Leaders
Empowering changemakers to shape the Paralympic Movement through inclusive leadership and the transformative power of Para sport.
To unlock the transformative power of Para sport, we need visionary leaders who not only pave the way for athletes to grow but also cultivate inclusive spaces where everyone can thrive. Empowering Para athletes to become leaders and thus role models and advocates for inclusion is also a key component to driving lasting change.
By investing in leadership development, the IPC aims to grow the capacity of leaders within the Movement to lead with purpose – this includes programmes aimed at enhancing the capacity of existing leaders and administrators in the Movement, as well as a focus on supporting Para athletes in their transition to leadership roles. Through the creation of a new generation of changemakers, Para athletes will act as values-driven leaders who are informed, inspired, and ready to advance disability inclusion and social impact on and off the field of play.
Initiatives
para athlete professionals
The IPC is committed to supporting Paralympians not only during their competitive careers but also as they transition into life beyond sport, equipping them with the tools needed to become advocates leaders in the Paralympic Movement and beyond.
With this initiative, retiring Paralympians are given the training and platforms needed to grow into confident, capable leaders. From 2025 to 2028, a select group of Paralympians from around the world will join an annual course designed to unlock their leadership potential. By harnessing their lived experiences and unique perspectives, these athletes will become powerful voices for inclusion and equality, leading with purpose, and inspiring change.
Through in-person and online learning, participants will build the skills, confidence, and networks needed to thrive in leadership roles. Cultivating a new generation of Para athletes who are not only ambassadors for the Paralympic Movement but also active, impactful changemakers in their communities and beyond.
proud paralympian
To achieve sporting excellence and serve as ambassadors of the Paralympic Movement, Para athletes must be equipped not only with physical skill but also with the knowledge to lead by example. The Proud Paralympian workshops are delivered by international federations aligned with sport events to empower athletes; providing tools, resources, and guidance to support growth both during and beyond their competitive careers.
Para athletes have the power to challenge perceptions and help build a more inclusive society by redefining what’s possible. Through this initiative, they deepen their understanding of Paralympic values, respect the rules of play, and reaffirm their commitment to clean sport. Athletes are supported in planning dual careers, becoming role models, and advocating for their rights and the rights of others.
athletes' forum
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To further develop the leadership skills of Para athletes, the biennial IPC Athletes’ Forum serves as a vital platform for dialogue, collaboration and empowerment within the global Para athlete community.
Para athletes have the power to challenge perceptions and help build a more inclusive society by redefining what’s possible. Through this initiative, they deepen their understanding of Paralympic values, respect the rules of play, and reaffirm their commitment to clean sport. Athletes are supported in planning dual careers, becoming role models, and advocating for their rights and the rights of others.
ATHLETE INTERNSHIPS
The IPC created its Athlete Internship Programme to support Para athletes transitioning from sporting careers to professional careers.
Each year, the IPC offers 12-month-long paid internships, providing hands-on experience within the IPC’s core departments. This is an opportunity for Paralympians to advance their skill development and professional experience such that they are better prepared to transition into other professional roles.
LOCAL LEADERS
Unlocking the full potential of Para sport starts with strong, empowered leadership. Yet many National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) face real challenges such as limited resources, capacity constraints, and a lack of tailored leadership development. To bridge this gap and fuel sustainable growth, the IPC is investing in the next generation of Local Leaders across Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
Aligned with the IPC Development Model, the IPC will work with NPCs to train Local Leaders in an effort to provide hands-on tools, practical knowledge, and context-specific strategies that will enable them to advance Para sport and establish a Para athlete pathway within their local context.
Once equipped, Local Leaders will collaborate with coaches, officials, and National Federations, sharing insights, driving innovation, and implementing action plans that to achieve long-term impact.
PARA SPORT DEVELOPMENT LEADERS
Para sport has the power to advance disability inclusion and achieve positive change in communities. It takes leaders and their deliberate effort to lay the groundwork for Para sport development and foster an environment where everybody can thrive.
To support NPCs in building a foundation for Para sport development, and aligned with the IPC Development Model, the IPC invests in training Para Sport Development Leaders across Africa, Asia, and Oceania.
Through targeted training and hands-on workshops, individuals working in national Sport Ministries, coaching, physical education, and community leadership will gain practical tools tailored to their local realities.
As a result, these leaders will become catalysts for progress, introducing people to Para sport, mobilising volunteers, and forging long-term partnerships that expand access and participation.
Upon completion of the training, NPCs will be eligible to apply for additional grant funding to scale up Para sport participation and deepen their national impact.
IF/IOSD OPEN DAYS
The Paralympic Movement grows stronger through collaboration, leadership, and a shared vision for inclusion. Seventeen International Federations (IFs) govern specific Para sports on the Paralympic Games programme, while three International Organisations of Sport for the Disabled (IOSD) represent distinct disability groups, each playing a vital role in advancing Para sport globally.
To strengthen communication and coordination with these key partners, the IPC hosts annual Open Days, a dynamic platform for dialogue, strategic planning, and knowledge exchange. These gatherings allow participants to explore shared challenges, exchange best practices, and uncover new opportunities to drive progress.
By fostering deeper connections and mutual understanding, we aim to amplify the collective impact of our sport partners and accelerate the development of inclusive, sustainable Para sport pathways worldwide.
IF GRANTS
To advance Para sport worldwide, the IPC offers annual International Federation (IF) Grants, a key designed to support the growth of sports on the Paralympic Games programme.
This grant is awarded to International Federations and International Organisations of Sport for the Disabled, the driving forces behind the development and governance of Paralympic sports. It recognises their vital role in building inclusive, competitive, and sustainable sport pathways for Para athletes.
The grant supports projects in four strategic areas:
1. Management Experience and Membership Fees: to strengthen organisational capacity and engagement.
2. Para Sport Marketing & Communication: to raise awareness and visibility of Para sport.
3. Para Sport Development: to expand access and opportunities for athletes at all levels.
4. Classification: to ensure fair and accurate competition through robust classification systems.
