Fourth International Paralympic Committee Athletes Forum

Accordingly, the Forum attracted more than 70 athletes from over 50 countries to exchange ideas, share concerns and further promote the voice of Para athletes. The main goal of the Forum is to build a more comprehensive future for the Paralympic Movement.

In the last days of June 2025, the cities of Bonn and Duisburg - the host cities of the Fourth International Paralympic Committee Forum - were in the spotlight as they welcomed delegates who were athlete leaders from National Paralympic Committees, International Federations, Regional Organisations, International Para Sports Organisations and representatives from the World Anti-Doping Agency. Over the three main days of the event, delegates engaged in in-depth discussions on key issues shaping the future of Paralympic sports, with a particular focus on governance, classification and media visibility...

The fourth International Paralympic Committee Athletes' Forum was attended by more than 70 athlete representatives from over 50 countries.

IPC Athletes' Council President Vladyslava Kravchenko and IPC President Andrew Parsons stressed the importance of the Forum as a true platform for athlete engagement.

Opening the Forum, IPC CEO Mike Peters provided insights into the governance challenges and opportunities facing the organisation, while Paralympic Games Director Colleen Wrenn provided an important update on preparations for the upcoming Games. The Forum also saw the inauguration of the IPC’s new headquarters in Bonn, attended by federal, state and local governments, Paralympians, IPC Board members and staff.

Juan Diego Blas, a Guatemalan archer who will compete in the Paris 2024 Summer Paralympic Games, expressed his excitement: "It is a great thing for me to attend the Athletes' Forum. Besides participating in the Olympics, my dream is to go to Bonn and meet the members of the International Paralympic Committee. What could be better than attending the inauguration of the new headquarters! All the athletes are very happy to be part of this celebration."

A key focus of the Forum was athlete empowerment, along with essential knowledge on topics such as sports classification and anti-doping compliance. Delegates were trained on the new 2025 IPC Athlete Classification Code, designed to ensure a fairer and more transparent system.

A highly anticipated workshop, titled “Maximizing Your Social Media Presence”, provided practical tools to improve digital communications, engage audiences and increase the visibility of Paralympic sport online. “It’s more important than ever to share your message authentically and directly,” said Thomas Borg, a Paralympian from Malta. “The process of building a more effective content plan became much clearer after the workshop.”

Athlete representation and wellbeing was a key focus area for delegates, with panel discussions allowing participants to share experiences and ideas to enhance Paralympic athlete representation and improve their experience at the Paralympic Games. The IPC also presented impactful development programmes, including new funding opportunities and leadership projects for athletes with disabilities.

Attending the Forum, LA28 CEO Reynold Hoover and LA28 CEO John Harper were able to hear first-hand what matters most to athletes in delivering the ultimate Olympic Games experience.

IPC President Andrew Parsons stressed the importance of the IPC Athletes’ Forum as an event for athletes, with athletes and a space for athletes to learn more about the Paralympic Movement and share their views on a wide range of topics. Sport is transformative: it breaks down barriers, builds confidence and unites people from all cultures. The contributions of athletes are essential to building a more inclusive and athlete-centred Paralympic Movement.

For her part, IPC Athletes' Council President Vladyslava Kravchenko appreciated the geographical diversity of the event: "It was great to see so many athlete representatives from all over the world gathered for three days of fruitful dialogue. I was particularly pleased to see athletes from Africa and Latin America able to attend thanks to the IPC Solidarity Programme. The goal now is to maintain an open dialogue so that we can build the future together."

In pursuit of equity and diversity in the Paralympic Movement, the International Paralympic Committee has covered the costs of 21 representatives from qualifying countries through the Solidarity Programme.

One beneficiary, Yaimillie Marie Díaz Colón, a Paralympic athlete from Puerto Rico, expressed her feelings: "It is very emotional to be here, to represent the development opportunities of Puerto Rico and to be a source of motivation for young people. I learned a lot and came up with many ideas to contribute to my country."

Source: https://bvhttdl.gov.vn/dien-dan-vdv-uy-ban-paralympic-quoc-te-lan-thu-tu-20250701152137269.htm