The International Wheelchair Rugby Federation are among the members to have received a grant ©Getty Images

Seven Para sport governing bodies have been awarded classification research grants by the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), it was announced today.

Worldwide organisations the Cerebral Palsy International Sports and Recreation Association, the International Blind Sports Federation, the International Federation for Cerebal Palsy Football and the International Sports Federation for Persons with Intellectual Disability are among those to be given the grants.

The International Wheelchair Rugby Federation, World Para Athletics and World Para Alpine Skiing are the others to have received the funding, aimed at supporting research to further develop their classification systems.

A total of 14 members of the IPC applied for the grants.

"Classification affects all athletes and is heavily discussed within the athlete community," IPC Athletes’ Council chairperson Chelsey Gotell said.

"As the Paralympic Movement continues to evolve, it is imperative that every International Federation takes a closer look at their current classification model to ensure that it is appropriately servicing their current and future athletes.

"As each International Federation embarks on critically reviewing their classification process, I urge them to engage their Athletes’ Councils and Athlete Representatives - or the IPC Athletes’ Council if they do not have a current athlete representative model in place - in the process, to ensure that the athlete voice is constructively and effectively incorporated into the future of the sport."

Cerebal palsy football is among the sports which will benefit from a classification research grant ©Getty Images
Cerebal palsy football is among the sports which will benefit from a classification research grant ©Getty Images

Claims of cheating and a misuse of the classification system have been common in recent years, particularly in Britain.

The United Kingdom Government's Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee conducted two hearings into the issue last year.

The IPC has always defended the classification system but voiced concerns over UK Sport's alleged medals-before-welfare policy.

Trischa Zorn, the most decorated Paralympian of all time, claimed classification had become a "major hindrance" to Para sport and the Paralympic brand.

The American, winner of 55 Paralympic Games medals, including 41 golds, said athletes have been afraid of speaking out about possible intentional misrepresentation for fear of "putting a bad light" on Paralympic sport.