It's classified: Classification, disability rights and Commonwealth Games

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Disability Studies
• Human Rights

Background:

• The Commonwealth Games (CG) emphasizes inclusivity and equality, using sport to unite the Commonwealth community.
• Despite CG's inclusive ethos, significant disparities persist in participation and equality, especially for lower-resource Commonwealth nations.
• CG uniquely integrates para sport athletes, yet equitable opportunities for their full participation remain constrained.

Purpose of the Study:

• To examine sport classification as a key factor influencing opportunities and hindrances for CG to actualize its values of equality, humanity, and destiny for para athletes.
• To analyze the impact of sport classification on the integration of para sport and athletes within the CG framework, focusing on developing Commonwealth nations.
• To address concerns regarding the growing divide between elite and developing para athletes and nations within the Commonwealth.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature and policies related to sport classification and the Commonwealth Games.
• Analysis through a human rights lens and the concept of structural violence.
• Examination of the impact of sport classification on para athlete integration and Commonwealth-wide participation.

Main Results:

• Sport classification systems within the Commonwealth Games present significant barriers to equitable participation for para athletes, particularly those from developing nations.
• The current classification structure exacerbates the 'best and the rest' divide, undermining the CG's stated values of equality and humanity.
• Existing constraints within sport classification hinder the full integration and realization of opportunities for para athletes in the Commonwealth.

Conclusions:

• Sport classification is a critical area requiring reform to ensure genuine equality and inclusivity within the Commonwealth Games for all para athletes.
• Addressing structural inequalities in sport classification is essential for the future of Commonwealth-wide para sport participation and the integrity of the integrated model.
• Upholding the CG's vision requires a concerted effort to dismantle barriers created by sport classification, ensuring 'humanity, destiny, and equality' for every athlete.