Equestrian Canada – Ottawa, ON, Aug. 21, 2018 – Equestrian Canada (EC) is pleased to announce that two EC Para-Dressage Committee Members have been selected as members of the FEI Classification Research Reference Group: EC Para-Dressage High Performance Technical Leader, Clive Milkins; and Sue Foell, who is Chair of the EC Classification Advisory Group and an EC National and FEI International Classifier.

The FEI Classification Research project has been launched with a research partnership, run by Dr. Sarah Jane Hobbs (GBR), between the University of Central Lancashire and Hartpury University Centre, both located in Great Britain. This project, which will have a duration of three years, will evaluate the FEI Classification system and will provide evidence-based research to the system in compliance with the IPC Classification Code. The FEI Classification Research Reference Group will play a key role in receiving and reviewing project updates, and providing advice to researchers on multiple aspects of the project.

“I am excited at the prospect of working alongside many experienced ambassadors for para-dressage from all over the world,” said Milkins. “Having been involved in the sport of para-dressage since the late 1980s, I have seen many changes. In 1995, I was lucky enough to be on the original working party looking at classification with Dr. Christine Meaden. A transparent and fair classification system has to be the very cornerstone for a sport that brings so much pleasure to so many athletes around the world. We must ensure that the rules are in place to create an even start line from which everyone can excel and create their own best performances.”

Milkins and Foell are joined on the reference group by Alison King (HKG), Kristi Wysocki (USA), Sarah Armstrong (GBR), Demi Vermeulen (NED), Fredy Versluys (NED), Julie Payne (GBR) and Susanna Wade (GBR). FEI Head Classifier, Sharyn Gregory (AUS) and the Classification Working Group will also have regular input and contact with the reference group.

EC congratulates Milkins and Foell on their selection, as well as their commitment to advancing the state of para-equestrian sport worldwide.

 

EC Media Contact / Personne-ressource de CE pour les médias : Jessie Christie
jchristie@equestrian.ca

 

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