As the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games draw closer, we conclude our series on the International Technical Officials (ITOs) who will play pivotal roles in the competition. In this third part, we highlight Louise Ashcroft and Dora Szatmari.

Louise Ashcroft brings a wealth of experience to her role as the Medical Delegate for Paris 2024. Her career in the Paralympic community is marked by her dedication and expertise.

Paralympic Games
Louise served as a Classifier Observer at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games and as a Classifier at the Tokyo 2020 Games.

Other Major Events
Louise’s experience includes serving as the Chief Classifier and Anti-Doping Educator at the 2024 Final Paralympics Qualifier in Dali, China, and the Chief Classifier at the 2023 World Cup in Cairo, Egypt. She has also played significant roles as a Classifier at various Zonal Championships, including the 2023 PVE in Caorle, Italy, the 2023 PVAO in Astana, Kazakhstan, and the 2023 PVPA in Edmonton, Canada, where she was the Chief Classifier. Her involvement in the 2022 World Championships in Sarajevo, Bosnia & Herzegovina, as an L3 Classification Educator highlights her dedication to education in classification. Louise has also served as a Chief Classifier at the 2021 PVE Zonal Championships in Kemer, Turkey, and a Classifier at the Asian Para Games in Jakarta 2018. Additionally, she was a member of Team Canada’s core medical team at the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and the Pan American Games in Guadalajara, reflecting her broad expertise in sports medicine. For a focus on sitting volleyball, Louise has classified at the World Championships in Oklahoma 2010, Elblag 2014, and the Netherlands 2018.

Dora Szatmari’s extensive experience in international sports makes her a key figure for Paris 2024. She has played significant roles in numerous major events, ensuring high standards.

Paralympic Games
Dora served as an International Classifier at the Tokyo 2020 and London 2012 Paralympic Games.

Other Major Events
Dora’s significant contributions include her roles as a Senior Classifier and Classifier Educator at the 2022 World Championship in Sarajevo and the 2018 World Championship in the Netherlands. She was the Chief Classifier at the World ParaVolley Final Qualifier for Tokyo 2020 in Duisburg and has served as a Senior Classifier and Classifier Educator at the Intercontinental Cups in Egypt (2008, 2010, 2012). Her expertise was also pivotal at the European Championships in Hungary (2007), the Netherlands (2011), and Germany (2015), where she held roles such as Chief Classifier, Senior Classifier, and Classifier Educator. Additionally, Dora served as an International Classifier at the Standing Volleyball World Cup 2007 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.