Bonn, Germany (12/12/IANS), Brazilian Andrew Parsons was reelected as the President of International Paralympic Committee.He won unopposed in Sunday’s 20th IPC General Assembly.
He got 156 votes yes (98 per cent) out of 159 votes.Parsons is the ex-President of both the Brazilian Paralympic Committee (now Americas Paralympic Committee) and has held various positions within the Paralympic Movement in the past 24 years, starting as an intern with the Brazilian Paralympic Committee.
The IPC released a statement on Sunday stating that Parsons was elected President of the IPC in September 2017.He succeeds Sir Philip Craven, who retired after 16 years.
Parsons stated in the release, “I want to thank you all for your support.It is an absolute honor to be elected as President of International Paralympic Commitee.” Parsons stated, “I was an intern at the Brazilian Paralympic Committee 24 year ago.To be reelected after what I consider to have been a very successful first four years is amazing, and I’m so happy.”
“I want to also congratulate all the Board members that have been elected.This includes our Vice President Duanekale, who has done a great job in the past four years as chair of the work group regarding the governance review.
It’s an interesting Board with more women than ever.We also have the Chair of athletes’ council, which has eight Paralympians or Paralympians.He said that this will be a great help to us over the next four year.”
Parsons’ first four years in office transformed the IPC culture to be more member-focused and athlete-centered.He also oversaw delivery of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games.Parsons strengthened the IPC’s relationship to the International Olympic Committee, (IOC).
He signed a new agreement between both organisations that provides financial stability for IPC and keeps the “one City, two Games” model intact through 2032.The release stated that he added a third strategic pillar for the IPC activities, which focuses on the advancement of the human rights and dignity of persons with disabilities.
This has redefined the purpose of the IPC.
In addition to Parsons’ re-appointment, New Zealander Duane Kale was also re-elected for a second four-year term as IPC Vice President.Standing unopposed, the four-time Paralympic swimming champion received 154 yes votes from the 159 valid votes.
Having competed at the Atlanta 1996 Paralympic Games, Kale served as the New Zealand Chef de Mission for the Beijing 2008 and London 2012 Paralympic Games.
Since election as IPC Vice President in 2017, he has chaired and led the IPC governance review process and chaired the IPC Audit & Finance Committee.
On Sunday, the IPC membership also elected 10 Members at Large following three rounds of voting.
Overall, the IPC Governing Board now includes a record six female Board members, including IPC Athletes’ Council Chairperson Jitske Visser.The Board also includes a record eight Para athletes and Paralympians.
All Board members elected on Sunday will serve four-year terms through to the 22nd IPC General Assembly which will be held in late 2025.With the approval of a new IPC Constitution by IPC members on Saturday, the First Vice-Chair o’ the IPC Athletes’ Council, will also serve on the IPC Governing Board alongside Visser.
The First Vice-Chair will be elected by their follow IPC Athletes’ Council members post the Beijing 2022 Paralympic Winter Games.
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