More than 70
athlete representatives from over 50 countries gathered in Bonn and Duisburg,
Germany, for the fourth edition of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC)
Athletes’ Forum, held from 24–26 June 2025.
The Forum
brought together athlete leaders from National Paralympic Committees,
International Federations, Regional Organisations, International Organisations
of Sport for the Disabled, and the World Anti-Doping Agency. Over the three
days, participants engaged in meaningful discussions on key topics shaping the
future of the Paralympic Movement.
The opening day
featured welcome addresses from IPC Athletes’ Council Chairperson Vladyslava
Kravchenko and IPC President Andrew Parsons, and sessions on IPC governance
with IPC Chief Executive Officer Mike Peters and the Paralympic Games with IPC
Chief Paralympic Games Officer Colleen Wrenn. The day concluded with the
inauguration of the IPC’s new headquarters in Bonn, attended by federal, state,
and city officials, IPC Governing Board members, Para athletes, Team IPC staff,
and other distinguished guests.
Day two focused
on athlete knowledge and education. Sessions covered the fundamentals of
classification and the new 2025 IPC Athlete Classification Code. Anti-doping
compliance and athlete responsibilities were also addressed. A special workshop
led by TikTok, Maximising Your Social Media Presence, provided athletes with
practical tools to grow their digital platforms, connect with fans, and elevate
the visibility of Para sport.
The final day featured a panel on
athlete representation and athlete well-being. Breakout discussions allowed
participants to share experiences and ideas on improving representation and the
athlete experience at Paralympic Games.
The IPC also
presented its impact and development programmes, including grant opportunities
and initiatives supporting Para athlete leadership.
To ensure
diversity and equitable representation across the Paralympic Movement, the IPC
supported 21 athlete representatives from eligible National Paralympic
Committees through its Solidarity Programme to attend the Forum.
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