Nordic Skiing; World Para Powerlifting; World Para Snowboard; World Para Swimming; World Shooting Para Sport.
The IPC’s press release may be viewed at: https://www.paralympic.org/news/ipc-appoints-new-panel-members-independent-board-appeal-classification
The BAC web page may be viewed at: https://www.paralympic.org/classification-board-of-appeal-of-classification