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As the inaugural IWBF 3x3 Open World Championships tips off in Sun City, South Africa, a global team of International Technical Officials (ITOs) is playing a vital role in delivering the event both on and off the court.
In total, 30 officials from 23 countries across the four zones have come together to support the fast-paced, high-energy format of 3x3 wheelchair basketball. From sport supervisors to classifiers and referees, these individuals bring with them a mix of international experience and fresh energy.
Tournament Technical Committee
Led by Technical Delegate Charlie Bethel (Great Britain), supported by Assistant Technical Delegate Luc Vergoossen (Netherlands). They are joined by Don Perriman (Australia) and Jorge Bestilliero (Argentina) on the Tournament Technical Committee, ensuring smooth operations and adherence to IWBF regulations.
Referees & Referee Supervisors
The competition is officiated by 12 international referees, representing a diverse range of countries:
- Natasha Onono (South Africa)
- Chih-Hsin Hsiao (Chinese Taipei)
- Diego Borghini (Uruguay)
- Maria Ofelia Rodriguez (Colombia)
- Joanna Wiegers (Canada)
- David Casse (France)
- Darko Sovran (Serbia)
- Joe Fermor-Worrell (Great Britain)
- Shabani Mohamed Shabani (Tanzania)
- Piotr Ciesielski (Poland)
- Yoshiko Menda (Japan)
- Betty Prossy Namaganda (Uganda)
They are overseen by four Referee Supervisors:
- Frances Kremarik (Great Britain)
- Matt Wells (Australia)
- Yap Poh Boon (Malaysia)
- Damir Kunosic (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Together, this team ensures that games are run maintaining the fairness, safety, and the fast-paced excitement that defines 3x3.
Classification Panel
The classification panel at this event is led by Chief Classifier Regina Costa (Portugal) and includes six other international experts:
- Sonja Mohen (Germany)
- Bartosz Molik (Poland)
- Soraya Unruenngam (Thailand)
- Beatriz Garcia Hernando (Spain)
- Keiko Yasuda (Japan)
- Alberto Cairo (Afghanistan)
Sport Supervisors
Ensuring the smooth game management and operational flow are the Sport Supervisors:
- Jovana Krivokuca-Milovanovic (Serbia)
- Joanna Sutherland (Great Britain)
- Carolina Aguilar (Brazil)
As the action unfolds in Sun City, this team of ITOs will be working tirelessly behind the scenes and on the court to uphold the highest standards of the game and help make history at the first-ever IWBF 3x3 Open World Championships.
