Who we are

ABOUT THE INTERNATIONAL PARALYMPIC COMMITTEE 

Vision: Make for an inclusive world through Para sport.

Mission: To lead the Paralympic Movement, oversee the delivery of the Paralympic Games and support members to enable Para athletes to achieve sporting excellence.

Founded on 22 September 1989 as an international non-profit organisation, the IPC is an athlete-centred organisation composed of an elected Governing Board, a management team and various Standing Committees and Councils. Since 1999 we have been headquartered in Bonn, Germany.

The IPC’s primary responsibilities are to support our 200 plus members develop Para sport and advocate social inclusion, ensure the successful delivery and organisation of the Paralympic Games and act as the international federation for six Para sports.
 

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A man standing in front of the Agitos symbol
International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons


Our membership draws together National Paralympic Committees (NPCs), International Federations (IFs), Regional Organisations and International Organisations of Sports for the Disabled (IOSDs). The commitment and obligations of these members forms part of the IPC Handbook, the Paralympic Movement’s ultimate reference document and framework.

Since the first Games in Rome, Italy, in 1960 the Paralympics have grown exponentially in size and scale. Today, the event provides a platform for Para athletes with a diverse range of impairments to showcase their outstanding abilities to millions of spectators and billions of TV viewers.

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Paralympics history, paralympics opening ceremony
The first Paralympic Games were held in Rome in 1960


Thanks to the unique combination of ever-improving athletic performance and increasing global awareness, the Paralympic Games are today firmly established as the world’s number one sport event for driving social inclusion. The event boasts a strong track record for transforming attitudes, cities, countries, and the lives of millions of people around the world.

Launched in August 2012, the Agitos Foundation is the IPC’s development arm and is the only global charity focused on the development of Para sport. It implements several programmes of work together with IPC members to provide sporting opportunities for all Para athletes – from grassroots to the high-performance level.

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a group of people and the Lima 2019 mascot smile for a photo
The Agitos Foundation works with IPC members to provide opportunities for all Para athletes


PARALYMPIC VALUES 

The Paralympic Movement has adopted and follows athlete-focused values, which act as the underlying reference for all those involved in Para sport.

COURAGE: Para athletes through their performances showcase to the world what can be achieved when testing your body to its absolute limits

DETERMINATION: Para athletes have a unique strength of character that combines mental toughness, physical ability and outstanding agility to produce sporting performances that regularly redefine the boundaries of possibility

INSPIRATION: As role models, Para athletes maximise their abilities, empowering and exciting others to be active and participate in sport

EQUALITY: Through sport, Para athletes celebrate diversity and show that difference is a strength. As pioneers for inclusion, they challenge stereotypes, transform attitudes and break down social barriers and discrimination towards persons with disabilities.

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Venezuela Relay Team celebrates
Athletes are at the centre of the Paralympic Movement


MANAGEMENT TEAM

Located at the IPC headquarters in Bonn, Germany, are more than 110 team members who work under the Chief Executive Officer in all day-to-day business affairs regarding the Paralympic Movement.