As the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games approach, we continue our series on the International Technical Officials (ITOs). This second part of our series highlights Sari Mannersuo, Mirza Bašić, Andre Ferreira Calado, Philippe Dauchel, Slaviša Kuzmanović, Mahdi Navidino, and Marie-Claude Richer. These dedicated officials bring their refereeing experience to Paris, ensuring the success of the sitting volleyball competitions.

Sari has an extensive background in refereeing, contributing to the Paralympic Games as a referee from Athens 2004 to Tokyo 2020. Her roles in these games have strengthened her reputation for upholding high standards of officiating. Beyond the Paralympics, Sari has served as a referee in major events such as the Triple World Championship in Roermond 2006, the World Championships in Oklahoma 2010 and Elblag 2014, and the Asian Para Games in Incheon 2014. Recently, she has transitioned to the role of Referee Observer, overseeing events like the World Championship in Sarajevo 2018 and the Asian Para Games in Hangzhou 2022 (2023).

Mirza brings a rich array of experiences to his role as a referee for Paris 2024. Although he has not yet officiated at the Paralympic or Olympic Games, his involvement in major sitting volleyball events is notable. Mirza has officiated at the Sitting Volleyball European Championships in Rotterdam 2011 and Sarajevo 2024, the African Championship in Rabat 2014, and the World Championship in Sarajevo 2022. His expertise extends to the Sitting Volleyball European Golden National League for both men and women in 2022 and the World Cup in Cairo 2023. Additionally, Mirza has served as a referee for the CEV U17 European Championships in Podgorica in both 2020 and 2023.

Andre has served the Paralympic community with dedication, starting with his role in ITO services at the Rio 2016 Games and as a referee at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. His extensive experience includes refereeing at the Parapan American Games in Toronto 2015 and Lima 2019, the Intercontinental Cup in Anji 2016, and the World Qualifier in Jeju 2018. Andre has also officiated at Zonal Championships in Montreal 2017 and Edmonton 2023, and he played a crucial role in the Pan American Games in Asuncion 2023. His continuous service in Brazil’s Superliga since 2008 highlights his long-term commitment to sport.

Philippe will represent France as a referee in the sitting volleyball competitions at Paris 2024. While he has not officiated at the Paralympic or Olympic Games, his significant contributions to the sport are evident through his roles in major European competitions. Philippe has refereed at the European Championships in Kemer 2021, Rouen 2022, and Caorle 2023. He also served as a referee at the World Cup in Cairo 2024.

Neal is an experienced International Referee who served at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. His notable roles include officiating at the 2023 Sitting Volleyball World Cup in Cairo and the 2023 PVPA Zonal Championship in Edmonton, where he was the Referee Delegate. Neal has also refereed at the 2022 World Championships in Sarajevo and the 2019 ParaPanAm Games in Lima. His experience extends to the 2018 Asian Para Games in Jakarta, the 2017 PVPA Zonal Championship in Montreal, and the 2017 Youth ParaPanAm Games in Sao Paulo. Additional career highlights include the 2016 Intercontinental Cup in Anji, the 2015 ParaPanAm Games in Toronto, and the 2014 Sitting Volleyball World Championships in Elblag.

Slaviša is a seasoned referee, set to bring his extensive experience to Paris 2024. He has officiated at key events such as the Sitting Volleyball World Championship in Sarajevo and the European Championships in Elblag, Warendorf, and Caorle. His consistent presence in these major competitions highlights his expertise and readiness to contribute to the success of the Paralympic Games.

Mahdi has built a solid reputation in both volleyball and sitting volleyball. Mahdi’s experience in major events is extensive. He has served as a referee in the Asian Men’s Cup in Urmia 2010, the Beach ParaVolley WOVD in Kuala Lumpur 2011, and the Asian Men’s Club in Tehran 2013. Mahdi’s involvement extends to the Beach ParaVolley WPV in Pattaya 2014, the Asian Men’s U23 in Naypyidaw 2015, and the Sitting Volleyball Men’s Super 6 in Tabriz 2018. He also played key roles at the Asian Men’s U18 and Volleyball Nations League in 2018, and the Sitting Volleyball World Championship in the Netherlands the same year. He has officiated at the Asian Men’s Club in Nakhon Ratchasima 2021 and the 4th Asian Para Games in Hangzhou 2023.

Marie-Claude has established herself as an international referee through her participation at the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2021 Paralympic Games. Her vast experience includes officiating at the ParaVolley Pan America Zonal Championships in Edmond 2013 and Edmonton 2023, the WPV World Championships in Elblag 2014 and the Netherlands 2018, and the Parapan America Games in Toronto 2015 and Lima 2019. Her expertise was also showcased at the Intercontinental Cup in Anji 2016, and the World ParaVolley World Cup in Cairo 2023.s a Technical Official at the FINA Water Polo World Championship in Long Beach, and as USA’s Federation President at the FIVB World Cup and FIVB Women’s World Championship in Tokyo.