IPC Candidate Dickson Calls for Leadership Review

(ATR) International Paralympic Committee presidential candidate Alan Dickson says he wants to review the IPC’s governance and make sure the organization is committed to being transparent and "athlete-centered."

Nominated by the Cerebral Palsy International Sports and Recreation Association, Dickson has served on the IPC’s governing board for the past eight years. He previously served as president of CPISRA, one of the founding organizations of the IPC.

Dickson, a surprise candidate to counter fellow countryman Philip Craven, wants the IPC to be "clear in its vision and its strategy," during his presidency if elected.

"I think it’s important that we have an election, given that our constitution states three terms and our current president has been in for three terms and regardless of the technicality associated with previous terms," said Dickson in an interview with Around the Rings.

In the end though, it is the voting members that will decide who to lead the organization for the next four years, and that result must be respected.

The IPC amended its constitution in 2004, and Craven's first term under the new constitution started in 2005. His first term occurred before it was amended, and therefore does not count toward the current three-term limit.

In his manifesto, Dickson calls for the IPC’s governance structure to be independently assessed so that the organization move forward in the most efficient manner.

"There are questions we have to ask in term of our governance. Do we have the right number on the board? Is the electoral process correct? There are a whole range of issues in there that need to be looked at in order to determine if we are the best in terms of modern practices of governance."

If an independent review were to take place, it would have to be done with the support and full cooperation of all members of the IPC. It has been eight years since the IPC undertook such a review, and Dickson feels that it is time to reassess the governing board.

Implementing a new strategic plan would be one of the first things Dickson does with the governing board if elected.

"How do we build on the success of the London Games? What is it we need to do to further the aims of the Paralympic Committee and so on? Ever four years when elected the governance board sits down and considers the way to go forward strategically, we would need to do that again."

Dickson credits the partnership with the IOC as helping the IPC grow to where it is today, but like all aspects of IPC governance, he feels it needs to be reviewed for the good of both parties. Engaging dialogue with all members to discuss the partnership and discuss changes is one way the IPC can continue to strengthen itself.

"I fully believe that needs to be an open discussion with the best will in the world to consider that [the member organizations] involvement is maintained and enhanced throughout the organization."

The IPC will hold its elections during the general assembly in Athens, Greece on November 23-24. Approximately 150 delegates will cast their votes for president, vice president, and governing board in the election. A simple majority is required to win the presidency.

Written byAaron Bauer.

For general comments or questions,click here.20 Years at #1:Your best source of news about the Olympics isAroundTheRings.com, for subscribers only.