International Paralympic Committee

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Robert Steadward IFAPA Inaugural Steadward Talks
Sir Philip Craven, MBE
Rio lança uniformes para cerimônias de abertura e encerramento Paralímpicos (27789846811) (cropped)
Germany Bonn IPC 2009 06 28

International Paralympic Committee (IPC) is the global governing body of the Paralympic Movement. Its main responsibility is to organize the Summer Paralympic Games and the Winter Paralympic Games and to act as the international federation for nine disability sports. The IPC's mission is to enable Paralympic athletes to achieve sporting excellence and inspire and excite the world. Established on 22 September 1989 in Düsseldorf, Germany, the IPC is an international non-profit organization formed to oversee the direction of the Paralympic Games and to ensure their effective organization and development.

History[edit | edit source]

The IPC was founded as a result of the need for a single governing body to oversee the organization of the Paralympic Games, which had been held since 1960 without a dedicated global organization. Prior to the IPC's formation, the coordination of the Paralympic Games was loosely managed by various organizations, including the International Stoke Mandeville Games Federation (ISMGF) for wheelchair sports. The establishment of the IPC provided a unified and structured approach to the management and promotion of the Paralympic Movement.

Structure[edit | edit source]

The IPC operates through a General Assembly, which is the supreme governing body and consists of representatives from all member National Paralympic Committees (NPCs), International Federations (IFs), and Regional Organizations. The Executive Board, elected by the General Assembly, is responsible for implementing the policies and directions set by the General Assembly. The IPC headquarters are located in Bonn, Germany.

Membership[edit | edit source]

Membership in the IPC is open to National Paralympic Committees, International Federations of sports recognized by the IPC, and Regional Organizations recognized by the IPC. As of now, the IPC has a membership of more than 200 National Paralympic Committees and numerous International Federations and Regional Organizations.

Sports[edit | edit source]

The IPC serves as the international federation for nine sports, including athletics, swimming, and wheelchair basketball, among others. It is responsible for the governance and regulation of these sports at the international level, overseeing rules, regulations, and the organization of world championships and other competitions.

Paralympic Games[edit | edit source]

The IPC is responsible for organizing the Summer and Winter Paralympic Games, which are held every four years, following the Olympic Games. The Paralympic Games are a major international multi-sport event for athletes with disabilities and represent the pinnacle of achievement for Paralympic athletes. The Games provide a platform for promoting the abilities of people with disabilities and for challenging societal perceptions about disability.

Vision and Mission[edit | edit source]

The vision of the IPC is "To make for an inclusive world through Para sport". Its mission encompasses organizing the Paralympic Games, promoting the Paralympic values of courage, determination, inspiration, and equality, and ensuring the growth and development of the Paralympic Movement worldwide.

Challenges and Achievements[edit | edit source]

The IPC faces several challenges, including the integration of athletes with high support needs, ensuring fair and equitable classification systems, and securing financial stability for the Paralympic Movement. Despite these challenges, the IPC has made significant strides in increasing the visibility and popularity of the Paralympic Games, enhancing the support and development of Para athletes, and promoting inclusivity and equality in sports and society.

International Paralympic Committee Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD