The future of Para sport was celebrated in style at the Closing Ceremony of the 2026 World Abilitysport Youth Games, as two outstanding young athletes were recognised with the newly renamed Charmaine Hooper Wheelchair Athlete with International Potential Award and Charmaine Hooper Ambulant Athlete with International Potential Award.

Renamed in honour of World Abilitysport’s late Chief Executive Officer, Charmaine Hooper, who sadly passed away in February 2026, the awards recognise exceptional young athletes who demonstrate the talent, determination and potential to succeed on the international stage. Each recipient also receives £500 towards their next World Abilitysport competition entry, helping them continue their journey in international Para sport.

First presented in 2008, the International Potential Award has become one of the most prestigious recognitions at the World Abilitysport Youth Games. Previous recipients include Switzerland’s Catherine Debrunner, South Africa’s Ntando Mahlangu and Germany’s Leon Schäfer, all of whom began their international careers at IWAS and World Abilitysport Games before becoming Paralympic champions, world champions and world record holders.

The 2026 Ambulant Athlete with International Potential Award was presented to Huang Zi-An of Chinese Taipei following an impressive performance in Para badminton.

Competing in the Men’s Standing SH6 event, Huang claimed the silver medal and impressed officials throughout the tournament with his composure and exceptional all-round ability.

Para Badminton Technical Delegate Han van der Vilet praised the young athlete, saying, “Huang Zi-An has it all. Skills, power, technical and tactical talent. Even under pressure he stays calm and takes back the lead in the games. I look forward to seeing his Para badminton success in the future!”

The athlete awarded The Charmaine Hooper Wheelchair Athlete with International Potential Award was presented to Liliana Csarnai of Hungary after an outstanding debut in Para fencing.

At just 13 years old, Liliana was one of the three youngest athletes competing at the Games and produced performances beyond her years to win bronze medals in both the Women’s Épée and Women’s Foil competitions.

World Abilitysport Head of Sport, Harry Cootes said, “It was a pleasure watching Liliana Csarnai fence and I have no doubt her future in Para fencing will be bright!”

The awards were presented by the World Abilitysport President, Rudi Van den Abbeele, during a vibrant Closing Ceremony, which celebrated an unforgettable week of competition and sporting achievement. Athletes from across the world danced late into the evening as the curtain came down on another successful edition of the World Abilitysport Youth Games in Mersin, Türkiye.