Thank You to All Volunteers

The IPC recognizes that the Paralympic Spirit is created by those in the Paralympic Movement that have put the needs of others before themselves, living by the ethic to give first. After all, it’s the sole actions and achievements of these individuals that keeps the Paralympic spirit alive.

Anyone who has witnessed Paralympic Sport firsthand will be astonished at the amount our athletes have to give just to compete let alone win. Paralympic athletes not only possess enough courage to confront their own physical challenges and defy the odds but they also have the talent that is required to reach levels of athleticism that sometimes surpasses that of their Olympic counterparts.

Although IPC is extremely proud of all its athletes, and their incredible achievements it also believes it is as equally important to acknowledge the talent, commitment and unbreakable spirit of volunteers, who give up their free time for the benefit of Paralympic Sport and present and future athletes.

Volunteers all over the world provide valuable assistance to National Paralympic Committees (NPCs), IPC Committees and Councils. They contribute to the magic and excitement of the Paralympic Games, as well as empower potential new athletes through Paralympic Sport at the grassroot level.

More than 620,000 people have applied so far to be volunteers at the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games - the largest response ever in the history of the Games. It is this kind of generosity that fuels the Paralympic Flame so that the spirit is permanently in motion. We thank you all - you make the excitement of Paralympic Sport invincible!