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British Wheelchair Basketball are delighted to announce three International Technical Officials (ITOs) from Great Britain have been nominated for the 2020 Paralympic Games in Tokyo.
- Charlie Bethel as Member of the TTC;
- Ben Wood as Referee;
- Janine Timms as Commissioner;
Today all of the above have been confirmed by the IWBF as International Technical Officials (ITO) for Tokyo 2020, which will be held from 25 August to 06 September 2020.
Since qualifying as an international referee in 2013, Ben – who works as a teacher – has officiated at a number of international events, including at the 2016 Paralympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, where he officiated at his first Paralympic Games.
As well as refereeing on the continent in Euroleague and Champions League fixtures, Ben has also been a regular at British Wheelchair Basketball’s domestic competitions, including Women’s League and National Championship finals.
Commenting on his appointment as referee for Tokyo 2020, Ben Wood said:
“I am extremely proud to be nominated as a referee for Tokyo 2020, following on from my first Paralympics in Rio four years ago.
“Since receiving the nomination letter, it has been really difficult keeping this news confidential so I’m really glad that I can talk about it now! It will be an amazing way to mark my 20th year as an official, representing British Wheelchair Basketball and IWBF in a country and city that I have always wanted to visit.
“I’d also like to congratulate all of the other referees who have been nominated to officiate at Tokyo 2020 – I can’t wait to work with you!”
Since being a National Technical Official at London 2012, Janine has been a regular International Technical Official at major international events – including at the 2018 IWBF World Championships in Hamburg, Germany.
Tokyo 2020 will be the first time she has taken on an ITO role at a Paralympic Games with her role of Game Commissioner involving overseeing the Table Officials during games and making sure everything goes according to the IWBF rules.
Commenting on her appointment as Game Commissioner, Jannie Timms said:
“I am hugely honoured to receive the nomination of Game Commissioner to the Paralympic Games in Tokyo 2020.
“My experience as a National Technical Official, representing British Wheelchair Basketball in London 2012, and more recently International Technical Official representing IWBF Europe at European Championships and IWBF World at their Championships have been amazing experiences which has given me opportunities to develop my skills and meet some wonderful people and experience new cultures.
“Like our athletes, Tokyo 2020 is the main target for the officiating team, and I am very excited to be part of the team delivering our amazing sport on a global platform.”
Charlie Bethel will be one of two International Technical Delegates at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. A total of 48 ITO’s from 27 countries have been selected, including 26 referees from 21 countries.
