IPC President Parsons meets leadership in Cambodia and Vietnam visit

International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Andrew Parsons undertook visits to Cambodia and Vietnam this week (12-16 May 2025) to meet with the respective National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) and national government leaders to discuss advancing the Paralympic Movement. 

During his three-day visit to Cambodia, IPC President Parsons met with the NPC Cambodia President Yi Veasna, as well as the NPC’s Secretary General and staff. He visited the National Centre of Disabled Persons Sport Training Centre where he met national athletes from several Para sports, and received a tour of the Morodok Techo Sports Complex which houses the National Athletics Stadium and National Aquatics Centre.

During a visit to a local school for students with vision impairment, he observed training of the Para judo team. President Parsons also met Deputy Prime Minister Hun Many to understand more about how the national government is investing in Para sport as a tool for inclusion in Cambodian society. 

In Vietnam, Parsons met with the President of NPC Vietnam Huynh Vinh Ai as well as its Committee Members to discuss the current Paralympic cycle and what support could be provided to advance Para sport in the country. He also visited the Vietnamese Ministry of Sports, Culture and Tourism for an informal meeting with senior members of the Ministry. 

The main focus of the IPC President’s visits was to strengthen ties with the NPCs and advocate for improved support and policies for persons with disabilities from leaders in the national governments.

Andrew Parsons, IPC President, said: “The trips to Cambodia and Vietnam gave tremendous insights into the work of the National Paralympic Committees who are advancing the Paralympic Movement in their respective countries.

“Meeting with athletes, sport administrators and government officials is always a fantastic opportunity to learn first-hand what challenges they are experiencing and how, the IPC as a membership focussed organisation, can provide support.

“In recent years both NPCs have benefitted from IPC membership development programmes, and I hope this continues in the coming years as we roll out our extensive Sport for Mobility programme.

“Our goal is not only to help Para athletes compete at the highest level, but also to improve access to sport for all persons with disabilities — at every level of participation. Sport is a powerful tool for inclusion, empowerment, and social change. By investing in Para sport, we are investing in a more equitable and accessible society for all.”

NPC Cambodia became a member of the IPC in 1997, competing at its first Paralympic Games at Sydney 2000 with 11 athletes. At the latest edition of the Paralympic Games in Paris in 2024, the NPC was represented by one athlete.

NPC Vietnam became an IPC member in 1999. It also competed at its first Paralympic Games at Sydney 2000 with two athletes. The Rio 2016 Paralympic Games were Vietnam’s most successful games with one gold, one silver and two bronze medals. At the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games Vietnam’s delegation included seven athletes who competed in Para athletics, Para powerlifting and Para swimming, winning a bronze medal in Para powerlifting.