First UIPM Para Classification Trainer event is completed in Bath (GBR)

June marked a significant milestone event in UIPM’s continued focus and efforts to further the inclusion and openness of Modern Pentathlon.

On the weekend of June 17-18, PentathlonGB together with researchers from Liverpool John Moores University (GBR) hosted the first UIPM Classifier Training which was led by Head of Classification Dr Paul Baudet.

The training consisted of a four-hour classroom-based workshop followed by a full day of athlete classification and observations ahead of the UIPM 2023 World Para Laser Run Championships taking place in Bath (GBR) in August.

The classifier training was attended by Italian and British classifiers who will be supporting the development of the Para Pentathlon movement. The candidates’ backgrounds ranged from medical doctors, physiotherapists and sports rehabilitation specialists in the area of para sports.

Dr Nic Robinson, who is leading the UK Para Pentathlon Research Project through Liverpool John Moores University, said the training weekend was a key moment in the ongoing efforts.

“The event is an important milestone in the UIPM Para Commission’s progression to expanding the sport of pentathlon to become more inclusive across a wide range of impairments making the sport both fair, safe and fun for all,” Dr Robinson said.

“The more classifiers we have across the National Federations, the more accessible the process will be to get more para athletes into the sports of pentathlon.”

More than 60 para-athletes across the six classifications will be competing in this exciting three-circuit combination of a shoot–run/push event on Monday August 21 in the UIPM 2023 World Para Laser Run event in Bath (GBR).

The six classifications include physical impairment athletes (LR1-LR3), wheelchair athletes (LR4), visually impaired athletes (LR5) and intellectual impairment athletes (LR6). PentathlonGB are looking forward to welcoming all the para athletes to Bath this summer to help raise the profile of the sport.

For more information around classification and the Para Pentathlon movement please contact UIPM Medical & Anti-Doping Manager Radka Zapletalova at radka.zapletalova@pentathlon.org.