IPC aims to strengthen technical expertise across Para sports

As part of efforts to expand and strengthen the number of sport technical officials within the Paralympic Movement, the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has awarded grants worth EUR 770,000 to 21 International Federations and International Organisations of Sport for the Disabled (IOSDs) to deliver technical training activities across 26 Para sports.

Delivered as part of the Sport for Mobility programme, the IPC grants will enable International Federations and IOSDs to design and deliver targeted training programmes from the grassroots to the high-performance level that increase the number of technical officials and improve their skills. From training classifiers to applying sport-specific rules, these training activities will ensure technical personnel are equipped with the latest knowledge and tools to mentor athletes and manage Para sport events effectively.

Kristina Molloy, the IPC’s Deputy Chief Executive Officer, said: “International Federations and IOSDs serve as the backbone of Para sport, and the IPC is delighted to provide them with grant funding to invest in the recruitment and development of sport technical officials. This support is thanks to our game-changing Sport for Mobility programme, contributing to the development of Para sport on a global scale from grassroots to high performance.

“The Para sport ecosystem is fundamental to athletes’ success, it includes coaches, classifiers, referees, technical officials, and many others who work tirelessly behind the scenes to develop athletes and make competitions fair, safe, and world-class. By equipping technical personnel with greater knowledge and tools, we are supporting the sustainable growth of Para sports and strengthening the entire system that supports athlete development.”

In November 2025, the Badminton World Federation (BWF) used its grant to contribute funding towards a series of workshops in Baku, Azerbaijan for emerging athletes, coaches, classifiers and administrators. A total of 52 participants attended representing 13 European countries. Organised in partnership with the IPC, Badminton Europe, and the Azerbaijan Badminton Federation, the workshops provided four integrated learning pathways covering athlete training camp, disability coaching, national Para badminton administration and pathways, and national classification. The programme also created important opportunities for networking and co-operation between national federations and Paralympic bodies.

Jakub Filčák, a coach who took part in the workshop from Czechia, said: “The workshop was very informative and inspiring. It was mainly designed for beginners, serving as an introduction to Para badminton. It provided practical knowledge about Para badminton coaching, as well as many opportunities to share experiences and learn from both trainers and other participants. The sessions were interactive, and I appreciated the hands-on practice and discussions about adapting training to athletes with various disabilities.”

In 2026, several Para sport technical training initiatives will take place across different regions. Using the IPC training grant it received together with funding from the UCI Solidarity Fund, the Union Cycliste International (UCI) will organise a Para cycling coaching course, a national classifier education programme and athlete training camp in Chiang Mai, Thailand, ahead of the first Road World Cup of the season in March. Around 30 participants from 15 Asian countries are expected to take part.

The International Blind Sports Federation (IBSA) will use its grant to run a blind football training camp in Ecuador, World Abilitysport will host a wheelchair fencing training camp in Nigeria, the first of its kind in the region, and the International Tennis Federation (ITF) will host a wheelchair tennis coaching programme in South Africa targeting participants from Botswana, Eswatini, Kenya, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia and Tanzania.

Funding was available for initiatives ranging from face-to-face training sessions to the development of technical education content and online courses, creating flexible learning opportunities for officials worldwide.

The 21 International Federations and IOSDs to receive sport technical training grants for 2025 and 2026 are: Badminton World Federation, Fédération Équestre Internationale  International Biathlon Union, International Blind Sports Federation, International Canoe Federation, International Ski and Snowboard Federation, International Table Tennis Federation,  International Tennis Federation, International Wheelchair Basketball Federation, Union Cycliste International, World Abilitysport, World Archery, World Curling, World ParaVolley World Para ice hockey, World Para Powerlifting, World Para Swimming, World Shooting Para Sport, World Rowing, World Taekwondo, World Triathlon, and World Wheelchair Rugby.