The International Paralympic Committee (IPC), on Thursday September 28, 2023 welcome five new members to its family at the IPC General Assembly in Manama, Bahrain.
Sierra Leone was represented by the President of the National Paralympic Committee, Unisa Deen Karagbo who is also head of West Africa Zone -A of the African Paralympic Committee.
Five new members were officially endorsed on the first day of the General Assembly bringing the IPC’s membership to 208 (183 NPCs).
The new members are the National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) of Bangladesh and Kosovo; Saudi Arabia who previously were an NPC but are now an integrated NOC (National Olympic Committee)-NPC, the International Federations (IFs) of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) and the International Biathlon Union (IBU).
Bangladesh becomes the 45th NPC from Asia; Kosovo the 49th from the European region; and FIS and the IBU are respectively the 16th and 17th IFs.
Maksudur Rahman, Secretary General, NPC Bangladesh, said sport is a right for persons with a disability and gaining IPC membership is a gateway in providing greater awareness for our Para athletes in the international arena.
“This is a milestone moment for NPC Bangladesh, and we are excited to move forward within the Paralympic Movement. We have finally succeeded in a long journey that began in 2017. I would like to take this opportunity to thank the IPC Governing Board members and fellow IPC members, the Sports Ministry of Bangladesh and the Prime Minister of Bangladesh for her continuous support,” he stated.
Becoming an official IPC member, he says, fulfills a long-held dream adding that a decade as a national Para sports organization thay have met the IPC’s rigorous standards.
“I extend heartfelt thanks to IPC staff, IPC President Andrew Parsons, and the European Paralympic Committee for their support. Njomza Emini, President of Kosovo NPC continued: “This IPC membership promises to elevate Para sports in Kosovo, providing inspiration and pride to our athletes and people with disabilities. While our financial resources are limited, Kosovo NPC is committed to fulfilling its IPC membership duties to the highest standard. We deeply appreciate the unwavering support we have received” he expressed sympathy.
Abdulaziz Baeshen, Secretary General and Executive Director, Saudi Olympic and Paralympic Committee, said: “We are looking for better inclusion between all of our athletes. I think that the merger tries to bring that together, as well as giving fair accessibility for all across the NPC and NOC. I believe we are on that journey, and we are very excited.”
Johan Eliasch, the President of FIS, said they were delighted to be joining the IPC, adding that their goal is inclusivity.
They are curious about being the most inclusive sport on earth breaking whatever barriers that stand in their way showing people around the world that the joy of skiing and snowboarding is open to all.
“The relationship with the IPC will help us improve the infrastructure for Para skiing and snowboarding around the world working with national associations to strengthen the competitions we hold, extend the training we offer, and provide more opportunities for the future stars of Para sports,” he assured.
Olle Dahlin, IBU President, added that, “We are thrilled to join the Paralympic Movement and wider Para sports family. At the same time, we welcome Para biathlon into the IBU family. We are one sports, and we are proud that now Para biathletes and biathletes are side by side within the IBU.”
We will work closely with the IPC and the Para biathlon family to build on the progress to date and ensure we deliver further improvement through sport technical expertise, event enhancement and empowered National federations.
We are committed to providing a stage that our great Para biathletes deserve.”
The IPC acts as the international federation for six Para sports: World Para Athletics, World Para Dance Sport, World Para Ice Hockey, World Para Powerlifting, World Shooting Para Sport and World Para Swimming.
The IPC’s vision is to make for an inclusive world though Para Sports.
