Robyn Smith OAM receives Services to Classification – Intellectual Impairment Award

At the 2026 Australian Classifier Awards hosted by Paralympics Australia, Robyn Smith OAM was recognised for her significant contribution to Classification.

The Services to Classification Awards are being awarded for the first time in 2026 to highlight the important role that classification plays in enabling participation in sport and the progression of athletes towards representing Australia at the Paralympic Games.

Chantel Lewis, CEO of Sport Inclusion Australia said this recognition of Robyn Smith and her work for more than three decades dedicated to the inclusion for athletes with an intellectual impairment comes at a significant milestone for the para-movement in Australia ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

“It’s a testament to Paralympics Australia to pledge awareness and support across each of the three Paralympic classification impairment types, and to work with Sport Inclusion Australia to develop stronger pathways for athletes with an intellectual impairment,” Ms Lewis said.

“Athletes will always be stars in our eyes, and behind each athlete has been an entire sport system and people like Robyn who paved the way and created the governance structures needed for fair and equitable competition.”

“We are all so proud of Robyn, for her unwavering service to sport and everything she does create access for athletes with an intellectual impairment,” said Helen Croxford, President of Sport Inclusion Australia.

Paralympics Australia said that it was fitting that Robyn is recognised as the inaugural recipient of this award as a pioneer in advancing opportunities for people with an intellectual impairment to find their place and thrive in sport.

Robyn Smith now serves Sport Inclusion Australia in a new role under International Relations, while she also serves as the first female President for Virtus – the International Federation for Athletes with an intellectual impairment, and on the Board of the International Paralympic Committee and Brisbane 2032 OCOG.

At the time of the Award ceremony, Robyn was in Kazakhstan for the Virtus World Nordic Skiing Championships – a sport that is currently seeking re-inclusion of athletes with an intellectual impairment to the next Winter Paralympic Games.

Sport Inclusion Australia recently hosted a function to celebrate Robyn Smith’s 35 years as CEO, it was fitting to have good friend and Paralympian Tim Mathews from Paralympics Australia attend and inform Robyn of her award in a private setting in front of her family.

“It’s an honour to receive this Award from Paralympics Australia, and to have my family with me when Tim came to share this news with me,” said Robyn Smith.

“My efforts and your acknowledgement for Service to Classification for Intellectual Impairment should be shared with the administrators, researchers and athletes who have contributed also.”

“Congratulations to the other Award winners. Our work remains – build more pathways so more athletes with a disability, including intellectual impairment – can compete in the Paralympics.”

Robyn is currently attending Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Paralympic Games as the Governing Board Member of the International Paralympic Committee. She will relentlessly pursue inclusion and speak up for the athletes and the nations that remain largely under-represented. Robyn is truly an outstanding Australian representing at the highest levels of global sport.