IBSA President Jannie Hammershoi has made the shortlist for the 2014 International Women's Day Recognition Award, a prestigious recognition which will be announced in just under one month's time at a special ceremony at the 2014 Sochi Paralympic Winter Games on 8 March, United Nations International Women's Day.
 
The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) confirmed Mrs Hammershoi’s nomination in a press release earlier this week. To create the shortlist stakeholders from within the Paralympic Movement were invited to nominate someone who they felt embodies the spirit of the Paralympics and who inspires women within it.
 
The record number of nominations was then shortlisted by members of the IPC's Women in Sport Committee, Chairperson Tine Rindum Teilmann, three-time Paralympic champion hand cyclist and former Winter Games medallist in alpine skiing Muffy Davis and Sima Limoochi. The winner will now be voted by the full committee.
 
The remaining four nominees for the award are:
 
 

• Nadia Harusimana (Burundi)
• Natalia Partyka (Poland)
• Fatemeh Rakhshani (Iran)

Rima Batalova (Russia)Tine Rindum Teilmann said: "We are delighted that once again so many people and organisations came forward to nominate people who they thought had been instrumental in involving women in para-sport.
 
"The number and quality of nominations shows the sheer number of people, athletes and administrators alike, who truly embody the spirit of inclusivity and equality that characterises the Paralympic Movement.
 
"Shortlisting the candidates was not an easy task and I wish everyone luck for 8 March. May their great work and example, and of all those nominated, continue"
 
The United Nations International Women's Day takes place annually and sees organisations, groups and individuals marking the day with special events to raise awareness of the role of women in society. Thousands of events occur not just on this day but throughout March to mark the economic, political and social achievements of women. Organisations, governments, charities, educational institutions, women's groups, corporations and the media celebrate the day.
 
The 2014 IPC International Women's Day Recognition Award will be presented by Muffy Davis at a ceremony at Sochi 2014 attended by dignitaries, including the IPC's President, Sir Philip Craven, on 8 March.