IPC General Assembly Finishes in Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) General Assembly (GA) came to an end today in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Hosted by the Malaysian Paralympic Council, around 350 delegates from National Paralympic Committees (NPCs), disability specific sport federations (IOSDs), International Federations (IF), regions and sports attended the event.

During two days of meetings, which clearly showed increased sense of unity and understanding between IPC and its members, the GA was presented with an overview of IPC activities of the last two years as well as approved the Financial Budget for 2009 and the framework for 2010.

Nine National Paralympic Committees (Brunei Darussalam, Montenegro, Mozambique, Norway, Portugal, Singapore, Somalia, South Africa, Trinidad & Tobago) were ratified as members of the IPC. Furthermore, the International Archery Federation (FITA) joined the IPC as a member.

Furthermore, the IPC membership yesterday decided in favour of the re-inclusion of athletes with an intellectual disability (ID athletes) in competitions, including the Paralympic Games.

Four Organizing Committees, Vancouver 2010, London 2012, Sochi 2014 and Rio 2016 reported on the status of their preparations for future Paralympic Games and distributed information to the delegates. The Beijing Olympic Development Association (BODA) reported on the success of the Beijing 2008 Paralympic Games.

Said Sir Philip Craven, IPC President: “This General Assembly has been a landmark event for us. National Paralympic Committees from all over the world met and exchanged their views, numerous productive discussions arose during the meetings. I am confident that we are in an excellent position to face up to future challenges.”

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Notes to the Editor:

The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) is the global governing body of the Paralympic Movement. The IPC organizes the Summer and Winter Paralympic Games, and serves as the International Federation for nine sports, for which it supervises and co-ordinates the World Championships and other competitions. The IPC is committed to enabling Paralympic athletes to achieve sporting excellence and to developing sport opportunities for all persons with a disability from the beginner to elite level. In addition, the IPC aims to promote the Paralympic values, which include courage, determination, inspiration and equality.

Founded on 22 September 1989, the IPC is an international non-profit organization formed and run by more than 160 National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) from five regions and four disability specific international sports federations (IOSDs). The IPC Headquarters and its management team are located in Bonn, Germany.

For further information, please contact Steffi Klein, IPC Media and Communication Senior Manager, on tel: +49-170-3899982, e-mail: steffi.klein@paralympic.org or go to www.paralympic.org.