IPC Governing Board Concludes 59th Meeting

The International Paralympic Committee’s (IPC) Governing Board, which is primarily responsible for the implementation of policies and direction of the Paralympic Movement, held its 59th meeting last weekend in Budapest, Hungary.

Chaired by IPC President Sir Philip Craven, the Board granted provisional IPC membership to the International Canoe Federation and the International Triathlon Union, subject to the approval of the General Assembly in December. Both Para-Canoe and Para-Triathlon will make their Games debuts at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games.

The IPC Governing Board also unanimously approved Bernard Bourigeaud’s co-option as a member of the Governing Board. The Frenchman who is Chairman of BJB Consulting, and former Chair of Atos Origin - an IPC worldwide partner, will take his place alongside the 14 other members of the Governing Board.

Other matters discussed in the Hungarian capital included preparations for London 2012, Sochi 2014 and Rio 2016. The Board was also presented with updates on the day-to-day work of the IPC by CEO Xavier Gonzalez.

Sir Philip Craven said: “The meeting was very productive and I would like to thank our Hungarian hosts for their extremely warm hospitality.

“A lot of discussion took place over the two and a half days of meetings and a number of rules and policies were approved.

“One item that was approved was the co-option of Bernard Bourigeaud to the Governing Board. Bernard has been a long-time friend of the Paralympic Movement offering some excellent advice and guidance, and his knowledge and experience will be of great benefit to us going forward.”

The Board also discussed matters pertaining to the IPC medical code and budget, the IPC’s position statement on physical education and its update on strategic and corporate planning.

During the Governing Board’s meeting in Budapest, they had a very productive meeting with Hungarian President, Pál Schmitt, a two time Olympic Fencing champion, an IOC Member and former President of the Hungarian Olympic Committee.

The Governing Board will next meet in December, prior to the IPC General Assembly in Beijing, China.