IPC President proposed for IOC membership

The President of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC) Andrew Parsons has been nominated for International Olympic Committee (IOC) membership at the next IOC session.

Parsons, 41, was elected IPC President in September 2017 and made strengthening the relationship with the IOC and securing the future of the IPC and Paralympic Movement his number one priority. Within his first six months, he signed a historic long-term agreement with the IOC through to 2032 which deepens existing co-operation between the two organisations and provides the Paralympic Movement with even greater stability.

Andrew Parsons, said: “It is a tremendous honour to be nominated by the IOC Executive Board for membership. Although this is an individual membership, I truly believe this is further evidence of the growing collaboration and relationship between the IOC and IPC. By working together, we can do more to grow sport around the world, and use sport as a catalyst to social change. We have an exciting future working together.”

Parsons is one of nine officials proposed for membership by the Executive Board. The election of new Members will take place during October’s IOC Session in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Before becoming President, Parsons served the Paralympic Movement in multiple roles. He was previously the IPC’s Vice President (2013-2017), Governing Member (2009-2013), and Chairperson of the Paralympic Games Committee from 2009-2013. Additionally, he was the President of the Americas Paralympic Committee (2005-2009) and President of the Brazilian Paralympic Committee (2009-2017).

Parsons also represents the IPC in the IOC Coordination Commission for Tokyo 2020 (since 2013) and as member of the Olympic TV Channel Commission (since 2015).