International Paralympic Committee Unveils Strategic Plan

The International Paralympic Committee has published its new strategic plan for 2023–2026 which aims to advance the Paralympic Movement through membership engagement, transformative Paralympic Games, showcasing the impact of Para sport and more.

“Due to the evolution of IPC members and the Paralympic Games, the Paralympic Movement has now reached a level of maturity whereby with this new strategic plan we are able to expand our priority areas to sustain growth,” said Andrew Parsons, IPC president. “To propel the Paralympic Movement to its next level of development, we need to continue to serve our members and athletes, and deliver transformative Paralympic Games, but we also need to ensure that we fully leverage the impact of Para sport to make for an inclusive world for the planet’s 1.2 billion persons with disabilities.”

The plan developed by the IPC membership and Governing Board focuses on four primary goals:

• Serve members and athletes to advance the Paralympic Movement
• Showcase athlete excellence through the delivery of transformative Paralympic Games
• Drive impact through Para sport
• Continue to build a professional organisation that rigorously pursues excellence in service of the Paralympic Movement

“The new IPC Strategic Plan places greater focus on the needs of the athlete community than ever before which is fantastic news,” said Jitske Visser, chairperson of the IPC Athletes Council and a four-time Paralympian. “Without doubt strong progress was made over the last four-year cycle to further the interests and voice of the athlete community within the IPC and the Paralympic Movement. Nine of the 14 IPC Governing Board Members are current or former Para athletes, while the number of former Para athletes within the management team and across committees continues to grow.”

The IPC’s 200-plus members had input in the development and finalization of the plan. Over the last 10 months, the IPC conducted surveys, held focus groups and initiated touchpoints to understand key focus areas for members. Discussions were also held with the IPC Athletes’ Council and other key stakeholders.

“We are grateful to all IPC members, athletes and stakeholders who provided their input into the creation of this new plan,” said Dr. Mike Peters, the IPC’s chief executive officer and a two-time Paralympian. “Together with the IPC Governing Board and management team, I am extremely excited about what lies ahead over the next four years. The IPC Management Team, based in Bonn, Germany, is responsible for delivering the IPC’s new Strategic Plan. As we prepare to move to new headquarters in 2023, we remain steadfast in our commitment for the IPC to be a world-leading sports organisation in all areas. To achieve this, we are building a professional organisation that continuously evaluates and improves what we do and how we do it.”