International Paralympic Committee

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 disabilities from 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 162 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.

The Governing Board (GB) is the representative of the IPC Membership, elected at the General Assembly in accordance with nomination and election procedures adopted by the IPC Membership at the 2004 Extraordinary General Assembly. The GB is responsible for overseeing the affairs of the IPC in between meetings of the General Assembly (GA).

Membership: The GB comprises 14 members, including one President, one Vice-President, ten Members-at-Large, one Athletes’ representative (ex-officio member with vote, elected by the Athletes’ Council) and the CEO (ex-officio member without vote). The GB is chaired by the President and holds meetings at least three times a year.

Function: The Governing Board is primarily responsible for the implementation of policies and directions set by the GA. Additionally, the Governing Board provides recommendations on membership (conditions for membership and fees) to the General Assembly, including motions received from members. It is also responsible for approving budgets and audited accounts, IPC Rules and Regulations, membership of IPC Committees and the Paralympic Games.

Status: The Governing Board was elected at the IPC General Assembly in November 2009.

Contact person: Ms. Leen Coudenys, IPC Executive Assistant (leen.coudenys@paralympic.org)