IPC President Andrew Parsons concludes successful visit to Vanuatu
IPC President Andrew Parsons visited Vanuatu to engage with local officials and Para athletes taking part in the Hub and Spoke programme 27 May 2025
International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President Andrew Parsons has completed a visit to Vanuatu in the South Pacific, marking the first time any IPC president has travelled to the nation.
On the first day of his three-day visit from 24 to 26 May, Parsons visited a training and classification camp in Port Vila. The day also featured the Vanuatu Paralympic Committee’s (VPC) annual fundraising dinner where Parsons delivered a keynote address. During the dinner, which was co-organised by the Carbine Club, the Vanuatu Paralympic Committee premiered a short film showcasing its pioneering Hub & Spoke Programme.
On the second day, Parsons visited Tanna Island, where the Hub and Spoke programme is being implemented. This programme focuses on identifying and developing potential Para athletes across the country, particularly in rural areas, by providing them with access to training and resources.
During his visit, Parsons met with local chiefs and visited the John Frum Cargo Cult Custom village — home to some of the nation’s Para athletes who train through the Hub and Spoke model. This model is now being adopted by other National Paralympic Committees in Oceania to advance Para sport development efforts.
Andrew Parsons, IPC President, said: “Visiting Vanuatu has been an incredible experience, allowing me to witness firsthand the passion and determination of Para athletes in this beautiful island nation. Through the recent rebuilding efforts due to extreme weather events, Vanuatu’s people continue to show strength, adaptability, and resilience in the face of challenges.
“The Vanuatu Paralympic Committee’s innovative Hub and Spoke programme is a shining example of how sport can transform lives, especially in remote island communities. At the IPC we believe ‘Change starts with Sport’, and for persons with disabilities, Para sport is not just about competition — it is about empowerment, inclusion, and opportunity.
“In the lead up to the Brisbane 2032 Paralympic Games, we are keen to see the region discover new talent, train and develop Para athletes and prepare them to compete at the highest level. I am deeply inspired by the commitment of the Vanuatu Paralympic Committee to provide Para athletes with opportunities to pursue their dreams.”
Commenting on the IPC President’s visit, President of Vanuata Paralympic Committee Margaret MacFarlane said: “In Vanuatu, persons with disabilities are hidden, even by their families. They continue to be viewed in a negative light and are often excluded from daily village life and community events.
“We were incredibly excited about Andrew’s visit, as it brought much-needed visibility to the challenges faced by persons with disabilities in our country. His visit to Tanna allowed him to witness through his own eyes the barriers our Para athletes encounter in accessing training and competition opportunities. We hope this experience will inspire greater support and understanding for their journey globally.”
Grant Mizens, Vice President of Paralympics Australia, accompanied President Parsons, highlighting the collaborative effort of the NPC to support and expand the Vanuatu Paralympic Committee’s initiatives.
Vanuatu first competed at the Sydney 2000 Paralympic Games, sending two athletes to compete in javelin events. After a brief absence from the 2004 Games, the country returned to the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games and London 2012 Paralympic Games.
It has sent delegations to four summer Paralympic Games, with Paris 2024 being the nation’s latest appearance with two Para athletes.
