IPC mourns passing of World Abilitysport CEO Charmaine Hooper

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has expressed its shock and sadness following the sudden passing of World Abilitysport Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Charmaine Hooper.

Having served the International Wheelchair & Amputee Sports Federation (IWAS) for 19 years in several roles including Head of Operations (2007-2012) and Chief Operating Officer (2012-2016), she became the organisation’s Chief Executive Officer in 2016. In her IWAS roles she oversaw global Para sport administration, operational planning, international events, and strategic development across multiple sport disciplines.

A strategic thinker who was committed to developing Para sport globally, South African-born and educated Charmaine played an instrumental role in the merger of IWAS and CPRISA. This merger resulted in the creation in 2023 of World Abilitysport, a new organisation which she became the CEO for.

Under her leadership, World Abilitysport strengthened its presence across a growing portfolio of sports and events, including Para fencing, Para dance sport, Beach Games and the Guttmann Games. She championed initiatives that expanded competitive opportunities, enhanced technical development, and increased global participation.

Andrew Parsons, IPC President, said: “I think everyone will be stunned and greatly saddened at Charmaine’s passing. On behalf of the IPC, I send our sincerest condolences to her family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time.

“Charmaine was an absolute powerhouse, tremendously popular, and a role model for many within the Paralympic Movement. She had an almost encyclopaedia-like knowledge of Para sport, great energy, and a fantastic track record for getting things done.

“She was a fearless and highly effective female sports leader who balanced an immense sense of purpose with a fantastic sense of humour. There are many within the Paralympic Movement who owe their careers to Charmaine’s work. We all owe her a debt of gratitude, and she will be greatly missed by all.”

World Abilitysport President, Rudi Van Den Abbeele, said: “On behalf of the World Abilitysport Governing Board and staff team, and on a personal level, I extend our deepest and most heartfelt condolences to Charmaine’s husband, family, and friends, including the many she gained through decades of unwavering dedication to Para sport.

“Charmaine devoted her whole career, and boundless energy, to being a strong advocate of Para athletes worldwide. From her early work in South Africa, she understood profoundly the transformative power of Para sport and carried that passion into everything she did across her career.

“As Chief Executive of IWAS and later World Abilitysport, she led the organisation through the delivery of countless Games and events, the integration of new sports, the expansion of our staff team, and the development of international partnerships. She was deeply respected and popular, particularly with our Members, whom she supported with genuine care.

“Charmaine, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your extraordinary service to the Paralympic Movement and to sport for people with impairments. Countless athletes have benefited from your steely determination and unbreakable resolve, qualities that shone through even in the most challenging moments. You will be sorely missed, not only for your professional leadership, but for the person you were.”

Charmaine dedicated much of her life to sport for persons with disabilities taking up her first role in 1983, taking on several roles at all levels and in a diverse number of sports across all impairment groups.

She worked and volunteered in South Africa before moving to the UK, where she worked for Disability Sport England as National Events Manager prior to joining IWAS.

Practising as a nurse for many years, equipped her well for a career that also included being an Officer in the South African National Defence Force Medical Services (SAMS) providing aftercare for soldiers with disabilities.

She works tirelessly to provide opportunities to persons with disabilities to compete in sport in order to improve their quality of life and broaden their horizons.

People can share their condolences and memories of Charmaine in an online condolences book.