Andrew Parsons Promises 'IPC For All' As He Unveils Presidential Election Manifesto

Andrew Parsons has today unveiled the campaign manifesto to support his candidacy to become the next International Paralympic Committee (IPC) President, with the need to strengthen the athlete voice at the heart of his plans and vision. The Brazilian, who is currently a Vice President of the IPC and until recently was President of the Brazilian Paralympic Committee, promised an ‘IPC for all’ as he set out his vision to unlock the Paralympic movement’s development and commercial potential, and build on the progress made in para-sport following the successful London 2012 and Rio 2016 Games.

Parsons’ manifesto includes 14 core pillars spanning para-sport development, heightening the athletes’ role and voice, driving commercial potential, relations with the International Olympic Committee, athlete classification, competition fee structure, strengthening the impact of the Agitos Foundation and potential for a Youth Paralympic Games.

Andrew Parsons said:

"I am thrilled to unveil the vision and proposals of my campaign to become the next President of the International Paralympic Committee. In highlighting an ‘IPC for all’, I am proud to say that my manifesto firmly positions a strong athlete voice at the heart of all that we would do in Paralympic sport under my strong and open leadership. Also, coming from a developing nation, I understand the possibilities that the participation in the Paralympic Games can offer to boost para sport in each and every country, and this passionate belief underpins much of my manifesto.

"Under Sir Philip Craven’s guidance and leadership, para-sport has made tremendous progress in recent years, and the IPC has cemented its reputation as one of the most respected institutions in international sport. Our movement, however, is only as strong as the performance of all our partners worldwide, and that is why if I am elected President, I will be resolutely focused on working in the best interests of each and every National Paralympic Committee and International Federation.

Speaking about the IPC’s relationship with the IOC, Parson’s said:

"The IOC is our biggest partner and the ‘One City – Two Games’ model allows the IPC to provide the athletes with the best possible platform to inspire the world. It is vital the IPC continues to strengthen relations with the IOC whilst also preserving our identity and distinctive elements. It is only by working together that we can reach the true potential of this partnership, including at regional and national levels."

The 14 pillars that comprise Andrew Parson’s election manifesto are:

An organisation for all

Create Membership Development Pathways that are flexible and tailored to local needs – whether National Paralympic Committees (NPC), International Federations (IF), IOSDs or regional organisation. Through a permanent and strategic process, every member organisation will be able to go to its own next level of development.

Athlete’s at the centre of everything we do

Create mechanisms where athletes can express their voices, in their own language whenever possible, respecting cultural values. Open Forums will be established, so athletes will have opportunity to interact directly with IPC leadership.

Transparency, openness and dialogue

I will take the IPC’s commitment to transparency further and ensure every single aspect of IPC’s decision making process is fair, transparent and open, delivered in a collaborative way.

Ensure the IPC reaches everyone in the Paralympic Family

I will commit to visiting more of our membership in person, as well as utilising digital technology to better communicate with our stakeholders across different regions.

A stronger relationship with the IOC

I have a great network within the Olympic Movement and the IOC, being part of two of its commissions. I believe that I can build bridges where they do not exist and strengthen the already established partnerships.

Leadership

Establish relationships with international organisations, countries’ leaderships, and multinational companies to open doors so that every NPC, IF, IOSD or Region can benefit from these partnerships. We must be relevant and show the world that we are relevant.

Paralympic Games

There is high performance in every sport on the programme, in every competition class, irrespective of impairment levels. This is part of the uniqueness of our movement and I will preserve that. The participation of athletes with high support needs will be encouraged and protected always.

Unlocking the movement’s untapped development and commercial potential

Build a revitalised marketing model for the Paralympic Movement, and explore how the IPC can secure more ‘top tier’ global sponsorship agreements, deepening our relationship with broadcasters and better support NPCs and IFs with their broadcasting strategies.

Professionalise the athlete classification process

Explore the introduction of a professional classification process. By professionalising our classifiers, this will enable performances to be monitored, improve accountability to international federations, and increase availability of classifiers for national competitions worldwide. I will also encourage the use of technology to support evidence based classification systems.

Establish an Athlete Post Career Programme

Establish strategic partnerships with HR companies and educational organisations to provide our athletes with specialised educational and career pathways, once their athletic career has finished. It is something I have already established in Brazil, where the programme is a success with more than 100 athletes involved after just over a year in operation.

A fairer competition fee structure

As a Brazilian, I understand the challenges facing many developing countries and if elected President, I am committed to restructuring current competition fees to ensure more athletes can compete at IPC major events.

Hold the IPC Gathering every 2 years

I want to build on the IPC Gathering and hold it every two years to alternate with the IPC General Assembly. This will ensure a regular platform to share knowledge and build a strong connection between members, the IPC President and the Governing Board – so that we grow stronger together.

Reinforce Agitos Foundation

The Foundation provides essential funding for athletes and programmes across the Paralympic Movement and I will strengthen its operational capacity. However, I think resources can be utilised in a more structured and strategic way to achieve even better results. I am also committed to identifying further sources of revenue for IPC development activities, and reviewing and updating the Foundation’s governance.

Youth Paralympic Games

It is my intention to pursue the creation of a Paralympic Youth Games and I propose that this is explored in the IPC Gathering scheduled for the first half of 2018.

Andrew Parsons added:

"I am campaigning on a platform that is inclusive, collaborative and fair, and that will lead to attitudes being transformed and change being promoted worldwide. I have been fortunate to witness significant progress in para-sport in my home country of Brazil in recent years, and I would relish the opportunity to see this replicated at the global level as President of the IPC.

"To me, the IPC President must serve the membership, being firm, being strong, while, at the same time, adhering to the principles of openness and dialogue. I have shown my diplomatic but resilient skills on many occasions in the past - and this is how I would like to lead the IPC in the next four years, if I am granted this great honour."

The new IPC President will be elected at the 18th IPC General Assembly, which takes place on 7-8 September 2017 in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

For more information, please contact:

John Zerafa

VERO

Tel: +44 [0]7813 814 816

Email: jzerafa@verocom.co.uk

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