Full Membership Restored
The International Paralympic Committee (IPC) has restored full membership rights to Russia and Belarus, ending a partial suspension imposed in 2022 following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
This decision means NPC Belarus and NPC Russia now regain their full rights and privileges of IPC membership.
“The IPC will work with the two members involved to put practical arrangements in place for this as soon as reasonably possible.”
Leadership Vote in Seoul
The assembly also saw Andrew Parsons re-elected President of the IPC for a third and final four-year term. The Brazilian secured 109 of the 177 valid votes, defeating South Korea’s Dong Hyun Bae. Parsons, who has led the IPC since 2017, has overseen four Paralympic Games and a long-term partnership with the International Olympic Committee lasting until 2032.
New Vice-presidents Elected
Portugal’s Leila Marques Mota, a four-time Paralympian in swimming, and Denmark’s John Petersson, a five-time Paralympic medallist and experienced administrator, were chosen as the IPC’s new vice-presidents. They succeed New Zealand’s Duane Kale, who has completed the maximum number of terms on the Governing Board.
Parsons’ Legacy
A former President of the Brazilian Paralympic Committee and the Americas Paralympic Committee, Parsons first joined the IPC Governing Board in 2009. He steered the Paralympic Movement through the pandemic and has since presided over what the organisation described as the “most spectacular” Games in Paris 2024, which set new benchmarks for participation and global reach.
