Haidi Zhang - Para Sport is booming and strong IPC leadership is needed to take growth and popularity to the next level

Mme. Haidi Zhang: "Para sport is booming and strong IPC leadership is needed to take growth and popularity to the next level."

London 2017 crowds and the success of the World Junior Para athletics show great progress, and if elected president of the International Paralympic Committee, Mme. Haidi would be committed to doing much more.

Para-sport is in its strongest position since it began, and Mme. Haidi Zhang, candidate for the President of the IPC, has been a central figure in its recent development, expansion and deepening legacy.

"The last month has seen record-breaking attendances at the London 2017 Para Athletics Championships, and a successful World Junior Para Athletics Championships in Switzerland," said Mme. Haidi.

"Over recent years, we have seen inspiring Paralympic Games at Beijing 2008, London 2012 and Rio 2016, which have broken down further barriers for those with disabilities."

As President of China’s National Paralympic Committee and the Chair of China Disabled Persons’ Federation (CDPF), Mme. Haidi was deeply involved in the surge of popularity of Para sports at Beijing 2008, and has overseen China’s huge successes in para sport.

Continued development and legacy for para-athletes across the globe is a cornerstone of her manifesto. We must continue to increase participation, and build an independent IPC that can open up sporting opportunities for the next generation."

Saturday 12 August marked United Nations’ (UN) International Youth Day, and Mme. Haidi believes that the power of sport can help young people, with their ability to inspire courage in others for change, to transform the world for the better.

"Nearly 20% of those people living with disabilities are young people, and I want them to see the IPC Movement as their home," she said. "Many of the billion people who experience disability suffer from poorer health and educational achievements. My goal as President of the IPC would be to use increased participation in sport to counter these disadvantages."

Recently Mme. Haidi oversaw with World ParaVolley President Barry Couzner the opening of a new World ParaVolley Development Centre in Hangzhou, China, that will benefit numerous athletes in the sport.

"China is committed to continue investment into centres like this fantastic facility for training in the run up to Tokyo 2020 and beyond," said Mme. Haidi. "It is a great legacy for our athletes, but we need to do more in this area, and create a lasting legacy for para athletes around the world."

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